Introduction
As a lover of comfort food, one dish that always brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings is Amish stuffing. The warm, savory flavors combined with the soft, moist bread make it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. And the best part? It can be easily made in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home while you go about your day. In this article, I will share with you my favorite recipe for Slow Cooker Amish Stuffing and some tips to make it even more special.
Ingredients
To make Slow Cooker Amish Stuffing, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
– 1 cup of butter, melted
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried sage
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 large eggs, beaten
Steps by Step Instructions
To prepare Slow Cooker Amish Stuffing, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cubing the day-old bread into small pieces. You can use a variety of bread, such as white, whole wheat, or even cornbread, depending on your preference. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit overnight to dry out.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes and the sautéed vegetables. Mix well to ensure that the bread is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and beaten eggs. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Slow Cooker Method
Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the stuffing is moist and heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent the edges from drying out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Slow Cooker Amish Stuffing is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an extra touch of flavor. Serve alongside your favorite main dish and enjoy the comforting taste of Amish tradition.
Keto and Low Carb Variations
If you are following a keto or low carb diet, you can still enjoy the flavors of Amish stuffing with a few simple substitutions:
– Replace the day-old bread with cauliflower rice or almond flour bread.
– Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter.
– Swap the diced onion for diced shallots.
– Omit the carrots and use extra celery for added crunch.
– Reduce the amount of chicken or vegetable broth to avoid excess moisture.
– Adjust the seasonings to taste, ensuring they are low in carbohydrates.
Tips
Here are some tips to make your Slow Cooker Amish Stuffing even more delicious:
– Experiment with different types of bread to add variety to your stuffing. Try using sourdough, rye, or multigrain bread for a unique twist.
– Add some texture by mixing in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, before cooking.
– For a hint of sweetness, include dried cranberries or raisins in the stuffing mixture.
– Make it ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. The flavors will meld together, resulting in an even more flavorful stuffing.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Amish Stuffing is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it to fit your dietary needs, this stuffing will always be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the taste of Amish tradition.