Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe

Let’s be honest: stuffing is the star of the Thanksgiving table. It’s the cozy, savory, herby pillow that soaks up all the good gravy vibes. But for years, if you or a loved one needed to avoid gluten, that starring role often felt out of reach. Dry, crumbly, or just plain sad versions can be a real holiday disappointment. Well, friends, those days are over.

This Gluten-Free Stuffing is a total game-changer. It’s everything you dream of: incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of soft and crisp textures, and it holds together beautifully. It’s the kind of side dish that will have everyone—gluten-free or not—reaching for a second helping. This recipe is my promise to you: no one will miss the bread. Let’s make a stuffing that truly deserves a spot at the center of your holiday feast.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Stuffing

• Perfect Texture: Forget being dry or gummy! We achieve a wonderfully moist and savory dressing that’s crisp on top and soft in the middle.
• Incredibly Flavorful: Packed with celery, onions, fresh herbs, and rich broth, every bite is a burst of classic holiday flavor.
• Surprisingly Simple: If you can sauté veggies and stir a bowl, you can absolutely make this stunning side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This is the ultimate gluten-free recipe that will delight all your guests, making your Thanksgiving menu truly inclusive.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy masterpiece. The key is a good-quality gluten-free bread. I find that a sturdy, day-old loaf from the bakery section works better than pre-packanged sandwich bread, which can be too soft.

Print

• 1 (14-16 oz) loaf gluten-free bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes (about 10-12 cups)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 4-5 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 ½ cups gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

The first step to amazing stuffing is to get your bread ready. If your loaf is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, until slightly dried out. This helps them absorb the broth without turning to mush. It’s a simple trick that makes all the difference!

Let’s Make the Best Gluten-Free Stuffing

1. Prep the Bread: If you haven’t already, preheat your oven to 300°F and spread your bread cubes on a large baking sheet. Toast for 15-20 minutes to dry them out. Then, increase your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook for 8-10 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for one more minute until wonderfully aromatic.
3. Combine the Mixture: In a very large bowl, combine the toasted gluten-free bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Pour in the broth and the beaten eggs. Gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened. Be gentle to avoid breaking the cubes.
4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
5. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes covered. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it easier to scoop. Then, dig in and watch it disappear!

My Go-To Stuffing Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe! A large mixing bowl, a good skillet or Dutch oven for sautéing, and a standard 9×13 inch baking dish are the real MVPs. If you’re looking for a versatile pan that can do it all, from the stovetop to the oven, a good Dutch oven is a kitchen workhorse.

Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base that you can make your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the entire stuffing the day before. Just cover the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).
• Bread Choice is Key: I love using a gluten-free sourdough or a multigrain loaf for extra flavor. Avoid breads that are very light and airy, as they can disintegrate.
• Add Some Crunch: Stir in 1 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts along with the broth for a delightful texture contrast.
• For a Brighter Twist: The zest of one lemon added with the herbs can really brighten up the rich, savory flavors.
• Don’t Skip the Eggs: The eggs are our binder, helping to hold the stuffing together. For an egg-free version, you can try a “flax egg,” but the texture will be more crumbly.

The Perfect Plates to Pair

This stuffing is the ultimate team player. Of course, it’s a natural fit next to your perfect roast turkey and a generous pour of gravy. But don’t stop there! It’s also wonderful with other holiday mains like a herb-crusted pork loin. For sides, it pairs beautifully with classic creamy garlic mashed potatoes and some tart cranberry sauce to balance the savoriness.

A Note on Nutrition

This information is an estimate per serving, assuming the recipe is divided into 8 generous portions. Actual values can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 780mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g

So there you have it! A Gluten-Free Stuffing recipe that delivers on every promise: flavor, texture, and pure holiday joy. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, creating memories over a shared love of good food. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a part of your own family traditions.

Your Gluten-Free Stuffing Questions, Answered!

Can I make this stuffing dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the butter with an equal amount of olive oil or your favorite dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still absolutely delicious.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers are a gift! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to get crispy topping?

The key is that final 20-25 minutes of baking uncovered. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t be tempted to take it out too early! You want to see that beautiful golden-brown color.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh herbs really make a difference in flavor. If you must use dried, remember the rule of thumb: use one-third the amount since dried herbs are more potent. So, for 2 tsp fresh sage, use about ¾ tsp dried.