As the holiday season approaches and you prepare for those special holiday meals, you might be in search of gluten-free options to cater to dietary needs like celiac disease or a wheat allergy. In this post, we'll guide you through popular gluten-free stuffing mix brands and invite you to check out our easy gluten-free stuffing recipe. Let's ensure your Thanksgiving table is not only delicious but also accommodating to everyone's dietary needs!
Jump to:
- Is Stuffing Gluten-Free?
- Gluten-Free Stuffing Brands
- Tips for Preparing Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix
- Ways to Use Stuffing Mix
- Homemade Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipes
- Tips for Homemade Gluten-Free Stuffing
- What to Serve with Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix
- Gluten-Free Stuffing FAQs
- More Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes
- Comments and Ratings
Is Stuffing Gluten-Free?
Traditional stuffing is not gluten-free because it is made with wheat bread, which contains gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives.
However, you can make gluten-free stuffing by using gluten-free bread or gluten-free stuffing mix as a substitute for traditional bread.
Many stores offer gluten-free stuffing mixes and gluten-free bread options to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. So, while traditional stuffing is not gluten-free, there are gluten-free alternatives available for those who need or prefer them.
Gluten-Free Stuffing Brands
When it comes to gluten-free stuffing, having the right mix can make all the difference. Whether you're preparing for a holiday feast or just a comforting meal, these popular brands offer a wide array of gluten-free stuffing mixes to choose from.
- Aldi Live G-Free: Check your local Aldi grocery store around the holidays. They carry gluten-free stuffing mix, in chicken and turkey flavors, around Thanksgiving.
- Aleia's: Aleia's is a brand I've come to love and trust. Not only do they carry delicious gluten-free stuffing mix, but I love their bread crumbs as well! All products are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
- Gillian's Foods: Makes a gluten-free home-style stuffing mix. Gillian's has been in business over 25 years and operates a certified gluten-free, dedicated sesame, peanut free, and tree nuts free facility.
- Green Giant Riced Cauliflower Stuffing: Find this in the freezer aisle. It is riced cauliflower with carrots, celery, onion, cranberries, garlic, and herbs. Not a traditional stuffing, but it is advertised as gluten-free.
- Hy-Vee Good Graces: Good Graces is sold exclusively at Hy-Vee grocery stores. They carry a decent selection of gluten-free options, like microwave dinners, seasoning packets, breadcrumbs, baking mixes, and a gluten-free stuffing mix.
- Mom's Place Gluten-Free: Mom's Place is a reputable online business specializing in gluten-free products. They carry over 100 gluten-free mixes, including seasonings, onion soup mix, licorice, crescent roll mix, and much more, which includes a savory gluten-free stuffing mix.
- Olivia's Croutons: This company makes a Gluten-Free Rosemary & Sage Stuffing with wheat-free, whole-grain bread that’s baked in a dedicated kitchen.
- Three Bakers: The Three Bakers stuffing mix was awarded 1st place for Best Stuffing Mix in the 2018 Gluten Free Awards.
- Trader Joe's: Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing Mix is seasoned with traditional poultry spices and other flavors, like chicken broth, onion, celery, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Whole Foods: May carry gluten-free stuffing cubes around the holidays.
- Williams Sonoma: Williams Sonoma carries several gluten-free baking mixes around the holidays, gluten-free stuffing being one of them.
Tips for Preparing Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix
Preparing gluten-free stuffing mix can be just as delicious as traditional stuffing with a few key tips in mind. Here are some tips for making gluten-free stuffing mix:
- Gluten-Free Broth: When making your stuffing, use gluten-free chicken broth or vegetable broth or a gluten-free bouillon, as not all are actually gluten-free.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh ingredients like turkey drippings, sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and herbs. These will contribute to a more homemade taste.
- Don't Overmix: Mix gently, as gluten-free bread tends to crumble more easily than regular bread.
- Cover While Baking: Covering your stuffing while it bakes can help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Remove the cover the last 15 minutes to achieve a crispy top.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure your stuffing is thoroughly cooked by checking the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
- Cross-Contamination: Be vigilant about avoiding cross-contamination in your kitchen. Use clean utensils, pots, and pans, and avoid any shared surfaces or equipment that may have come into contact with gluten.
Want more gluten-free tips? Check out my tips for making a gluten-free cake mix taste better!
Ways to Use Stuffing Mix
Stuffing mix isn't just for Thanksgiving; it's a versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways:
- Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing: Stuffing mix is often used to prepare the classic Thanksgiving stuffing, whether stuffed inside the cavity of a turkey or baked a greased casserole dish.
- Meatloaf Filling: Stuffing mix can be blended into meatloaf or meatball recipes to add extra flavor and texture to the ground meat.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Fill vegetables, like tomatoes or mushrooms, with prepared stuffing mix for a flavorful appetizer or light dinner.
- Filling for Stuffed Peppers: Stuffing mix can be used in the filling for stuffed bell peppers, providing a flavorful mixture to stuff inside the peppers before baking.
- Casseroles: Use prepared stuffing mix as a flavorful and crunchy topping for casseroles.
- Breakfast Casserole: Use stuffing mix as a base for gluten-free breakfast casseroles or gluten-free breakfast stratas, combine it with eggs, cheese, and other ingredients for a savory morning meal.
- Crust for Quiches or Pies: Crushed stuffing mix can be used as a crust for quiches or savory pies.
- Breading for Fried Foods: Crushed stuffing mix can be used as a breading for fried foods like gluten-free chicken tenders, gluten-free chicken nuggets, or pork chops.
- Snack Mix: Use crushed stuffing mix as an ingredient in homemade snack mixes, combine it with nuts, pretzels, and other seasonings for a savory gluten-free snack mix.
Homemade Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipes
If you have a loaf of gluten-free bread, you can also make homemade stuffing. Check out my easy recipes for classic gluten-free stuffing or gluten-free cornbread stuffing.
Tips for Homemade Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Toast the bread cubes first. Essentially, you want to start with gluten-free croutons, which helps the stuffing hold it's structure.
- Gently mix the stuffing, gluten-free bread is more likely to crumble apart.
- Use your favorite gluten-free bread. My favorite store-bought breads are Canyon Bakehouse, Schar, and Rudi's.
What to Serve with Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix
Looking for more recipes to serve next to your turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce? Be sure to check out our delicious gluten-free Thanksgiving side dish recipes and these gluten-free Thanksgiving pumpkin desserts!
Gluten-Free Stuffing FAQs
Stovetop stuffing is not gluten-free. It is made with wheat flour, which contains gluten.
Pepperidge Farms stuffing mixes are not gluten-free. They are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten.
There are several companies that make gluten-free stuffing mixes; Aleia's, Gillian's Foods, Mom's Place Gluten-Free, Olivia's Croutons, Three Bakers, Trader Joe's, and Williams Sonoma. Some are only available near the holiday season.
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