Slow Cooker Apple Sausage Stuffing

Take the stress off the holidays with this slow cooker apple sausage stuffing that can be set aside to cook while you focus on the turkey!

I know the holidays are going to look a little different for everyone, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be celebrating what we are all thankful for! The weather is turning and it is getting crisp and chilly. It makes me crave holiday foods, and stuffing is always one of my favorite side dishes. Truth be told, even though we might not be having a huge family gathering, I’m still going to be cooking for my family of four, and I don’t want to be running around like a crazy person – so I’m looking to make things easy where I can, which means busting out the slow cooker!

No matter what the holidays look like, make them EASY on yourself!

Easy Prep Thanksgiving Side Dish

I started prepping holiday foods early. One of the upsides, or downsides (it can be a little of both) to being a food blogger, is that we work at least one holiday ahead of time, prepping new recipes, trying fun things to hone and make sure our recipes, like this slow cooker apple sausage stuffing are ready for YOU in time for the holidays.

The best part was that I had a couple of highly descerning individuals taste test this recipe for me. My mom and bonus dad did a socially distanced drop off of some seed garlic for my garden, and I sent them home with a hefty portion of this recipe. They called me that night, right from the dinner table (which was a big no-no to be on the phone at dinner growing up!) to tell me how delicious this was! So I take that VERY seriously!

They even said they will be making this for their Thanksgiving dinner this year, which is a huge compliment.

This slow cooker apple sausage stuffing is wonderfully easy to make, makes a ton, and despite that preconception that it would be soggy from sitting in a slow cooker, the bottom gets perfectly crusty, and the top if deliciously soft. A slow cooker is a perfect vessel for stuffing, and it doesn’t take up valuable oven space, which is always at a premium during the holidays!

Since it will just be the four of us here at home for the holidays, I’m making a full batch of this slow cooker apple sausage stuffing, and freezing any leftovers into individual dinners so that we can enjoy the holidays a little longer. Prolong the joy of the season any way you can!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffing

The ingredients here are very easy to find, but you can mix and match according to your taste. 

• 1 pound Pork Sausage, or Italian Sausage
• 10 cups (approx. 1 Loaf) STALE Crusty Bread Cubes cut into 1/2-3/4″ cubes
• 1 Granny Smith Apple, chopped
• 1/2 cup Sweet Onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup Sliced Celery
• 1/2 cup Butter, melted
• 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning, I used this one or the fresh herbs of your choice
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 1/4 cup Chicken Broth or Chicken stock – add additional stock as needed to get to correct moisture level 

This slow cooker apple sausage stuffing is wonderfully easy to make, makes a ton, and despite that preconception that it would be soggy from sitting in a slow cooker, the bottom gets perfectly crusty, and the top if deliciously soft. A slow cooker is a perfect vessel for stuffing, and it doesn’t take up valuable oven space, which is always at a premium during the holidays!

Since it will just be the four of us here at home for the holidays, I’m making a full batch of this slow cooker apple sausage stuffing, and freezing any leftovers into individual dinners so that we can enjoy the holidays a little longer. Prolong the joy of the season any way you can!

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffing

This is a two step recipe that will help build the flavors quickly and let them meld while they cook in the Crock Pot. The mixture comes together very well and quickly and let’s your set it and forget it without sacrificing time and texture! Because no one wants a soggy stuffing recipe, this has crispy and soft bits! 

1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. As it starts to brown, add in the onion and celery. Once it is cooked and the vegetables have softened, drain the fat away from the sausage. Set aside.
2. Spray the slow cooker bowl with non stick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, apples, onion, celery and sausage. Drizzle with the melted butter, and season with poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Pour the broth over the top and toss to combine. You may need additional broth, add it in gradually so you don’t over wet the stuffing.
3. Pour the stuffing into the slow cooker. Set it on low and cook for 4 1/2-5 hours, or on high for 2 1/2-3 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this stuffing recipe be made in the oven?

Sure, bake at 350 and adjust your bake time to ensure that it is done when the middle tests to 165 degrees with an instant read thermometer. I love my lasagna pan for any casseroles and baked dishes! 

I don’t have poultry seasoning, can I make my own?

Yes! Poultry seasoning is a savory blend of thyme, sage, and marjoram, celery seed and black pepper. You can make your own blend with customized proportions. If you buy a premade blend, that’s just fine! Just the ingredients label to see if those are the flavor profiles you are looking for!

Fall Inspired Recipe Ideas

Apple Baked Pork Chops with Stuffing

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Easy Apple and Stuffing Pork Chop Bake

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Tools To Make Slow Cooker Stuffing

Slow Cooker

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Skillet

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