If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or any time you want a hearty treat, you’ll want to try this Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe. It’s got that classic homey flavor but made with gluten-free bread, so everyone at the table can indulge without worry. I absolutely love how this stuffing turns out — moist yet fluffy, perfectly seasoned, and loaded with those savory herbs you expect from traditional stuffing. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips for getting this just right every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Traditional Taste: This gluten-free stuffing doesn’t sacrifice the classic flavors you crave.
- Perfect Texture: Moist but not soggy, thanks to the right amount of broth and butter.
- Super Flexible: Whether you’re baking it solo or stuffing a turkey, it adapts beautifully.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and easy to prepare, even if you’re new to gluten-free baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this gluten-free stuffing recipe is in the balance — each ingredient plays its part in creating that nostalgic stuffing flavor but with a gluten-free twist. Using a great gluten-free bread like Canyon Bakehouse ensures your stuffing holds together without crumbling to bits.
- Gluten-Free Bread: I recommend Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style Honey White because it holds up well and has a nice texture, but any gluten-free bread can work.
- Butter: This gives richness and moisture — swap for dairy-free butter if needed for a dairy-free version.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once it softens.
- Celery: Gives that essential crunch and freshness.
- Dried Thyme: An aromatic herb that brings warmth to the flavor.
- Ground Sage: Classic stuffing herb — don’t skip it!
- Rosemary: Adds a piney, savory note that’s subtle but important.
- Salt and Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Keeps the stuffing moist; use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
Variations
This gluten-free stuffing recipe is my go-to, but I love mixing things up based on the season or what I have in the fridge. Feel free to personalize it — that’s part of the fun! You’ll find that a few little tweaks can make it feel new every time.
- Add Sausage: My family goes crazy when I toss in a pound of cooked, crumbled sausage for an extra savory kick.
- Use Turkey Drippings: Instead of broth, pour in those flavorful drippings from your roasted turkey to soak in tons of richness.
- Herb Swaps: Try fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for a bright twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced mushrooms or chestnuts for texture and earthiness.
How to Make Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Bread Just Right
First off, slice your gluten-free bread and let it air dry for 1 to 2 hours, or even up to two days if you have the time. This drying step is key for achieving that perfect texture — it prevents the stuffing from becoming mushy. Once dried, chop the bread into 1-inch cubes. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference in the final result!
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor
In a Dutch oven or large pan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté your chopped onions and thinly sliced celery. Cook these until the onions are soft and translucent — about 5 to 7 minutes. This tender, flavorful base is what gives the stuffing life, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Season and Combine
Next, stir in your dried thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This is where those classic stuffing herb flavors really come alive. Then add in your bread cubes and toss everything together until the bread is nicely coated with the buttery-herb mixture.
Step 4: Moisturize and Bake
Drizzle the chicken or vegetable broth slowly over the bread mixture, tossing gently so it’s evenly moistened but not soggy. Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. If you’re stuffing a turkey, just leave out the broth — the turkey juices will keep it moist inside the bird.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe
- Dry Your Bread Enough: I discovered this trick when I let my bread dry too little and ended up with a soggy mess, so give it ample drying time for the best texture.
- Don’t Skip Sautéing: Cooking the onions and celery first makes a huge flavor difference — it’s worth those extra minutes!
- Broth Quantity Matters: Start with less broth if you prefer drier stuffing; you can always add a splash more as it bakes.
- Watch the Bake Time: Over-baking can dry it out; pull it from the oven as soon as the edges are crisp and the center is set.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love to garnish this stuffing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped sage right before serving. It adds a pop of color and fresh aroma that really elevates the dish. Sometimes, I’ll add a little drizzle of melted butter on top, too — a simple touch that makes it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with classic holiday mains like roast turkey or baked chicken. My family loves it alongside green beans almondine, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a full festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake the stuffing in individual ramekins or muffin tins to create cute, personal portions. It’s fun for guests and makes serving easy. Another great trick is layering the stuffing under the turkey skin for infusing it with extra juicy flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gluten-free stuffing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I usually reheat it in the oven wrapped in foil to help it warm evenly without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stuffing successfully by packing cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It holds up surprisingly well without losing that great texture.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the stuffing in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat at 325°F (160°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use any gluten-free bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While I recommend Canyon Bakehouse for its texture, any gluten-free bread will work. Just make sure to dry it out beforehand so it soaks up the broth without getting too mushy.
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Can I make this gluten-free stuffing recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for dairy-free alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It still tastes rich and comforting.
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Should I add broth if I’m stuffing a turkey?
I recommend leaving out the broth when stuffing the turkey because the bird’s natural juices will moisten the stuffing as it cooks.
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How long can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Store the mixture in the fridge and bake it fresh when needed for the best texture and flavor.
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Can I skip the herbs?
Technically yes, but the thyme, sage, and rosemary are what make the stuffing taste like stuffing! I’d encourage you to keep them in to capture that classic flavor.
Final Thoughts
I used to struggle with finding great gluten-free stuffing recipes, but this one quickly became a family favorite. It hits all the right notes—fragrant herbs, buttery richness, and just the right texture. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any day you crave something warm and comforting, this gluten-free stuffing recipe won’t let you down. Give it a try, and I think you’ll agree, this is stuffing done right — without gluten, but with all the heart.
PrintGluten-Free Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Stuffing recipe offers a flavorful and moist side dish made with honey white gluten-free bread cubes, fresh herbs, and savory vegetables. Perfect for holiday meals or family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with broth or turkey drippings, and even cooked sausage for added richness. It can be baked to a golden finish or cooked on the stovetop for a quicker preparation.
Ingredients
Gluten-Free Bread
- 1 (24 oz.) loaf Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style Honey White bread or 9 cups bread cubes
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 sticks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Other Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter (or dairy-free butter)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (use 3 cups for wetter stuffing)
Instructions
- Dry the Bread: Let the bread slices air dry at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 2 days if you want them very dry. Then cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sliced celery, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the dried thyme, ground sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- Mix Bread Cubes: Add the dried bread cubes to the Dutch oven and toss until they are evenly coated with the butter and herb mixture.
- Add Broth and Combine: Drizzle the chicken or vegetable broth over the bread mixture and toss well to ensure all bread cubes are moist. For stuffing a turkey, omit the broth because turkey juices will provide moisture.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased 2.5-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Alternative Stovetop Finish: To finish on the stove instead, cover the Dutch oven and cook for 3-5 minutes. Stir, then cook uncovered for another 1-2 minutes until the broth is absorbed.
Notes
- You can use a large pot or skillet if you don’t have a Dutch oven.
- When stuffing a turkey, skip the broth so turkey juices keep the stuffing moist without becoming mushy.
- Fresh or stale gluten-free bread can be used for this recipe.
- Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or turkey drippings can be used for flavor.
- For extra flavor, add ½ to 1 pound of cooked sausage to the stuffing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg