10 Amazing Gluten-Free Stuffing Ideas for Holiday Dinners

Holiday meals shouldn’t leave anyone out, especially when it comes to that beloved side dish we all crave. These gluten-free stuffing recipes prove you don’t need wheat to create something absolutely delicious.

From rice-based varieties to creative bread alternatives, each recipe delivers the comfort and flavor your family expects from traditional stuffing.

01. Spicy Rice and Sausage Holiday Stuffing

Bold Cajun flavors transform rice and sausage into an unforgettable stuffing. This hearty dish stands beautifully on its own or makes perfect turkey stuffing.

Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice, 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, 1 large yellow onion (diced), 3 celery stalks (chopped), 1 green bell pepper (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 4 cups chicken broth, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Spicy Rice and Sausage Holiday Stuffing

1. Cook sausage in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until deeply browned and crispy, about 8 minutes, then transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.

2. Add diced onion, celery, and bell pepper to the same pot with the rendered sausage fat. Sauté vegetables until softened and lightly golden, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Stir in minced garlic, rice, Cajun seasoning, and thyme, cooking for 2 minutes until rice is lightly toasted and fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and return cooked sausage to the pot.

4. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed completely.

02. Classic Herb Gluten-Free Bread Stuffing

Traditional stuffing flavors shine in this gluten-free version made with specially cubed bread. Fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables create that familiar Thanksgiving taste everyone loves.

Ingredients: 12 cups gluten-free bread cubes (dried overnight), 1 large onion (chopped), 4 celery stalks (diced), 2 leeks (white parts only, sliced), 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 2 large eggs (beaten), 4 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons dried sage, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Classic Herb Gluten-Free Bread Stuffing

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter. Place dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and set aside while you prepare the vegetable mixture.

2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onion, celery, and sliced leeks. Cook vegetables until softened and translucent, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.

3. Add sage, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet, cooking for another minute until herbs become fragrant. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes and toss well to distribute evenly.

4. Whisk together broth and beaten eggs, then pour over bread mixture. Gently fold everything together until bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.

5. Transfer stuffing to prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes until top is golden brown and center is heated through completely.

03. Coconut Oil Herb-Crusted Vegan Stuffing

Crispy gluten-free bread cubes get perfectly seasoned with coconut oil and fresh herbs. This vegan-friendly stuffing delivers incredible flavor without any animal products.

Ingredients: 10 cups gluten-free bread cubes, 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted), 1 large onion (diced), 3 celery stalks (chopped), 3 cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (minced), 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Coconut Oil Herb-Crusted Vegan Stuffing

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and spread bread cubes on two large baking sheets. Drizzle with half the melted coconut oil and toss until evenly coated, then bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.

2. Heat remaining coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in all fresh and dried herbs, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add this mixture to toasted bread cubes in a large bowl, tossing gently to combine all ingredients.

4. Gradually pour vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring carefully until bread is moistened but still holds its shape. Season generously with salt and pepper.

5. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until top is beautifully browned and edges are slightly crispy.

04. Chickpea and Mushroom Protein Stuffing

Hearty chickpeas replace bread in this innovative stuffing recipe. Earthy mushrooms and garlic create rich, satisfying flavors that will surprise even traditional stuffing lovers.

Ingredients: 3 cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 pound mixed mushrooms (sliced), 1 large onion (chopped), 6 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons dried sage, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Chickpea and Mushroom Protein Stuffing

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until deeply golden brown on one side, then stir and continue cooking until tender.

2. Add chopped onion to the mushrooms and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, sage, and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant throughout.

3. Add chickpeas to the pot and gently mash about half of them with a wooden spoon, leaving the rest whole for texture. This creates a perfect stuffing-like consistency.

4. Pour in vegetable broth gradually, stirring gently to combine. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid reduces and flavors meld together beautifully.

5. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm.

05. Microwave Rice and Chicken Stuffing

Quick and convenient microwave cooking makes this rice stuffing perfect for busy holidays. Tender chicken and aromatic seasonings create a complete side dish in minutes.

Ingredients: 2 cups instant rice, 1 pound cooked chicken (diced), 1 large onion (chopped), 3 celery stalks (diced), 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Microwave Rice and Chicken Stuffing

1. Combine chopped onion, celery, and butter in a large microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until vegetables are tender and fragrant.

2. Add instant rice, poultry seasoning, and sage to the vegetables, stirring well to coat rice with the seasoned butter mixture and distribute herbs evenly throughout.

3. Pour chicken broth over the rice mixture and stir thoroughly. Cover tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving one corner slightly vented for steam to escape safely.

4. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Let stand covered for 5 minutes to finish cooking.

5. Fluff with a fork, then gently fold in diced chicken and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.

06. Apple Celery No-Fuss Holiday Stuffing

Sweet apples add natural flavor to this simple gluten-free stuffing. Minimal prep work makes this recipe perfect when you need delicious results without the stress.

Ingredients: 8 cups gluten-free bread cubes (stale), 2 large apples (peeled and diced), 1 large onion (chopped), 4 celery stalks (diced), 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 2 large eggs (beaten), 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Apple Celery No-Fuss Holiday Stuffing

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 2-quart baking dish thoroughly. Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and set aside while you prepare the apple and vegetable mixture.

2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onion and celery. Cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

3. Add diced apples, sage, and thyme to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until apples start to soften slightly but still hold their shape well.

4. Pour this mixture over bread cubes and toss gently. Whisk together chicken broth and beaten eggs, then pour over bread mixture, stirring until evenly moistened.

5. Transfer to prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set when tested with a knife.

07. Homemade Vegan Bread Stuffing Supreme

This scratch-made vegan stuffing rivals any traditional recipe with incredible flavor. Make-ahead friendly preparation saves precious time during your busy holiday cooking schedule.

Ingredients: 10 cups gluten-free bread cubes (toasted), 1 large onion (diced), 4 celery stalks (chopped), 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (minced), 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped), salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Homemade Vegan Bread Stuffing Supreme

1. Toast bread cubes on baking sheets at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until completely dried and lightly golden. This step can be done up to two days ahead for convenience.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until vegetables are tender and beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Stir in fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until herbs release their aromatic oils. Add chopped walnuts and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Combine toasted bread cubes with the vegetable mixture in a large bowl, tossing gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.

5. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring carefully until bread is moistened but not soggy. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.

08. Butternut Squash Quinoa Stuffing Medley

Nutty quinoa combines with sweet butternut squash and dried fruits for elegant stuffing. This colorful dish works beautifully as stuffing or a standalone vegetarian main course.

Ingredients: 2 cups quinoa (rinsed), 3 cups butternut squash (cubed), 1 medium zucchini (diced), 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup dried apricots (chopped), 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 green onions (sliced), 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tablespoons lime juice, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Butternut Squash Quinoa Stuffing Medley

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.

2. Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rinsed quinoa and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and fragrant.

3. Add vegetable broth to the quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.

4. Stir in diced zucchini, dried cranberries, and chopped apricots during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing zucchini to soften slightly while maintaining some texture.

5. Remove from heat and gently fold in roasted butternut squash, sliced green onions, fresh parsley, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

09. Turkey and Apple Sage Stuffing

Ground turkey adds protein to this hearty gluten-free stuffing recipe. Sweet apples and earthy sage create the perfect balance of flavors for your holiday table.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 8 cups gluten-free bread cubes, 2 large apples (peeled and diced), 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced), 1 large onion (chopped), 2 cups chicken broth, 2 large eggs (beaten), 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped), 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Turkey and Apple Sage Stuffing

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

2. Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the turkey, cooking until vegetables are softened and mushrooms have released their moisture, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in diced apples and fresh sage, cooking for 3-4 minutes until apples begin to soften but still hold their shape nicely.

4. Place bread cubes in a large bowl and add the turkey mixture, tossing gently to combine. Whisk together chicken broth and beaten eggs, then pour over the mixture.

5. Stir until bread is evenly moistened, then transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown and center is heated through.

10. Classic Rice Stuffing with Fresh Herbs

Simple rice transforms into elegant holiday stuffing with aromatic herbs and vegetables. This naturally gluten-free recipe delivers traditional flavors everyone will recognize and love.

Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice, 1 large onion (chopped), 3 celery stalks (diced), 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (sliced), 4 cups chicken broth, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons dried sage, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Classic Rice Stuffing with Fresh Herbs

1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced celery, cooking until vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5 minutes, allowing excess liquid to evaporate completely.

3. Stir in rice, sage, and thyme, cooking for 2-3 minutes until rice is lightly toasted and coated with the herb-infused butter mixture.

4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

5. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Final Thoughts

These gluten-free stuffing recipes prove that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor or tradition. Each option brings something special to your holiday table.

Whether you choose rice-based varieties or creative alternatives, your guests will be impressed by these delicious and inclusive holiday sides.