Crockpot Bread Dressing

Submitted by: jej
Last Updated: 11/19/2007

This recipe comes from a small community newspaper. The author of the column writes:

"Accompanying the turkey, or if you have a small gathering, the Cornish hen or chicken, you probably will serve some kind of stuffing inside the bird. Or, you may opt for dressing -- which is the same thing but cooked outside the bird in a separate roaster or bowl. If you want to dress it up a little this year, here are some suggestions.

The stuffing should be a bit drier than a dressing because the juice from the turkey will keep it moist. Remember that stuffing usually expands a bit, too, so don't overpack it.

Use dried bread or croutons or slice leftover bread and let it dry overnight or bake it in a low oven for 45 minutes or so until it is dry. Bread that is too moist will make a soggy, sticky dressing.

Variations on a theme can include adding fruit or nuts to your favorite recipe. Try raisins, craisins (dried cranberries), chopped prunes, diced apples or pears, pecans or walnuts or a combination.

Seasonings can be adjusted to your taste. For a traditional flavor, use dried sage, then add parsley and thyme to taste. Savory and garlic will add additional layers to the taste.

If you like the traditional style dressing but are running out of ovens and burners, try this recipe for a crockpot."

Here is the recipe:

CROCKPOT DRESSING ------ Serves 12

2/3 cup butter
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped parsley
12 cups day-old bread cubes, dried overnight
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 Tbsp. dried sage leaves
1 Tbsp. dried thyme leaves
1 tsp. dried savory leaves
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3-1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
3 eggs, beaten

1) Cut up dried bread and place in a 5-6 quart crock pot.

2) In a heavy skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add onion, celery and parsley; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour over bread cubes, then add all seasonings and toss well. Pour in enough broth to moisten, about 1/3 cup at a time, tossing with fork. Don't make it too wet. Add eggs and mix well..

3) Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, sprinkling with chicken stock once or twice during the cooking time.