If you’re like me, you don’t want to miss out on that cozy, comforting stuffing on holiday tables just because you need to avoid gluten and dairy. That’s why I’m super excited to share this Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing Recipe that is fan-freaking-tastic. It’s got all the traditional flavors we love, with none of the stuff that might upset your tummy or your guests. Stick with me, and you’ll have a perfect side that your family and friends won’t stop talking about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of this right in your pantry or can easily find them at the store.
- Classic Flavors: All those herbs bring warmth and that traditional stuffing vibe without gluten or dairy.
- Kid & Crowd Friendly: Even those without dietary restrictions will love it (my family goes crazy for this one!).
- Easy Prep & Bake: You’ll get a golden, crisp top with moist, flavorful inside without complex steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a key role in building layers of deliciousness while keeping everything gluten-free and dairy-free. I always recommend choosing a good-quality gluten-free bread—because that really is the base of this stuffing, and it makes all the difference!
- Gluten-free cooking spray: Makes sure your casserole dish doesn’t stick, and keeps clean-up easy.
- Gluten-free sandwich bread: Medium-sized cubes hold texture well without turning to mush.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness without dairy.
- Diced celery: Brings a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
- Minced garlic: Gives that warm, savory kick we all crave in stuffing.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle, sweet onion notes without chopping onions.
- Thyme, sage, rosemary: Classic herb trio that gives stuffing its signature personality.
- Whisked eggs: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Gluten-free chicken broth: Keeps the bread moist and infuses extra savory depth. I love using Orrington Farms Chicken Flavored Broth Base—super convenient and tasty!
Variations
I love adjusting this Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel totally free to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!
- Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth, and you won’t miss a beat.
- Add mushrooms: I once threw in sautéed mushrooms, and it brought a lovely earthy flavor that deepened the dish.
- Nutty crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts added on top give a real textural contrast my family adores.
- Fresh herbs instead of dried: When thyme, rosemary, and sage are in season, use fresh for an even brighter flavor boost.
How to Make Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, spray your 2.5-quart casserole dish thoroughly with gluten-free cooking spray. This little step saves you so much hassle later when it’s time to serve. Don’t skip it!
Step 2: Cube Your Bread
Cut your gluten-free sandwich bread into medium-sized cubes. I like to get them about an inch or so per cube—small enough to soak up all the flavors but big enough to keep some texture after baking.
Step 3: Sauté Celery and Garlic
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm your olive oil, then add the diced celery and minced garlic. Cook this until the celery softens, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point? Absolute magic.
Step 4: Mix Seasoning and Eggs
While your celery mixture cooks, whisk together the salt, onion powder, thyme, sage, and rosemary in a small bowl. Then whisk your two eggs until smooth. These will come together with your bread cubes shortly to create that perfect stuffing texture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Dump your bread cubes into a large bowl. Pour over the seasoning blend and whisked eggs, stirring gently to coat all the bread. Add the sautéed celery and garlic, then the gluten-free chicken broth. Mix it all carefully so the bread absorbs the broth evenly but doesn’t fall apart.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your stuffing mix to the greased casserole dish. Bake on the middle oven rack for about 40-50 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and gets just a little crisp. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on it after 35 minutes—you want that beautiful golden crust without drying it out.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing Recipe
- Use Day-Old Bread: I’ve found that slightly stale gluten-free bread holds up better during soaking and baking than fresh bread.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently stir just until combined—overworking the bread can make the stuffing gummy.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Because gluten-free bread can crisp faster, I check at 35 minutes and tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Broth Quality Matters: Using a good gluten-free chicken broth or base really boosts flavor—make it homemade if you can, like I do!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright pop of color and freshness right before serving. Sometimes I add a few toasted pine nuts or sliced green onions to change things up—that crunch is a nice surprise!
Side Dishes
This gluten-free dairy-free stuffing is the perfect side for roasted turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes with dairy-free gravy, steamed green beans, and cranberry sauce. Together, it’s like a little holiday feast all on one plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake the stuffing in individual ramekins or muffin tins—makes for a cute presentation and easy serving. It also crisps the edges nicely, which is a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. I recommend enjoying them within 3-4 days to keep the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stuffing successfully a couple of times—just portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave on medium power, but I prefer the oven for that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade gluten-free bread in this stuffing?
Absolutely! Homemade gluten-free bread works wonderfully, just make sure it’s not too fresh or soft—day-old bread or slightly toasted cubes hold up best for stuffing.
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Is this stuffing safe for people with dairy intolerance?
Definitely! This recipe uses olive oil instead of butter, and all other ingredients are dairy-free, making it perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
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Can I make this Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can. Mix everything and store the unbaked stuffing in the fridge for a day, then bake as usual. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if it’s chilled.
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What if I don’t have chicken broth? What’s a good substitute?
You can use vegetable broth (gluten-free, of course) for a vegetarian version, or even mushroom broth for added umami. Just make sure it’s flavorful enough since the broth is key here.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it proved to me we don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition for dietary needs. It’s easy, homey, and downright delicious—perfect for holiday tables or anytime you want that comforting side dish. I genuinely hope you give it a try and see how simple it is to make something everyone loves without gluten or dairy getting in the way. Trust me, you’re going to get rave reviews every time.
Print
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Stuffing recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. Made with gluten-free sandwich bread, fresh herbs, and a flavorful blend of spices, this stuffing is moist and tender with a golden, crispy top. It’s a wonderful option for those with gluten intolerance or dairy allergies, offering comfort and classic flavors without compromise.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Gluten-free cooking spray
- 1 (14-ounce) loaf gluten-free sandwich bread, cut into medium-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 cups gluten-free chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 2.5-quart casserole dish with gluten-free cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cube the Bread: Cut the gluten-free sandwich bread into medium-sized cubes, ensuring pieces are roughly uniform for even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced celery and minced garlic, sautéing for 6-8 minutes until the celery is softened and fragrant.
- Mix Seasonings: Combine salt, onion powder, thyme, sage, and rosemary in a small bowl. Stir to blend all the spices evenly.
- Prepare Bread Mixture: Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Pour the seasoning blend and whisked eggs over the bread. Stir gently to combine the bread with the eggs and spices.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sautéed celery and garlic mixture into the bread bowl and stir to distribute evenly throughout the bread mixture.
- Moisten with Broth: Slowly pour the gluten-free chicken broth over the bread mixture, gently mixing until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer and Bake: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake on the middle rack for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and lightly crisp. Monitor closely as oven temperatures vary.
- Serve and Store: Serve the stuffing hot alongside your favorite dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with these dietary restrictions.
- Perfect for holiday meals such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Use gluten-free chicken broth or homemade broth base to maintain gluten-free status.
- Adjust seasoning herbs to taste for personal preference.
- Leftover stuffing can be easily reheated without losing texture or flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 274 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 952 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg