I absolutely love this Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe because it takes all the fuss out of a classic comfort meal and lets the slow cooker do the magic for you. When I first made this, I was amazed at how tender the turkey came out and how the stuffing soaked up all that flavorful broth—making every bite cozy and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy days when you want that home-cooked feeling without standing over the stove.
You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully for weeknight dinners or even when entertaining guests; the slow cooker frees you up for other tasks while filling your home with the scent of herbs and apples. Plus, this Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe is super adaptable, and I’m excited to share my tips so you can nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it—let your crockpot do all the work.
- Moist & Tender Turkey: Slow cooking locks in juices for juicy, fall-apart meat every time.
- Flavor-Packed Stuffing: The apple and herbs add a fresh, cozy twist to classic stuffing flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a family dinner or holiday feast, this recipe shines with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe are simple but thoughtfully paired to create deep flavor and comforting texture. Look for fresh celery and onions, and a good-quality loaf of bread to absorb all those herbs and juices.
- Boneless Turkey Breasts: I recommend starting with defrosted, good-sized breasts for even cooking.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor—homemade or store-bought works well.
- Loaf Bread Cubed (with crusts): The crusts soak up the broth and keep the stuffing from turning mushy.
- Apple, diced (with peel): Adds a subtle sweetness and fresh, crisp bite to balance savory herbs.
- Celery, diced: Enhances texture and brings classic stuffing flavor.
- Onion, diced: Essential aromatics that elevate the stuffing with sweetness.
- Kosher Salt: To season and bring out all the natural flavors.
- Poultry Seasoning: The star seasoning combo that makes the stuffing taste like comfort.
- Ground Sage: Adds that earthy, woodsy note that screams Thanksgiving.
- Pepper: For just the right amount of spice and balance.
Variations
I love tweaking this Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite herbs or add-ons—you’ll discover little touches that make it your own signature dish.
- Adding Fresh Herbs: Sometimes I throw in fresh rosemary or thyme, which adds a lively punch that pairs beautifully with the turkey.
- Gluten-Free Option: Try substituting the bread with gluten-free cubes or even cooked quinoa for a gluten-free twist.
- Extra Veggies: Adding diced carrots or mushrooms to the stuffing mix brings additional flavor and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Turkey and Broth
Start by laying your boneless turkey breasts flat in the bottom of your crockpot. They may overlap slightly depending on the size of your slow cooker, which is totally okay. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the turkey—this not only flavors the meat but keeps it moist as it cooks.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your cubed bread, diced apple, celery, and onion. Sprinkle in kosher salt, poultry seasoning, ground sage, and pepper, then mix everything gently but thoroughly. This mixture is where all the flavor happens, so make sure those spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Layer and Cook
Pour the stuffing mixture evenly over the turkey and broth in your crockpot. Press it down firmly—this helps it cook evenly and soak up all the juices. Cover your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours. You’ll want to check that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe and perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, carefully lift out the turkey breast and slice it against the grain. Scoop out portions of the stuffing alongside the turkey. Trust me, the flavors meld together so well—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe
- Use a Large Oval Crockpot: I learnt the hard way that round slow cookers are too small for this recipe; an oval one fits the breast and stuffing perfectly.
- Defrost Completely: Make sure your turkey breasts are fully thawed—this ensures even cooking and a juicy result.
- Press Stuffing Firmly: Patting the stuffing tightly helps it absorb the broth and cook evenly without drying out.
- Check Temperature: Always use a thermometer to confirm the turkey hits 165°F for safe, tender meat.
How to Serve Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves. Not only do these add a pop of color, but their fresh aroma perfectly complements the warm, herbaceous flavors of the stuffing. Sometimes, I add a few cranberries on the side for a sweet, tart contrast.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for roasted green beans or glazed carrots alongside this meal. Mashed potatoes or a simple side of steamed broccoli also partner beautifully here, giving you a well-rounded, hearty dinner without much more fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I sometimes serve the turkey slices fanned out on a large platter, surrounded by mounds of stuffing garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of warm gravy. It makes a stunning centerpiece that’s as welcoming as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the meal, I wrap leftovers tightly in foil or airtight containers and store them in the fridge. This recipe keeps well for 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for great next-day lunches.
Freezing
I’ve had good luck freezing both the turkey and stuffing separately in freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to cool everything completely before sealing to avoid ice crystals. Frozen portions stay great for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep emergencies.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 325°F until heated through, usually about 20-30 minutes. This helps keep the stuffing moist and the turkey tender. Microwaving works in a pinch but can dry things out faster.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe?
You can, but cooking times will be longer and you’ll want to ensure the meat reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F. Also, bone-in breasts may require repositioning in the crockpot to fit properly.
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Is it necessary to soak the bread cubes before using in the stuffing?
Nope! The bread cubes in this recipe absorb liquid slowly as they cook in the crockpot, so soaking beforehand isn’t necessary and can make stuffing mushy.
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Can I add other fruits or nuts to the stuffing?
Absolutely! Chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or toasted pecans give a lovely texture and sweetness contrast. Just mix them into the stuffing before cooking.
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Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, but make sure you have a crockpot large enough to accommodate the extra turkey and stuffing. Cooking times may increase slightly, so use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
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Is there a way to make gravy using the crockpot drippings?
Definitely! If you double the chicken broth, after removing turkey and stuffing, mix a cornstarch-and-water slurry into the remaining liquid and cook on high until thickened. Season to taste and pour over your sliced turkey.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the warmth of a traditional meal with the ease of slow cooking. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to whenever you want something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a dinner favorite in your home, too!
PrintCrockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Turkey Breast and Stuffing recipe combines tender, juicy turkey breasts cooked slowly with a flavorful apple and herb stuffing. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, the moist turkey pairs beautifully with a savory bread and vegetable stuffing infused with poultry seasoning, sage, and fresh ingredients. Ideal for an effortless holiday or family dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the work over 6-8 hours.
Ingredients
Turkey and Broth
- 3 pounds boneless turkey breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
Stuffing
- 1 loaf bread, cubed (with crusts)
- 1 apple, diced (peel left on)
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Place the boneless turkey breasts in the bottom of a large oval crockpot. They may overlap slightly. Pour ½ cup chicken broth evenly over the turkey breasts to keep them moist during cooking.
- Make the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with diced apple, celery, onion, kosher salt, poultry seasoning, ground sage, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings and ingredients throughout the bread cubes.
- Assemble in Crockpot: Pour the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the turkey breasts and chicken broth in the crockpot. Press down gently to compact the stuffing slightly, which helps it cook uniformly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking ensures the turkey is tender and thoroughly cooked while the stuffing absorbs the flavors.
- Check Doneness and Serve: Confirm the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Remove from the crockpot and serve warm. Optionally, you can prepare gravy separately if desired.
Notes
- Use a large oval slow cooker as a round one may not accommodate all ingredients properly.
- Always start with fully defrosted turkey breast; this may require refrigeration for several days prior to cooking depending on size.
- To make a gravy, double the chicken broth used in the recipe. When turkey and stuffing are removed, thicken the remaining liquid with a slurry of cornstarch and water, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- For a quicker alternative, consider making turkey breast with gravy in an Instant Pot using similar ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg