Showstopping Stuffings

I don't know about you, but Thanksgiving dinner without stuffing just isn't Thanksgiving. Whether you prefer wild rice, cornbread or a traditional stuffing, we have a whole recipe box dedicated to sensational ideas for your turkey's favorite sidedish sidekick!

Recreating traditional stuffing, gluten free, can be a challenge. Over the years, we have tried using everything from store-bought gluten-free breads to baking mixes to baking from scratch - with some really great results. But given that Thanksgiving dinner is already an all-day (or two day) event, trying to add bread-baking to the process is not always the easiest (or least-stressful!) idea. Instead, we have had unbelievable results with both Van's Gluten Free Waffles and Udi's Gluten Free Bread. For both, simply defrost, cube and you're ready to go!

Whether you prefer to ‘stuff’ your turkey or bake the stuffing separately, the following recipes will steal the show at your holiday table. Each of the following recipes have received a five star rating from our readers and we agree, stuffing never tasted so good!

-Chef Yvonne

Herbed Bread Stuffing

Ingredients
2 boxes (12 waffles) Van’s gluten-free/wheat-free frozen waffles, toasted and cut into 1/2" cubes
3 medium onions, chopped
3 celery ribs, thinly sliced crosswise
1-1/2 teaspoons herbs de provence
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1-1/2 cups gluten free chicken stock
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Toast the frozen waffles 1-1/2 times, until crispy but not burned. Let cool, then cut into 1/2" cubes. Set aside. (Alternately, defrost, cube and toast in the over on a baking sheet until golden brown.)

Cook onions, celery and herbs in butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. In a large bowl, toss together bread cubes, vegetables and stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer the stuffing to a large baking dish. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Cornbread, Bacon, Spinach & Cashew Stuffing

Ingredients

For the cornbread (see Notes, below)
1 cup gluten free flour
1 cup corn meal
2/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 Tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups whole milk
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup canola oil

For the stuffing
2 onions, chopped
1 lb. sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch wide pieces
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
9 oz. baby spinach, trimmed and coarsely chopped
2 cups cashews, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup gf Chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Make the cornbread
(Cornbread can be made a day ahead of time.)
Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, combine gf flour, corn meal, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs and canola oil. Pour liquid ingredients into dry and mix until just combined.

Pour the batter into an 13x9-inch greased baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a rack. Cut the cornbread into 1-1/2 inch cubes. Lay out on a baking sheet. Preheat the broiler. Broil cornbread cubes, turning halfway through, for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cook the bacon in 2 batches in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring until crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat.

Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet; sauté until crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers; sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic; sauté for about 1 minute. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl and stir in the spinach, cashews and cornbread cubes. Add the butter, stock and bacon. Stir to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the stuffing to a large baking dish. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Notes: In the past, we have also used Pamela's Cornbread Mix which is super quick and easy, available in most grocery stores.

Apricot Wild Rice Stuffing

Ingredients

3/4 cups wild rice
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped scallions

Directions
Cook the wild rice according to package instructions.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine apricots, white wine and water. Heat in the microwave on high 1 to 2 minuts or until hot. Let stand 10 minutes; drain.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 2-quart casserole. Drain apricots and discard the soaking liquid; place apricots in a large bowl. Add cooked wild rice, cherries, pine nuts, parsley, nutmeg, cloves, salt and pepper.

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add celery; cook 6 to 8 minutes or until tender. Add scallions, cook another 30 seconds. Add to wild rice mixture; mix well. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Spoon into casserole.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until hot.

Pear & Pine Nut Stuffing

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 pear, peeled, cored and chopped
1/3 cup gf cornbread
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
3/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
3 Tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup gluten-free Chicken Stock

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt butter in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add remaining ingredients and cook until heated through. Add melted butter and stock and toss to blend.

Transfer to baking dish and bake for 20-30 minutes. Serve.

For more recipe ideas, visit Glutenfreeda.com!