Warm, comforting, and full of savory herbs, this gluten-free stuffing captures everything to love about the traditional holiday side dish, without the gluten or dairy. The crisp-on-top, tender-in-the-middle texture pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mains. Each bite bursts with flavors of thyme, sage, and rosemary, making it the kind of dish that tastes like the season itself.
Whether served for Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy Sunday meal, or a special celebration, this gluten-free stuffing brings everyone to the table with a gluten-free side dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and allergy-friendly.
Why This Gluten-Free Stuffing Works So Well
Classic stuffing often depends on regular wheat bread and butter, but this gluten-free Thanksgiving recipe proves that the same texture and flavor can be achieved with a few smart swaps.
A loaf of gluten-free bread forms the hearty base of this holiday side dish recipe. Make sure it’s dried until it’s perfectly crisp and ready to soak in savory herbs and broth. Olive oil takes the place of butter, keeping the recipe light yet flavorful. Celery, onion, and garlic build the classic stuffing flavor foundation, while a medley of thyme, sage, and rosemary creates that unmistakable holiday aroma.
The result is a gluten-free side dish that’s crisp on top, moist underneath, and seasoned with just the right balance of salt and herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Bread and Pan
Start with dried, cubed gluten-free bread. Slightly stale or toasted bread works best because it absorbs the liquid and seasoning without turning soggy. If needed, toast the cubes in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes to dry them out.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. Set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add celery and onion, and cook until the onions are translucent and the celery softens. This step helps build flavor and ensures the vegetables blend smoothly with the stuffing.
3. Prepare the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, mix salt, onion powder, thyme, sage, and rosemary. This blend of herbs is the heart of the dish, infusing the bread with layers of flavor and warmth.
4. Combine the Bread and Seasonings
Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the bread and toss gently until evenly coated. Add the whisked eggs and stir again, ensuring each cube is lightly moistened.
The eggs act as a binder, giving the stuffing its tender, cohesive texture once baked.
5. Add the Aromatics
When the celery and onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the bread bowl and mix well to distribute the flavors.
6. Add the Broth and Bake
Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture and gently stir to combine. The bread should feel evenly moist but not drenched.
Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden brown while the center remains soft and flavorful.
7. Serve Warm
Once baked, allow the stuffing to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up slightly while staying moist inside. Serve it alongside roasted poultry, vegetables, or plant-based mains.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Stuffing
Choose the Right Bread
Any gluten-free sandwich loaf will work, but a hearty, slightly dense bread adds the best texture to this gluten-free Thanksgiving recipe. Homemade white bread or rustic-style loaves hold up beautifully. Make sure the bread cubes are fully dried before combining with the broth.
Use the Right Broth
Use chicken broth for classic flavor, or substitute with vegetable broth for a completely plant-based version. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s rich and flavorful. This liquid is the backbone of the dish.
Bake Until Just Crisp
Perfect stuffing has a golden crust on top and a tender middle. If it browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Make Ahead
To save time, assemble the unbaked stuffing up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. For reheating leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven until heated through.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, transfer the stuffing to a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Serving Ideas
- Serve as a holiday side dish with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and cranberry sauce for a complete meal.
- Add extras like dried cranberries, toasted pecans, or cooked sausage for extra flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the eggs for a softer texture.
Why Everyone Loves This Gluten-Free Stuffing
This holiday side dish recipe brings together all the nostalgic flavors of traditional stuffing without the ingredients that can make it off-limits for some. It’s rich, herb-forward, and baked to perfection. The combination of crisp edges and soft interior creates the ideal contrast, while the classic herbs bring an unmistakable holiday aroma to the kitchen.
Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners, this easy stuffing recipe is proof that gluten-free cooking can still be deeply satisfying. It’s comfort food made simple, wholesome, and full of flavor.
Gluten Free Stuffing
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish with olive oil and set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add celery and onion. Cook until soft and onions are translucent.
- While onions and celery are cooking, add salt, onion powder, dried thyme, sage, and rosemary to a small bowl and mix with a whisk or fork.
- Add bread cubes to a large bowl, then sprinkle seasonings over bread and mix, then add the whisked eggs and combine mixture until all the bread is evenly coated.
- Once celery and onions are cooked, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant then transfer them to the bread mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour in chicken broth and give another mix to evenly combine everything, then transfer to prepared casserole dish and bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight container and reheat before serving.
This recipe is best served immediately, if making ahead, keep casserole dish covered with tin foil and reheat in oven covered before serving.
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