Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the aroma of delicious food filling your home is something truly special. While many focus on the turkey, the star of the side dish show is undoubtedly the dressing. This year, ditch the oven-bound recipes and embrace the simplicity and ease of this crockpot cornbread dressing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices looking for easy recipes. This recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful dish, making it one of the best recipes for a stress-free Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (16 ounces) cornbread mix, prepared according to package directions
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional, for a heartier dressing)
Instructions:
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Prep the Veggies: Finely chop the onion and celery. Sautéing them lightly in a pan before adding them to the crockpot will enhance their flavor. This step is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
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Crumb the Cornbread: Once your cornbread is completely cool, break it into roughly 1-inch pieces. Avoid making them too small; you want some texture in your final dish.
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the crumbled cornbread, chopped onion, celery, nuts (if using), sage, thyme, and black pepper.
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Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth, milk, and melted butter over the dry ingredients. Gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly moistened. If you’re adding shredded chicken, incorporate it at this stage.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until heated through and the dressing is moist and flavorful. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve your warm, delicious crockpot cornbread dressing alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite sides. It's a fantastic addition to any healthy meals.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Cornbread Dressing:
- Don't over-mix: Overmixing can lead to a dense dressing. Gently combine the ingredients to maintain a slightly crumbly texture.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A dash of poultry seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add extra depth.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Consider adding sauteed mushrooms, cranberries, or apples for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Savory: A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce will enhance the savory notes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This crockpot cornbread dressing recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are also easy recipes. Making Thanksgiving dinner a breeze, this homemade cooking method is a time-saver, leaving you with more time to enjoy the holiday. It's a quick dinner idea, ideal for busy weeknights, too! This recipe is truly one of the best recipes you can find for a simple yet impressive Thanksgiving side dish.