Gluten Free Stuffing
This Gluten-Free Stuffing recipe brings the classic flavors of holiday stuffing to the table, made with toasted gluten-free bread, sautéed onions and celery, fresh herbs, and a savory broth. Perfectly moist with hints of dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, this hearty stuffing is ideal for anyone following a gluten-free or celiac-friendly lifestyle!
Growing up, stuffing was always the dish that people dove into (right after the turkey!) on our holiday table. Since some people were gluten free, I was determined to create a version that captured those same flavors without sacrificing the texture. It took a few tries, but I’ve perfected a gluten-free stuffing that delivers the same taste as the classic. This recipe holds up with hearty, flavorful bites that bring everyone back for seconds!
❓Why Make Gluten-Free Stuffing?
For those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity, having a stuffing that’s both delicious and digestible makes everyone feel included. By using gluten-free bread and a few smart techniques, this recipe brings a warm, hearty dish to the table so nobody misses out!
🍞 Key Ingredients for the Best Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Broth Options: Broth adds moisture and richness, bringing the ingredients together. Chicken broth is classic, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option. Low-sodium broths are a great choice for controlling salt levels, and you can always season further if needed.
- Gluten-Free Bread: Choosing the right bread is key to achieving a hearty texture. Opt for a dense, slightly rustic gluten-free bread like sourdough and whole-grain types which work well. Avoid overly soft, sandwich-style breads as they may become too mushy in the stuffing.
- Vegetables (Onions, Celery, Fresh Herbs): These are essential for building layers of flavor. Sautéed onions and celery provide a savory base, while fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage (all which can be found in poultry seasoning) add an earthy aroma that ties everything together.
📖 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Prepping the Bread: Begin by cutting your gluten-free bread into cubes. Toast them on a baking sheet in the oven until they’re lightly crisp. This step helps the bread hold its shape and absorb the broth without turning to mush.
- Sautéing the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet with a touch of oil or butter. Add the onions and celery, cooking until they’re softened and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for the stuffing.
- Assembling the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs. Pour the broth over everything and gently toss until the bread is evenly moistened but not soaked. Transfer to a baking dish and bake until the top is golden brown and crispy, while the inside remains soft.
👩🏻🍳Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Stuffing Every Time
- Balance the Moisture: Add just enough broth to moisten the bread, but avoid oversaturating it. You want the stuffing to be moist but not soggy, so the texture stays just right.
- Toast the Bread Well: Lightly toasting the bread cubes before mixing helps them absorb the broth while keeping their shape.
- Adjust for Dietary Needs: This recipe can easily be made dairy-free or vegan by using vegetable broth and olive oil or plant-based butter.
🍄Popular Variations of Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Cornbread Stuffing: Swap out the sliced gluten-free bread for gluten-free cornbread to give the stuffing a subtle sweetness and a unique texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, maintaining richness without the dairy.
- Vegan Stuffing: Use vegetable broth and dairy-free butter, adding a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra depth and crunch.
- Sausage Stuffing: Add crumbled, browned gluten-free sausage for a heartier, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with herbs.
- Mushroom & Herb Stuffing: Sauté or air fry mushrooms before mixing them in; they add an earthy, umami depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Add Some Sweetness: Mix in dried cranberries, chopped apples, or roasted nuts for a pop of sweetness and texture, balancing the savory elements.
- Warm Spices: For a subtle twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika. This enhances the warmth and aroma of the stuffing without overpowering traditional flavors.
Have leftovers? Learn the 10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Stuffing including in a breakfast casserole and repurposed for lunches and dinners!
❄️Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover stuffing in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, make sure it’s tightly sealed.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, removing the foil for the last few minutes to restore crispiness on top. You can also reheat stuffing in the air fryer!
❓FAQ
Place your leftover stuffing in a skillet over medium high heat. Break it up with a spatula and drizzle in some chicken or turkey stock enough to re-moisten the stuffing. Stir everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
Either are interchangeable and mostly mean the same thing. Traditionally, dressing refers to the mixture being made OUTSIDE the bird in a pan. Stuffing is when it is cooked inside a chicken, turkey or duck cavity.
Yes! Prepared gluten-free stuffing can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To reheat, it must be cooked from frozen in the oven. Heat your oven to 325 F covered until it is heated through. This may take up to 1 hour or more depending on how much you’re reheating.
More Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes
- Thanksgiving Punch
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
- Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
- Sous Vide Duck Breast
- Keto Green Bean Casserole
Gluten Free Stuffing
Equipment
- baking sheet
- large skillet
- mixing bowl
- Baking Dish
- cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Gluten Free Croutons
- 1 loaf Gluten Free Bread 12-16oz
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
For the Stuffing
- 1 Batch Gluten Free Croutons
- ¼ cup Butter or Ghee
- 1.5 cups Celery diced
- 1.5 cups White Onion diced
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 cup Dried Cranberries
- 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce
- 2 cups Chicken or Turkey Stock
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tbsp Poultry Seasoning
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F, preparing it to toast the gluten-free bread cubes.
- Prep the Bread: Cut gluten-free bread into small, even-sized cubes. In a large mixing bowl, toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to season. Arrange the bread cubes in a single, even layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast the Bread: Bake the bread cubes in the preheated oven, tossing every 5-8 minutes, until they’re golden and toasted but not burned. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Once toasted, set them aside to cool, and increase the oven temperature to 350°F.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add the chopped celery, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted gluten-free bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, coconut aminos, and chicken or turkey stock, gently tossing to coat.
- Add Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, then pour over the bread mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated and well combined.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, pressing down slightly for an even layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top of the gluten-free stuffing is golden brown and toasted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot as a flavorful gluten-free side dish for Thanksgiving or holiday meals. It pairs perfectly with gluten-free turkey, mashed potatoes, and other holiday favorites!
