Wild Rice Herb Crock Pot Stuffing Thanksgiving Made Easy
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever panic about oven space on Thanksgiving? Honestly, I have. This Flavorful Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe is your secret weapon! It's herbaceous, nutty, and unbelievably easy.
Brief Overview
Stuffing, or dressing as some call it, is a Thanksgiving staple. This slow cooker version, perfect for those of us who love "set it and forget it" recipes, originates from wanting more free oven space.
It's easy and takes about 3- 4 hours. It makes 8-10 servings.
Main Benefits
This slow cooker stuffing recipe frees up your oven! Plus, the wild rice adds a lovely nutty texture and fiber . It's the dish to bring to your next holiday gathering.
Let's Talk Ingredients, Shall We?
Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs for this Crockpot Stuffing masterpiece. We're aiming for that classic, comforting stuffing vibe, but with the ease of a slow cooker. Honestly, it's foolproof.
The Stuffing Superstars
You'll need a loaf of crusty bread. Sourdough or French bread work perfectly. Remember to cube it and dry it out beforehand to prevent that mushy stuffing situation.
We'll also need wild rice, because it adds a nutty flavour, and fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme, for that herbaceous touch.
For the base, you need diced onions, celery, carrots and garlic for a flavourful start.
Veggie (or Not!) Options
For the veggies, we are using onions, celery and carrots, and don't forget the garlic! Now, you can keep this completely vegan if you fancy.
But I like to add Italian sausage if I'm not making it for my vegetarian friends.
The Finishing Touches
Chicken or vegetable broth is key for moisture. Don't be shy with it! A bit of melted butter helps bind everything together and adds richness.
And a couple of eggs help it all set up nicely.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best Crock Pot Stuffing
Ready to make the most amazing, Flavorful Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe ever? I am! First, let's talk about what you'll need. We're diving into this Herbaceous Crock Pot Stuffing headfirst!
Main Ingredients
- Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Use what you have!
- Italian sausage: 1 pound (450g) , casings removed if you want to add a non-vegetarian option. Or bacon for a smoky vibe!
- Yellow onion: 1 large , chopped. Don't cry too much.
- Celery stalks: 2 , chopped.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Go heavy on the garlic. Honestly, I sometimes add more!
- Wild rice: 1 cup (190g) , rinsed. Look for good quality wild rice - it makes a difference!
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups (950 ml) . Low sodium is best so you can control the salt.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon , or to taste. Seasoning is KEY.
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon , or to taste.
- Crusty bread: 1 loaf (1 pound/450g) , cubed and dried. Sourdough is my jam!
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115g) , melted.
- Fresh parsley: ¼ cup (60 ml) , chopped.
- Fresh sage: ¼ cup (60 ml) , chopped.
- Fresh thyme leaves: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Fresh herbs really elevate this dish.
- Large eggs: 2 , lightly beaten.
Seasoning Notes
For this Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe , sage, thyme, and parsley are your MVPs. They bring that classic stuffing flavour.
You know? A pinch of rosemary is also amazing!. If you can't find fresh, dried herbs work too just use about a third of the amount.
A little poultry seasoning never hurts, either. It really pops with these Thanksgiving Crock Pot Recipes .
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan. For browning your sausage.
- 6-quart (5.7 liter) crock pot . A nonstick surface is your friend.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious.
- Cutting board and knife. Duh!
If you don't have a skillet, a big pot will do in a pinch. For the crock pot, don't worry too much if it's not exactly 6 quarts, a little bigger or smaller is fine.
Also, try the Vegan Crockpot version. Making this recipe is so easy. I hope you find this gluten-free Stuffing recipe easy.
Wild Rice & Herb Crock Pot Stuffing: Thanksgiving Made Easy
Oh my gosh, get ready for the easiest , most flavorful Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe you've ever made! This ain't your grandma's stuffing (unless your grandma’s really cool).
We're talking Wild Rice Dressing Crock Pot perfection that frees up your oven on Thanksgiving. I promise, this will become a staple with all your Thanksgiving Crock Pot Recipes .
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted! Chop your veggies like you mean it: 1 ½ cups of onion, 1 cup of celery, and 1 cup of carrots.
Mince 4 cloves of garlic. Get that bread cubed and dried. Drying the bread properly is crucial for the best gluten-free stuffing .
Measure out 1 cup of wild rice and rinse it. Trust me, prepping now saves stress later.
Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe: step-by-step
Ready to rock and roll? Here's the lowdown:
- Sauté your aromatic vegetables until soft.
- Add wild rice and broth. Simmer then pour into your crock pot.
- Combine dried bread with melted butter and herbs. Add sausage, if using.
- Gently fold bread mixture into the crock pot. Don't pack it tight!
- Cook on LOW for 3- 4 hours , or HIGH for 2- 3 hours .
- Stir in eggs during the last 30 minutes.
- Rest for 10- 15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Epic Flavorful Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe
- Want extra crispy edges? Bake the stuffing at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15- 20 minutes after crock potting. It makes a crazy difference!
- Don't overcrowd your crock pot. Uneven cooking is a buzzkill.
- This recipe is great for preparing a make-ahead Holiday Stuffing . Do the prep the day before, and chill in the fridge!
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about this Flavorful Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe . Think of this as me whispering secrets in your ear. Honestly, these tips make all the difference!
Recipe Notes: My Secret Stash
These are the little things I've learned over the years. Trust me, they’ll save you a headache or two.
Ace Serving Suggestions
Presentation is key, you know? Don't just plop this delicious Crockpot Stuffing on a plate. Think about a nice serving dish.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs. It looks super posh, darling.
Pair this with your roast, obvs. But also, maybe some cranberry sauce? Or some creamy mashed potatoes? For drinks, I'd suggest a crisp white wine or even some sparkling apple cider. Bangin'.
Storage Made Simple
Got leftovers? (If you do, you're winning.) Refrigerate in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3-4 days. Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Just make sure it's properly cooled first.
It can last up to 2-3 months.
Reheating is easy peasy. Just microwave it. Or, pop it back in the oven until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Done and dusted!
Variations: Get Creative
Want to go vegan ? Easy! Just ditch the sausage. Use vegan butter. Vegetable broth is your best friend here! Also, add some nuts.
Looking for gluten-free Stuffing ? Swap that crusty bread for some gluten-free bread. Simple.
You can mix things up seasonally too. In autumn, add some roasted butternut squash or apples. In spring, maybe some asparagus. Get creative!
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, I’m not a nutritionist. But this Wild Rice Dressing Crock Pot is full of goodness. It's got fiber from the rice.
There are vitamins from the veggies, too. Just be mindful of the salt content. Use low-sodium broth. And don't go overboard with the butter.
Portion control, innit?
Honestly, this Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe is a winner. It's Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes sorted. It's make-ahead Holiday Stuffing simplified.
It's Herbaceous Crock Pot Stuffing perfection. Plus, the fact that you can make this Crockpot Stuffing , even a Vegan Crockpot version, means everyone's happy.
Go on, give it a go! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Flavorful Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe ahead of time? Like, can I be a domestic goddess and prep it the day before Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! That's one of the beauties of a crock pot recipe. You can assemble the stuffing (up to the point of adding the eggs) the day before, store it in the refrigerator, and then pop it in the slow cooker on Thanksgiving morning.
Just add the beaten eggs during the last 30 minutes of cooking time as indicated in the recipe.
My stuffing always ends up mushy. How do I avoid a soggy mess with this Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe?
Ah, the dreaded soggy stuffing! The key is to use thoroughly dried bread cubes. You can either leave them out overnight or lightly toast them in the oven for extra insurance. Also, be careful not to overpack the crock pot, as this can trap moisture.
Taking the lid off for the last 15 minutes of cooking helps to crisp up the top as well.
I'm vegetarian. What can I substitute for the sausage in this Flavorful Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe with Wild Rice?
No worries, going veggie is easy peasy! Simply omit the sausage altogether and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add some extra flavor and texture, consider adding toasted walnuts or pecans. You could even sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions, celery, and carrots for an earthier taste.
Can I freeze leftover Crock Pot Stuffing? And how long will it last, or am I going to find it lurking in the back of the freezer next Christmas?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftover stuffing! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Adding a splash of broth during reheating can help to restore moisture.
Help! I'm short on time. Can I speed up the cooking process for this Flavorful Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! While the slow cooker is great for hands off cooking, you can use the high setting to speed things up. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours instead of 3-4 hours on LOW, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning. Another time saving tip is to use pre-cooked wild rice. Simply add it in with the bread cubes.
Wild Rice Herb Crock Pot Stuffing Thanksgiving M
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
