Delicious Crock Pot Sausage Dressing Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate culinary companion dedicated to bringing you detailed, flavorful, and family-friendly recipes. Today, we delve into a hearty, savory dish that elevates any holiday or special gathering: Crock Pot Sausage Dressing. This dish is a perfect blend of seasoned pork sausage, aromatic vegetables, crunchy nuts, and seasoned stuffing cubes, all slow-cooked to perfection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the slow cooker’s magic, which allows flavors to meld beautifully over hours, resulting in a moist, tender, and flavorful side dish. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion, this sausage dressing will undoubtedly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. It is designed to serve approximately 12 people, making it ideal for family dinners or large celebrations.

The dish combines traditional stuffing with the savory richness of sausage and the added crunch of nuts, creating a diverse texture profile that excites the palate. The use of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs elevates the flavor, while the slow cooking process ensures that every bite is imbued with warmth and comfort. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also allows for plenty of customization to suit personal tastes—whether you prefer more herbs, dried fruits, or a crunchier topping.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything you need to master this dish—from the precise ingredients and equipment required to detailed step-by-step instructions, expert tips, nutritional breakdowns, and creative ideas for variations and side dishes. As always, our goal at Love With Recipes is to provide you with high-quality, well-researched recipes that inspire confidence and culinary excellence.

Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes

Needed Equipment

• 5-quart slow cooker (crock pot) with lid
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Mixing bowl
• Greasing brush or spray for crock pot
• Optional: Baking dish for crisp topping

Tags

Thanksgiving, Crock Pot, Slow Cooker, Sausage Dressing, Stuffing, Holiday Side Dish, Family Favorite, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Festive Recipe

Serving Size

Approximately 12 generous servings, suitable for a family or large gathering.

Difficulty Level

Easy — Suitable for beginner cooks with basic kitchen skills; the slow cooker simplifies most of the process.

Allergen Information

• Contains gluten (from stuffing cubes)
• Contains nuts (walnuts and pecans)
• Contains pork (sausage)
• Contains eggs (egg substitute)

Dietary Preference

Meat-based, can be adapted for gluten-free and vegetarian diets with modifications.

Course

Side Dish

Cuisine

American / Holiday / Comfort Food

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

Begin your culinary journey by assembling all necessary ingredients. This step ensures a smooth cooking experience and prevents any last-minute scrambling. Carefully measure, chop, and prepare each item according to the list.

For the vegetables, peel and chop the onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Slice the celery ribs into thin, bite-sized pieces, which will soften nicely during cooking and provide a mild crunch in the finished dish.

Choose a crisp tart apple—such as Granny Smith—that provides tartness and texture contrast. Wash it thoroughly, core it if necessary, and chop into small cubes. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, substitute with a sweeter apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp.

For the nuts, measure out walnuts and pecans, then chop them coarsely to enhance texture without overpowering the dish. Using a sharp knife, chop the nuts into small pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, to distribute evenly throughout the stuffing.

2. Cook Sausage Mixture

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bulk pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. During this process, the sausage releases fat, which adds flavor, so no additional oil is necessary unless you prefer a leaner dish.

Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and translucent, approximately 5–7 minutes. The vegetables will absorb the flavors from the sausage, creating a rich base for the dressing.

Ensure that the sausage is cooked thoroughly; no pink remains, and the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C). Drain excess grease if necessary, especially if the sausage is particularly fatty, to prevent the dish from becoming overly greasy.

3. Transfer to Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior using a cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking. This step is especially helpful if you plan to serve the dressing directly from the cooker or transfer it for finishing touches.

Transfer the cooked sausage, onion, and celery mixture from the skillet into the crock pot, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

To the slow cooker, add the herb-seasoned stuffing cubes. These cubes are pre-seasoned with herbs, which will infuse the dish with aromatic flavor as it cooks. For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free stuffing or cornbread crumbles.

Stir in the chopped tart apple, walnuts, and pecans, distributing them evenly. The apple adds a subtle tartness and moisture, while the nuts contribute crunch and richness.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg substitute (or beaten egg), chicken broth, butter or margarine, rubbed sage, and black pepper until fully combined. Pour this mixture over the stuffing ingredients in the crock pot.

5. Mix Well

Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together. Ensure that the stuffing cubes are moistened evenly with the broth and egg mixture. Be cautious not to overmix—just enough to combine everything uniformly.

6. Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it to LOW, and cook for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the stuffing will become tender and moist. Check occasionally to ensure the dish is not drying out—if it appears too dry, sprinkle additional broth or water as needed.

7. Serve

Once cooking is complete, give the dressing a gentle stir to incorporate any settled ingredients. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker, or transfer to a serving dish. For a crispy top, transfer the cooked dressing to a baking dish and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and a hearty turkey or ham for a complete holiday feast.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Organic vegetables and nuts can elevate the dish’s taste and nutritional profile.
• Chop the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Pre-cook the sausage thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure safety.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based protein or omit altogether, increasing vegetables and seasoning for flavor.
• For added flavor, sauté the vegetables and sausage longer for caramelization before adding to the slow cooker.
• Adjust seasonings based on your preference—adding more sage or thyme can enhance aromatics.
• To achieve a crunchier topping, transfer the cooked stuffing into a baking dish, sprinkle with additional nuts or breadcrumbs, and broil until golden.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to enhance the herbal aroma.
• Nut Variations: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews for unique textures.
• Saving Time: Use pre-chopped vegetables and pre-cooked sausage to streamline preparation.
• Moisture Control: Keep an eye on the moisture level; add broth gradually to prevent sogginess or dryness.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the mixture a day in advance, store in the fridge, and cook in the slow cooker on the day of serving for maximum flavor infusion.

Add-ons

• Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for garnish
• Dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness
• Shredded cheese sprinkled on top before broiling
• Cooked bacon bits for extra savory flavor

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed green beans with almonds
• Sweet potato casserole
• Cranberry sauce or relish

Improvements

• Substitute gluten-free stuffing for a gluten-free version
• Add sautéed mushrooms for umami depth
• Mix in cooked wild rice or quinoa for extra texture and nutrition
• Use turkey or chicken sausage as a leaner alternative
• Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a sweet surprise

Save and Store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. To refresh the dish and add crispiness, transfer to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until edges are golden.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and increase vegetables and herbs for flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the entire mixture a day in advance, store in the refrigerator, and cook in the slow cooker on the day of serving. This allows flavors to meld and reduces last-minute prep.

How do I make it crispy on top?

Transfer the cooked dressing into a baking dish, sprinkle with additional nuts or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Certainly. Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or salt to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

The Crock Pot Sausage Dressing from Love With Recipes is an embodiment of comfort and festive cheer. Its rich flavors, hearty textures, and effortless slow-cooker method make it an ideal side dish for any holiday feast or family gathering. Whether serving this during Thanksgiving or any special occasion, it is guaranteed to impress your guests with its aroma and flavor. The flexibility to customize ingredients and toppings ensures it can be tailored to various dietary needs and preferences. Embrace the simplicity of slow cooking without sacrificing taste or quality, and enjoy a dish that brings warmth, joy, and deliciousness to your table.

References

• Traditional American stuffing recipes and variations, The Food Network
• Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, “Holiday Meal Planning Guide”