Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing

Free up some oven space this Thanksgiving, and make a classic cornbread dressing in your slow-cooker.

Aside from the turkey, the dressing (or stuffing, if you prefer) is the other mainstay dish on most Thanksgiving tables, and many families have tried-and-true dressing recipes that they use every year. But this recipe takes all the work out of this classic side. On Thanksgiving morning, simply mix your ingredients, transfer to a lightly greased slow-cooker, and walk away. You could also make it a day ahead and simply reheat on low, or even freeze it further in advance.

Dressing is the perfect Thanksgiving meal accompaniment because it tastes good with every other side dish, and of course, the perfect bite of dressing has a piece of turkey attached, too. We have a feeling that this easy slow-cooker cornbread dressing recipe will be a new annual tradition at your family's Thanksgiving dinner.

Why Should I Use My Slow-Cooker To Make Dressing?

Planning and hosting Thanksgiving is no easy feat, so if you want your Thanksgiving Day to be even the smallest bit easier, using a slow-cooker for dressing is for you. Between the sweet potato casserole and cranberry salad (amongst other side dishes), and multiple dessert options, you've got a lot to get together for this one meal.

This slow-cooker cornbread dressing achieves the same classic Southern flavor you crave with so much less effort. Just throw it all in the slow-cooker, and come back 4 to 6 hours later to a finished dish. You might even be able to kick up your feet and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—imagine the possibilities!

What Is the Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing?

Stuffing and dressing usually have the same components—bread, aromatics, butter, and broth to moisten the mix. When it comes to preparations, traditional stuffing used to refer to a bread-based mixture stuffed into the cavity of a turkey before being baked, while dressing was prepared in a casserole dish. Nowadays, the names are used interchangeably, and have more to do with where you’re eating the dish than how it was prepared.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing

To make this slow-cooker cornbread dressing, you'll need:

• Crumbled cornbread and packaged herb stuffing: Paired together as the base of the dressing. Cornbread lends a delicate crumb, while the herb stuffing brings in flavor and texture.
• Cream of chicken soup: Lends a creamy richness to the dressing.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Moistens the bread.
• Sweet onion and celery: Aromatics that flavor the dressing.
• Large eggs: Helps bind and set the dressing while cooking.
• Rubbed sage: Flakes of dried sage that give a subtle earthy flavor to the dressing. Can substitute for a smaller quantity of ground sage, or finely chopped fresh sage.
• Pepper: Seasons the mixture.
• Butter: For dotting on top of the dressing for additional buttery flavor.
  

How To Make Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing

This cornbread dressing makes use of a slow-cooker for one of the easiest holiday side dishes you could ever pull together. To make it:

• Step 1. Combine the first nine ingredients in a lightly greased slow cooker.
• Step 2. Dot with butter.
• Step 3. Cover and cook on LOW 4 to 6 hours until set, and you're ready to serve.

What Type of Bread Is Best for Dressing?

Any bread can be used for dressing, but when a combination of breads are used, that's when magic can really happen. Here we pair fluffy, rich cornbread with an herb stuffing mix for a flavorful pairing with textural differences. You can use French, Italian, or sourdough bread in the place of the stuffing mix, as well as any odds and ends of breads you may have on hand. Just cube and leave out on a baking sheet overnight or toast lightly in the oven to dry out before using.

Is Dressing Better With Eggs?

Some dressing recipes call for eggs, and others don't. We find for this recipe that the eggs act as a binder, helping the dressing to keep together (and not fall apart) when serving.

Can I Make Cornbread Dressing in Advance?

This dressing can be prepared in the slow-cooker, then kept warm for up to two hours while serving.

To make further in advance, prepare, then transfer to an oven-safe dish and set aside until cool. Wrap and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout (uncovered if you like a crisp top), or back in the slow-cooker. If dry, add a splash of chicken broth to moisten before reheating.

More Holiday Dressing Recipes You'll Love

From classic bread dressings to gluten-free versions, we've got you covered this Thanksgiving.

• Classic Bread Dressing
• Cornbread Dressing
• Herby Pecan-Cornbread Dressing
• Grits Dressing
• Classic Cornbread Dressing
• Spicy Cornbread Dressing with Chorizo
• Cornbread-Wild Mushroom Dressing
• Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Gluten-Free Cornbread Dressing

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.