Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most delicious meals of the year, but preparing turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, rolls, desserts, and stuffing at the same time can make the kitchen feel incredibly busy.

That’s why Crockpot stuffing recipes are such a useful Thanksgiving shortcut.

Instead of competing with your turkey and pies for oven space, the stuffing can cook gently in a slow cooker while you concentrate on the rest of the meal. The Crockpot also helps keep stuffing warm and tender until dinner is ready.

Slow-cooker stuffing is a flexible recipe, too. You can make it classic with sage and thyme, hearty with sausage and bacon, sweet and savory with apples and cranberries, or festive with pecans, mushrooms, cornbread, and fresh herbs.

This collection features 20 easy Crockpot stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving, with something for almost every holiday table.

Food-safety note: If your stuffing contains eggs or meat, use a food thermometer and make sure the center reaches a safe temperature before serving. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly. Slow-cooker stuffing recipes commonly cook for several hours on LOW, but exact timing varies by recipe, slow cooker, and batch size.

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1. Classic Crockpot Herb Stuffing 🌿

If you love traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, start here. This classic version has everything you expect: buttery onion, celery, sage, thyme, rosemary, tender bread cubes, and flavorful broth.

It’s simple enough for beginners but still tastes special enough for Thanksgiving dinner.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours

Servings

10–12

Ingredients

• 10 cups dried bread cubes
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1 1/2 cups diced celery
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lightly grease a 6-quart Crockpot with butter or cooking spray.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and celery.
4. Cook for about 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.
5. Add sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for another minute so the herbs become fragrant.
7. Place the dried bread cubes in a large bowl.
8. Pour the buttery vegetable mixture over the bread.
9. Whisk together the broth and eggs in a separate bowl.
10. Slowly pour the broth mixture over the bread while gently tossing.
11. Make sure the bread is moist but not swimming in liquid.
12. Transfer the mixture to the Crockpot.
13. Spread it into an even layer.
14. Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours.
15. Check the center for doneness before serving.
16. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Pro Tip

Use very dry bread cubes. Fresh bread absorbs liquid too quickly and can create a mushy stuffing.

Variation

Add 1 cup diced apple, dried cranberries, or toasted pecans.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before serving.

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2. Crockpot Sausage Stuffing 🌭

Savory sausage makes this stuffing hearty enough that guests may come back for seconds before touching the turkey.

The combination of browned sausage, celery, onion, sage, and buttery bread is a classic Thanksgiving favorite.

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours

Servings

10–12

Ingredients

• 10 cups dried French or Italian bread cubes
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 1/2 cups diced celery
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large skillet.
2. Break it into small pieces while cooking.
3. Cook until completely browned.
4. Drain excess grease.
5. Melt butter in the skillet.
6. Add onion and celery.
7. Cook until tender.
8. Add sage and thyme.
9. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
10. Add the cooked sausage.
11. Add the buttery vegetables.
12. Whisk broth and eggs together.
13. Pour over the bread mixture.
14. Toss gently until evenly moistened.
15. Transfer everything to a greased Crockpot.
16. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
17. Gently fluff before serving.
18. Garnish with parsley.

Pro Tip

Always brown sausage before adding it to the stuffing mixture.

Variation

Use turkey sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or chicken sausage.

Make-Ahead Tip

Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables the day before. Refrigerate them separately and assemble the stuffing on Thanksgiving morning.

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3. Crockpot Cornbread Stuffing 🌽

Cornbread adds a slightly sweet, tender texture that makes this stuffing especially delicious with turkey and gravy.

For a Southern-inspired Thanksgiving table, this recipe is a wonderful choice.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours

Servings

10–12

Ingredients

• 8 cups crumbled cornbread
• 2 cups dried bread cubes
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Crumble the cornbread into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the dried bread cubes.
3. Melt butter in a skillet.
4. Add onion and celery.
5. Sauté until tender.
6. Stir in sage and thyme.
7. Add the vegetables to the bread mixture.
8. Whisk eggs and broth together.
9. Pour the liquid gradually over the cornbread.
10. Fold gently.
11. Avoid overmixing because cornbread can break apart easily.
12. Grease the Crockpot.
13. Transfer the stuffing mixture inside.
14. Spread evenly.
15. Cover and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours.
16. Let it rest for several minutes before serving.

Pro Tip

Day-old cornbread works better than freshly baked, very soft cornbread.

