Are you ready to transform your ordinary holiday meal into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Slow Cooker Turkey Cornbread Dressing is not just another side dish – it's a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Imagine a perfectly moist, flavor-packed dressing that practically melts in your mouth, combining the rich taste of tender turkey, sweet cornbread, and aromatic herbs, all prepared with the convenience of a slow cooker. Get ready to become the ultimate holiday hero with this foolproof recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package cornbread mix
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cornbread according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely and crumble into large pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced celery and onions until soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sautéed celery and onions, shredded turkey, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually pour chicken broth into the mixture, stirring gently to moisten the ingredients without making them too soggy. The consistency should be moist but not wet.
- Grease the interior of the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the cornbread mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 3-4 hours, until the dressing is heated through and edges are slightly crispy.
- Check moisture periodically, adding small amounts of additional chicken broth if the mixture seems dry.
- Once done, let the dressing rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips
- Cornbread Matters: Use a high-quality cornbread mix or make your own from scratch for the best flavor and texture. Allow it to cool completely before crumbling to ensure the right consistency.
- Don't Oversoak: When adding chicken broth, add gradually and mix gently. The key is to keep the dressing moist but not soggy – you want it to hold together without becoming mushy.
- Herb Freshness: While dried herbs work well, consider using fresh sage and thyme if available for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Slow Cooker Prep: Grease your slow cooker thoroughly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Moisture Management: Check the dressing periodically during cooking. If it seems dry, add small amounts of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the dressing rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be partially prepared a day in advance. Prepare the cornbread mixture and refrigerate, then transfer to the slow cooker when ready to cook.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
