Slow Cooker Cheddar Bay-Style Stuffing Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, add a pinch of onion powder or a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh chives before cooking.

These subtle additions can elevate the savory profile of the stuffing without overpowering the classic cheddar and garlic notes.

If you prefer a slightly crisper top, you can transfer the finished stuffing to a baking dish and broil it for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Watch it closely to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly or burning.

Variations

• Herbed Sausage Stuffing: Add 1 cup of browned and crumbled pork sausage to the mixture before adding the broth for a heartier, more savory version of this classic side dish.
• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely diced celery and sautéed onions to the bread mixture to add extra texture and a deeper aromatic flavor profile to the stuffing.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Allow the stuffing to cool completely at room temperature, but do not leave it out for longer than two hours.

Once cooled, portion the stuffing into airtight containers to maintain its moisture and prevent it from picking up other flavors in the refrigerator.

You can assemble the dry ingredients, including the bread, cheese, and seasonings, in the slow cooker insert the night before.

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and add the broth just before you are ready to start the cooking process to avoid soggy bread.

Serving ideas

Serve this stuffing hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a decorative serving bowl.

It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, pork chops, or even as a standalone vegetarian main dish when served with a crisp green salad.

Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or an extra dusting of grated cheddar if desired. A side of cranberry sauce or a light vinaigrette can provide a pleasant acidic contrast to the richness of the cheese-laden bread.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cheddar Bay-Style Stuffing

Prep 5 minCook 3 hRest 10 minTotal 3 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 10 cups dry bread cubes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes
• 2 cups buttery chicken broth

Instructions

1. Add the dry bread cubes into the slow cooker stoneware insert, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread, then sprinkle the garlic powder and dried parsley flakes evenly across the top.
2. Slowly pour the buttery chicken broth over the seasoned bread and cheese mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press the bread down so that every piece becomes moistened by the liquid without turning into a mushy paste.
3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 3 hours. Once the time is up, the cheese should be fully melted and the stuffing should be soft and moist. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving on a plate.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

12.5 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3.5 g

Sodium

750 mg

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