Variation

Add cooked sausage, chopped pecans, or diced jalapeño.

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4. Apple Cranberry Crockpot Stuffing 🍎

Sweet apples and tart dried cranberries give this stuffing a beautiful fall flavor.

It’s colorful enough for a Thanksgiving centerpiece and pairs particularly well with turkey, pork, and roasted vegetables.

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours

Servings

10–12

Ingredients

• 10 cups dried bread cubes
• 2 medium apples, diced
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add onion and celery.
3. Cook for 6–8 minutes.
4. Add diced apples.
5. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
8. Add cranberries.
9. Add the apple and vegetable mixture.
10. Sprinkle in sage, thyme, and rosemary.
11. Whisk broth and eggs together.
12. Pour over the bread.
13. Toss gently.
14. Transfer to a greased Crockpot.
15. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
16. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Best Apples

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn apples work especially well.

Variation

Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.

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5. Crockpot Bacon Stuffing 🥓

Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty flavor to traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.

This is an excellent recipe for anyone who wants something a little richer than classic herb stuffing.

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours

Servings

10–12

Ingredients

• 10 cups dried bread cubes
• 8 ounces bacon
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 1/2 cups diced celery
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crisp.
2. Transfer bacon to paper towels.
3. Crumble once cool.
4. Melt butter in a skillet.
5. Add onion and celery.
6. Cook until tender.
7. Stir in sage and thyme.
8. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
9. Add the vegetables.
10. Add crumbled bacon.
11. Whisk eggs and broth.
12. Pour over the bread.
13. Toss gently.
14. Transfer to a greased Crockpot.
15. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
16. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Pro Tip

Don’t add too much extra salt because bacon and broth may already contain plenty.

Variation

Add shredded Parmesan or grated cheddar for a cheesy version.

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6. Crockpot Mushroom Herb Stuffing 🍄

Earthy mushrooms and fresh herbs make this stuffing rich and deeply savory.

It’s also a great meatless option for Thanksgiving.

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours

Servings

10

Ingredients

• 10 cups dried bread cubes
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet.
2. Add mushrooms, onion, and celery.
3. Cook until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture.
4. Add garlic.
5. Cook for 30–60 seconds.
6. Stir in sage, thyme, and rosemary.
7. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
8. Add the mushroom mixture.
9. Whisk broth and eggs together.
10. Pour over the bread.
11. Fold gently.
12. Transfer to a greased Crockpot.
13. Spread evenly.
14. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
15. Garnish with parsley.

Variation

Add roasted garlic, Parmesan, or toasted walnuts.

Vegetarian Option

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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7. Crockpot Apple Sausage Stuffing 🍏

Apple and sausage are one of the best sweet-and-savory combinations for Thanksgiving.

The sausage provides richness while the apples add freshness and a subtle sweetness.

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours

Servings

10–12

Ingredients

• 10 cups dried bread cubes
• 1 pound breakfast or Italian sausage
• 2 medium apples, diced
• 1 cup onion
• 1 cup celery
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet.
2. Drain excess grease.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet.
4. Add onion and celery.
5. Cook until tender.
6. Add diced apples.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
8. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
9. Add sausage.
10. Add the apple and vegetable mixture.
11. Sprinkle in sage and thyme.
12. Whisk broth and eggs together.
13. Pour over the bread.
14. Toss gently.
15. Transfer to a greased Crockpot.
16. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
17. Fluff gently before serving.

Best Apples

Honeycrisp gives you sweetness and crunch, while Granny Smith provides more tartness.

Variation

Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries or toasted pecans.

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8. Crockpot Pecan Stuffing 🥜

Toasted pecans give ordinary stuffing an irresistible crunch.

This recipe works especially well with roasted turkey and cranberry sauce.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

3–4 hours

Servings

10

Ingredients

• 10 cups dried bread cubes
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 3 cups broth
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes.
2. Remove and set aside.
3. Melt butter.
4. Add onion and celery.
5. Cook until tender.
6. Add herbs.
7. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
8. Add pecans.
9. Add vegetables.
10. Whisk broth and eggs.
11. Pour over the bread.
12. Toss gently.
13. Transfer to the Crockpot.
14. Cover.
15. Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.

Pro Tip

Toast the pecans before adding them. It brings out their natural nutty flavor.

Variation

Add dried cranberries and diced apple.