Are you dreaming of Thanksgiving flavors but dreading hours spent in the kitchen? Then this Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Crockpot recipe is your answer! This easy recipe transforms classic stuffing into a hands-off, delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or a stress-free Thanksgiving. Say goodbye to oven-bound stuffing and hello to flavorful, moist stuffing that's ready when you are. It's the perfect blend of convenience and homemade goodness – guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package Pepperidge Farm Stuffing (your favorite kind!)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (for extra flavor!)
Instructions:
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Prep the Veggies: Finely chop the celery, onion, and carrots. This ensures even cooking and a smoother texture in your stuffing.
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Sauté (Optional): If you’re using sausage, cook it in a skillet until browned, then drain off any excess grease. You can sauté the vegetables with the sausage for extra flavor, but this step isn’t strictly necessary.
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the chopped vegetables, melted butter, dried sage, thyme, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.
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Add the Broth: Pour both cans of chicken broth over the vegetables. Stir gently to ensure everything is moist.
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Incorporate Stuffing: Add the entire package of Pepperidge Farm Stuffing to the slow cooker. Gently stir to distribute the stuffing evenly throughout the broth and vegetables. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the stuffing mushy.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the stuffing is heated through and the liquid is absorbed. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it!
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Fluff & Serve: Once cooked, fluff the stuffing with a fork to lighten it and allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Serve immediately alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes or as a delicious side for any meal.
Tips for Perfect Stuffing:
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense, gummy stuffing. Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
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Adjust Broth: If your stuffing seems too dry after cooking, add a little more broth. If it's too wet, let it cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to allow extra moisture to evaporate.
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Get Creative with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients! Cranberries, pecans, apples, or mushrooms are all delicious additions.
Variations:
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Vegetarian Stuffing: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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Wild Rice Stuffing: Use a wild rice blend of Pepperidge Farm stuffing for a more complex flavor.
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Spicy Stuffing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories will vary based on the type of stuffing used and added ingredients. This is a general estimate and should be calculated more precisely using a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients.
This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of Pepperidge Farm stuffing without the fuss. It's a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option (depending on additions), and a fantastic homemade cooking project, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. Enjoy!