Whether you call it stuffing or dressing this is by far my favorite side every thanksgiving and holiday season. Crockpot stuffing with sausage is the bomb and you will love it.

TIP: add in some cranberries for an extra tart kick. It goes so well with this sausage stuffing if you love sweet and savory dishes.

This crockpot stuffing with sausage recipe is the best and easiest side dish.

You can even make this recipe diet friendly by using a gluten free bread to make gluten free stuffing in a crock pot. Or even try using a cornbread for a southern slow cooker gluten free cornbread dressing. (See what I did there…called it a dressing).

We call this stuffing in our home. That’s the term I grew up with, although I love making it in the slow cooker. It’s the easiest recipe I make around the holidays and cooks for me giving the perfect consistency, texture and flavor to this slow cooker stuffing with sausage.

Why you’ll Love this Stuffing and Sausage recipe!

10 Minutes to Prep
Super Easy
Extremely Tasty
Family Friendly

Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage

Can you freeze stuffing? Yes, this make ahead stuffing recipe can be frozen raw and cooked day of. This crockpot stuffingwith sausage is the best sausage stuffing recipe ever.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 10

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage
16 oz loaf Italian bread
1 yellow onion
5 celery
1 cup carrots
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tsp poultry seasoning
1 1/2 tsp sage
1 tsp thyme
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cup chicken broth
2 egg

Instructions

Freezer Prep Directions:

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Remove sausage from casings, and brown and crumble sausage on skillet over medium-high heat.
Drain sausage and allow to cool. Once cool, place in labeled gallon freezer bag.
Add the remaining ingredients, except bread, chicken broth and eggs, into the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months

Slow Cooker Directions:

NIGHT BEFORE COOKING: Dice bread and place into slow cooker to dry out the night before making this stuffing recipe.
MORNING OF: Whisk together 2 eggs and 2 cups chicken broth in small bowl.
Dump contents of the freezer bag, plus whisked eggs and chicken broth, into slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stirring once or twice. TIP: If stuffing seems dry as it cooks, add 1/4-1/2 cup chicken broth or water when stirring.
Stir and serve. TIP: Make it pretty by sprinkling fresh parsley on top.

Instant Pot Directions

NIGHT BEFORE COOKING: Dice bread and place onto large baking sheet to dry out on the counter, the night before making this stuffing recipe.
MORNING OF: Whisk together 2 eggs and 2 cups chicken broth in small bowl.
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add whisked eggs and chicken broth.
Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
If the stuffing appears dry, you can gently fold in an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water to reach your desired moisture level.
Stir and serve. TIP: Make it pretty by sprinkling fresh parsley on top.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten Free

Ensure chicken broth is gluten free
Use a artisian gluten free bread

Make it Dairy Free

Replace 1/4 cup unsalted butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Freezer Labels

Stuffing with Sausage Printable Labels

Keyword best sausage stuffing recipe ever, can you freeze uncooked sausage, crockpot sausage stuffing, crockpot stuffing with sausage

Can you prepare uncooked stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes! That it what I love so much about freezer meals and freezer recipes. This freezer recipe allows you to prep all your veggies and ingredients for this crockpot stuffing with sausage recipe and freezes them raw.

This is the best way to take advantage of meal prep with freezer meals because it cooks for the first time when you are going to eat it. This gives the best flavor and texture possible.

Ingredients you will need for this crockpot sausage stuffing recipe.

italian sausage
italian bread
onion
celery
carrots
unsalted butter
poultry seasoning
dried sage
dried thyme
salt
black pepper
chicken broth (Or broth of preference)
egg

Can you make stuffing in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Once I tried making stuffing in the slow cooker I never looked back. This is the best sausage stuffing recipe ever and that is because of the texture that is absolutely perfect for this sage sausage stuffing. It’s perfect, delicious, and going to be a huge crowd pleaser. You will love it!

What kind of bread should I use for stuffing?

Use an Italian bread or artesian bread from the bakery section in your grocery store. A soft loaf used for sandwiches and toast will not work well in this recipe. You can even use a french loaf or sourdough. Sourdough is probably my favorite artisan bread to use. The best texture will come from either baking to dry out your artesian bread or chop and stick it in the slow cooker. (Be sure the slow cooker is turned off) Let the bread sit in the slow cooker overnight to dry out the night before cooking this recipe.

Can you freeze stuffing?

Yes you will freeze this stuffing before cooking it. That way the texture and flavors will stay fresh and you will get the best sausage stuffing recipe ever.

What kind of sausage should I use?

I love using mild Italian sausage for this recipe. Although you could also try using a hot Italian sausage if you like a little kick.

What to serve with this savory sage slow cooker stuffing recipe?

Serve on thanksgiving or around the holiday season will all of your favorite holiday dishes. You can even serve it any month of the year if your craving some tasty stuffing!

How to store this slow cooker dressing with sausage recipe?

After cooking store in fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Do I need a slow cooker for this recipe?

You can use a slow cooker or crock pot for this recipe. It is designed to be fast and easy so you do not have to take the time to cook all night. Those slow cooker sausage dressing recipe is amazing and so easy!

Sausage and Stuffing FAQs

How do you keep stuffing moist while baking?

If you need to add a bit extra liquid while baking that can help to moisten your stuffing. However this recipe cooks slow all day and I have never had an issue with dried out stuffing when cooking it in the slow cooker.

Can I make my stuffing the day before Thanksgiving?

Yes! You can make this stuffing the day before, two days before or even a week or two before so that Thanksgiving is as easy as possible. Remember you are just prepping the recipe so day of it takes you 60 seconds to dump and go on to the next thing.

Should stuffing be cooked covered or uncovered?

Sausage stuffing in the slow cooker is cooked covered. If you are baking in the oven many people like to cover the stuffing until the last 30-45 minutes to crisp up the top a bit. I love my stuffing soft and delicious so I do not find it necessary to cook uncovered.

Can you freeze cooked stuffing?

I do not recommend freezing cooked stuffing because of the texture you will get after freezing cooked bread. If you want to freeze, make this into a raw freezer meal.

How long can you freeze stuffing?

This freezer recipe will keep fresh in the freezer for 3-4 months.

Can you freeze stuffing?

Yes, the best way to freeze stuffing is to prepare the recipe and freeze it raw. By freezing your stuffing raw it will allow the stuffing to be fresh and have the best flavor and texture when you cook it the day you need it. Freezer recipes are designed to be prepped ahead of time so the recipe is easy to throw in the slow cooker for a dump and go side.

How to make stuffing in a slow cooker?

It’s so easy! Just be sure to dry out your bread the night before or in the oven and then throw everything together into the slow cooker.

I forgot to thaw my stuffing freezer meal, now what?

No problem! Just throw the freezer meal in your slow cooker and you’re all set. If it doesn’t fit thaw it for a few minutes in warm water. (You may need to add an extra 30 minutes cook time if completely frozen when cooking).