Print

Crockpot Cheddar Bacon Stuffing

crockpot cheddar bacon stuffing - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy, comforting stuffing combines sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and herby bread cubes cooked in a crockpot for a moist, flavorful Thanksgiving side that frees up oven space and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (sourdough, French, or country loaf)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until lightly crisp. Let cool.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp (about 8 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, chicken broth, parsley, thyme, sage, black pepper, and salt.
  5. Add toasted bread cubes to the bowl. Pour in sautéed veggies and melted butter, then add chopped bacon and shredded cheddar. Pour egg and broth mixture over everything.
  6. Gently toss until bread is evenly coated. If mixture looks dry, add up to 1/2 cup more broth.
  7. Spray crockpot insert with nonstick spray or rub with butter. Spoon stuffing mixture into crockpot, spreading evenly.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. Check after 2 hours (on low) for doneness.
  9. If stuffing seems wet, uncover for the last 30 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate.
  10. Fluff gently with a fork. Sprinkle extra cheddar and bacon bits on top, then let sit uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use dry or toasted bread for best texture. Sauté veggies in bacon fat for extra flavor. Gently mix to avoid mushy stuffing. Adjust broth for desired moisture. Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before cooking. For crispy top, broil finished stuffing for 2 minutes. Easily adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing, crockpot, cheddar, bacon, Thanksgiving, comfort food, easy, holiday, slow cooker, side dish

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crockpot-cheddar-bacon-stuffing-recipe-easy-thanksgiving-comfort/