Slow Cooker Bacon and Onion Stuffing for Easy Weeknight Sides Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you find the stuffing is missing a bit of brightness, try adding a small amount of freshly chopped parsley or celery leaves right before serving. These fresh herbs provide a nice contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the bacon and buttery broth.

Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of texture, you can lightly toast some chopped walnuts or pecans and stir them in during the final ten minutes of cooking.

For those who enjoy a deeper flavor, try sautéing the diced onions in a little butter until they are golden brown before adding them to the slow cooker.

While the recipe works perfectly with raw onions, this extra step caramelizes them and adds a layer of natural sweetness that complements the smokiness of the bacon. This small effort can significantly enhance the overall complexity of the dish for special occasions.

Variations

• Herbed Sausage Stuffing: Replace the bacon with cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage. The savory spices in the sausage meat pair excellently with the poultry seasoning and add a heartier element to the dish.
• Vegetable Medley Stuffing: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Use a high-quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich, plant-based alternative.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot, or in a covered baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Allow any leftover stuffing to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Proper storage ensures the bread remains moist and the flavors stay intact for a few days, making it a convenient option for quick meals or side dishes throughout the busy work week.

You can assemble the dry ingredients, including the bread, bacon, and onions, in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply add the broth and seasoning, and start the slow cooker. This method is perfect for saving time during holiday meal preparation or when you have a busy morning and want to get dinner started early.

Serving ideas

Serve this stuffing warm, straight from the slow cooker, to maintain its ideal moist texture. It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, pork chops, or even a simple pan-seared chicken breast.

Consider serving it in a decorative bowl to elevate its presentation, perhaps garnished with a few extra pieces of crispy bacon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to add a touch of color to the final plate.

Because this is a rich and savory side dish, it balances well with fresh, crisp vegetable sides like green beans, steamed broccoli, or a light garden salad with a sharp vinaigrette. The acidity of a fresh salad helps cut through the richness of the buttery stuffing, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table during any season.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Bacon and Onion Stuffing for Easy Weeknight Sides

Prep 10 minCook 3 hRest 10 minTotal 3 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 8 cups white bread cubes
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups buttery chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the white bread cubes into the slow cooker insert. Scatter the crumbled cooked bacon and the diced onion evenly over the bread cubes.
2. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning over the top of the bread, bacon, and onion mixture. Pour the buttery chicken broth evenly over everything to ensure all bread cubes are lightly moistened.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 3 hours until the onions are tender and the flavors are well combined. Remove the lid and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

9.5 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

13 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.