Slow Cooker Stove-Top Stuffing: Melty, Flavorful Holiday Side

Stove-Top stuffing is so simple to prepare, and using a slow cooker makes it even more hands-off. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings because you can transport it easily and keep it warm at your dinner party.

If you enjoy easy side dishes, try sweet potato wedges or slow cooker green bean casserole for more crowd-pleasing options.

stove top stuffing done cooking in slow cooker

Featured Comment

I made this at school for a Friendsgiving with coworkers. It came out perfect and my classroom smelled wonderful!

– kelly

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For our family holiday dinners, everyone brings a prepared dish in a slow cooker. I often bring Stove-Top stuffing because it travels well and stays moist. The method below is tested and scalable so you can make enough to feed your crowd. If you want to make stuffing from scratch, look for a slow cooker stuffing recipe.

ingredients for stove top stuffing in front of a slow cooker

The Ingredients

Stove-Top stuffing mix – Any flavor will work. Chicken and cornbread are favorites.

Butter – Use the amount specified on the stuffing box.

Water – Use the amount specified on the stuffing box.

How to make Stove-Top Stuffing in the crockpot:

  1. Place the water and butter in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH until the liquid is hot, about 1½ hours.
  2. Add the stuffing mix, stir to combine.
  3. Let stand briefly, then fluff with a fork and serve.
2 images. Top one butter and water in slow cooker. Bottom, melted butter and water in slow cooker.

How many boxes can I make?

  • In a 6-quart slow cooker you can make up to five 6-ounce boxes using the package directions for each box.
  • Measure and add the water and butter for each box exactly as the package instructs; no special adjustment is needed for the slow cooker.
2 image collage. Top image is stuffing being poured into a slow cooker. Bottom, spatula stirring stuffing.

What are some stuffing mix-ins?

Add one or more of these after the stuffing is finished cooking to elevate the flavor and texture:

  • Ground sausage: Cook and crumble ½ pound of sausage per box of stuffing, then stir it in.
  • Vegetables: Sauté carrots, onion, and celery until tender and mix in for extra flavor.
  • Dried cranberries: Stir in ¼ cup per box for a bright, festive note.
  • Apples: Dice one apple per box for a sweet crunch.
cooked sausage, cooked vegetables, dried cranberries, and sliced apple on tray

How long can I keep this on the warm setting?

  • Once cooked, stuffing will hold on the warm setting for up to three hours, but it needs occasional attention.
  • Stir every 30 minutes and add a splash of water if it begins to dry out to maintain a moist texture.
Close up of stove top stuffing in slow cooker with wooden spoon in it.

More recipes to use Stove-Top stuffing:

  • Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stove-Top Stuffing
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf
  • Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole
  • Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing
  • Slow Cooker Alpine Chicken
  • Chicken Cordon Bleu Stuffing Casserole
Close up of stove top stuffing in slow cooker with wooden spoon in it.

How to make Stove-Top Stuffing in the slow cooker

4.73 from 11 votes
Make boxed stuffing in your slow cooker and keep it warm for holiday serving.
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How to Video

Equipment

  • Slow cooker: 1.5 quart or larger

Ingredients 

 

  • 6 oz. box Stove Top Stuffing Mix, (any flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 4 Tbsp. salted butter

Instructions 

  • Add the water and butter (unmelted) into your slow cooker.
  • Cover, and cook on HIGH for 1.5 hours or until hot.
  • Add the stuffing mix and stir.
  • Place the lid back on the slow cooker and switch to the warm setting. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve!

Sarah’s Notes

How many boxes of Stove-Top stuffing can I make in my slow cooker?

  • You can make up to five 6-ounce boxes in a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Follow the package measurements for each box; no adjustment is needed for the slow cooker.

Can I use another brand of stuffing mix?

Yes. If you use a different brand, follow that package’s ingredient amounts and directions.

How long can I keep this warm?

  • Cooked stuffing will keep on the warm setting for up to 3 hours but needs checking.
  • Stir every 30 minutes and add a little water if it seems dry.

What can I add to boxed stuffing to make it special?

Add any of the mix-ins listed above after the stuffing is finished cooking for the best texture and flavor.

  • Ground sausage: Cook and crumble ½ pound per box.
  • Vegetables: Sauté carrots, onion, and celery and stir in.
  • Dried cranberries: Add ¼ cup per box.
  • Apples: Dice one apple per box.

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 463mg | Fiber: 1g

Nutrition info is an estimate. If you follow a special diet, calculate nutrition using your own tools.

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