This gluten-free stuffing with herbs sausage combines toasted bread cubes with savory sausage, aromatics and fresh herbs for a holiday side everyone can enjoy.
The process begins by drying out the bread, then sautéing onions, celery and garlic before adding crumbled sausage.
After mixing everything with broth and herbs, the stuffing bakes covered, then uncovered for a crispy top.
The recipe can be customized with Mediterranean, vegetarian or Southwestern variations to suit different tastes.
The simple steps to this crowd-pleasing dish follow below.
Ingredients
- Gluten-free bread
- Chicken or Italian sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Celery
- Fresh sage
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Gluten-free chicken broth
- Butter or oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Recommended Tools
Making gluten-free stuffing doesn’t require fancy equipment, but having these kitchen tools on hand will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or trying this recipe for the first time, these essentials will help you create that perfect holiday side dish without the gluten.
- Baking Dish:
A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for both toasting the bread cubes and baking the final stuffing to golden perfection.
- Large Mixing Bowl:
Essential for tossing bread cubes with the sausage mixture and broth without making a mess all over your counter.
- Chef’s Knife:
Makes quick work of dicing onions, chopping celery and mincing garlic with precision.
- Skillet or Sauté Pan:
Perfect for cooking the sausage and sautéing vegetables before combining with the bread cubes.
- Measuring Cups:
Helps you add just the right amount of broth to achieve your preferred stuffing moisture level.
- Wooden Spoon:
Ideal for breaking up sausage into crumbles and gently mixing ingredients without crushing the bread cubes.
Instructions for gluten-free stuffing with herbs sausage
Ready to make an amazing gluten-free stuffing that’ll wow everyone at your table? Let’s get cooking!
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take your loaf of gluten-free bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes – these little guys are the foundation of your stuffing! Spread them out in a baking dish and toast them for 10-15 minutes until they’re lightly browned. This step is crucial because it helps your bread hold up against all that delicious broth later! Once toasted, transfer those golden cubes to a large bowl.
Now for the flavor magic! Grab a large skillet and melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter or heat your oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced medium onion, 2-4 minced garlic cloves, and 2-4 stalks of chopped celery (if you’re using it). Sauté until everything gets soft and fragrant – your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
Add 10-16 ounces of raw chicken or Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Keep stirring until that sausage is fully cooked through with no pink remaining. Sprinkle in 1-2 tablespoons of your fresh herbs (sage, thyme, and rosemary), plus salt and pepper to taste. Let this herb-sausage mixture cook for another 3-5 minutes to really release those flavors.
Time to bring it all together! Pour your sausage mixture over the toasted bread cubes, add some melted butter, and drizzle in 1-2 cups of gluten-free chicken broth. The amount depends on how moist you like your stuffing – start with less, you can always add more! Gently mix everything together, making sure all those bread cubes get coated.
Transfer this tasty mixture back into your baking dish and pop it in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and everything is heated through. The edges should be slightly crispy while the center remains moist.
Take it out, let it cool for just a few minutes, and dig in! Your gluten-free stuffing adventure is complete – and trust me, nobody will even miss the regular stuff!
Pro Tips
For stuffing with perfect texture, toast the gluten-free bread cubes until they’re a shade darker than you think necessary – this extra drying prevents the final dish from becoming too soggy when the broth is added.
Substitutions & Variations
The basic stuffing recipe serves as a versatile canvas that can be customized to match any flavor profile or dietary need without losing its comforting essence.
- Mediterranean Style: Replace Italian sausage with lamb sausage and add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage completely and add 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms, 1/2 cup toasted walnuts and 1/3 cup dried cranberries for a hearty meatless alternative.
- Southwestern Flair: Use chorizo instead of Italian sausage, add 1 diced bell pepper, 1 cup corn kernels and 1 tablespoon of chili powder for a spicy variation.
- Apple-Pecan: Mix in 2 diced apples sautéed with cinnamon, 1 cup toasted pecans and substitute apple cider for half of the chicken broth for a sweet-savory combination.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine and use extra broth instead of cheese for moisture and flavor while keeping it completely dairy-free.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
After exploring all those creative variations, let’s talk about what happens when you’ve made too much of this delicious gluten-free stuffing!
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, sprinkle a little broth over top before reheating to restore moisture.
You can even freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before warming!
Serve With Holiday Meals
Gluten-Free Stuffing with Herbs & Sausage
A delicious gluten-free stuffing made with sausage and fresh herbs, perfect for holiday meals.
- 1 loaf gluten-free bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10–16 oz raw chicken or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–4 stalks celery, chopped (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary (combined)
- 1–2 cups gluten-free chicken broth
- 3–4 tablespoons butter or oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast bread cubes in a baking dish for 10–15 minutes until lightly browned; transfer to a large bowl.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and celery in butter/oil until softened.
- Add sausage, breaking into crumbles; cook through.
- Stir in fresh herbs, salt, and pepper; cook 3–5 minutes.
- Combine sausage mixture, melted butter, and chicken broth with the bread cubes; mix gently.
- Place mixture back into the baking dish; bake 20–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
