This easy and delicious Gluten-Free Stuffing cooks in your slow-cooker, saving precious oven space for a Gluten-Free Rosemary Turkey and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars.
I have been making my crockpot stuffing recipe for over ten years, ever since my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease right before Thanksgiving. This recipe never ceases to delight gluten-free and gluten-eating guests alike.
Our first gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner was trial by fire. Thankfully, it went much better than the year I subjected friends to a Weight Watchers Thanksgiving. (yes, they still talk to me)
Why You'll Love Gluten-free Slow Cooker Stuffing
- Your guests won't know this holiday staple is gluten-free! This side dish is full of delicious flavor. Plus, the crockpot delivers those same irresistible crispy edges you love from oven-baked stuffing.
- This easy slow cooker recipe frees up valuable oven space, which is at a premium on Thanksgiving.
- The timing is perfect, always! If your stuffing is finished before your turkey is ready, switch your crockpot to warm.
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Jump to:
- Why You'll Love Gluten-free Slow Cooker Stuffing
- 5-Star Review
- Key Ingredients
- Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Expert Tips!
- How to Make Slow Cooker Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Storing & Reheating
- Halving the Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Gluten-Free Thanksgiving
- Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Tips
- Gluten-Free Christmas
- Easy Gluten-Free Stuffing (Slow Cooker)
5-Star Review
"This recipe is a keeper and I'll make it anytime I need great stuffing!"
- Christina H.
Whether you are adjusting to a new celiac diagnosis or are accommodating gluten-free guests this Thanksgiving, you will love this easy recipe. It will be your go-to stuffing year after year!
Key Ingredients
Butter: There's no hiding it... this recipe calls for a lot of butter. That's what makes it so good!
Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix: You'll need two boxes! This crockpot recipe feeds a crowd. Be sure to purchase a gluten-free stuffing mix that includes a seasoning packet.
Gluten-Free Chicken Broth: The recipe calls for 4 cups, which is equivalent to one 32-oz carton. Be sure to check the label and buy gluten-free broth. I use Pacific Foods Chicken Broth.
If you are buying stuffing mix at Trader Joe's, this is the perfect time to pick up Holiday Hash from the refrigerator section to make a simple Trader Joe's Holiday Hash Frittata for Thanksgiving breakfast.
Thanksgiving Day Time-Saving Tip! Buy pre-chopped veggies or prep them a day ahead.
Substitutions
Mix-Ins
The recipe calls for onion, celery, fresh parsley, & mushrooms, but the recipe is very forgiving! You can substitute mix-ins from your family's favorite recipe. Just keep the overall quantities the same and consider the texture of the mix-ins. Ingredients that need to remain crispy should be added at or near the end of cooking.
Try these popular stuffing combinations:
- Sausage + apple + sage
- Mushroom + thyme + Parmesan
- Cranberry + pecan + orange zest (Add roasted pecans after cooking.)
- Bacon + Brussels sprouts + shallot (Add half of the roasted bacon and Brussels sprouts during the last 30 minutes in the slow cooker, and the remaining half after cooking.)
Ask AI for more Variations!
Disclaimer: Go Gluten Freely is not responsible for AI responses. As you know, AI has a mind of its own and sometimes makes stuff up. Please verify that any AI recommendations are actually gluten-free.
Vegetarian Option
Substitute Gluten-Free Vegetable Broth to make this stuffing a vegetarian side dish. Confirm your boxed stuffing mix seasoning packet is also vegetarian.
Gluten-Free Expert Tips!
- Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix is a seasonal item in many stores. Buy yours in early November, just in case it sells out.
- Remember, this recipe calls for two boxes of gluten-free stuffing mix. Leave plenty for your gluten-free neighbors, but consider grabbing a couple of extra boxes for upcoming holidays.
- Open your stuffing mix and confirm it is fresh a few days before the big day. For the past couple of holiday seasons, some gluten-free shoppers have reported Trader Joe's and ALDI's gluten-free stuffing being rancid. It is rare, but you don't want it to ruin this popular Thanksgiving side dish.
- For a Thanksgiving away from home, you can still make this recipe in someone else's "gluten-full" kitchen. Simply use a slow cooker liner to prevent cross-contact with any possible gluten residue on the slow cooker.
How to Make Slow Cooker Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Step 1: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, celery, parsley, and mushrooms in butter for approximately 10 minutes. (Right about now, your house should start to smell like Thanksgiving.) The vegetables are ready when the onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Place the stuffing cubes and seasoning packets in the crock pot. Pour the mixture of vegetables and butter over the stuffing mix. Stir gently.
- Step 3: Pour in the broth. Then, mix in the eggs, stirring gently. The visible liquid will be absorbed by the dried bread cubes during the first 45 minutes in the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Set the slow cooker to high heat, and cook the stuffing for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, stir the mixture gently. Be careful not to over-stir, as the moist breadcrumbs are especially delicate.
- Step 5: Set the crockpot to low heat, and cook for 4 hours. If the stuffing is ready before your turkey, reduce the heat to warm until ready to serve. Transfer the stuffing to a serving bowl for your Thanksgiving table or leave it in the slow cooker for a buffet!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three or four days or in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat, add a splash of broth, then bake in an oven-safe baking dish at 350℉ for 20-30 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add additional time for the stuffing to fully heat all the way through.
Halving the Recipe
This is a generous recipe, designed for hungry guests at a Thanksgiving feast.
For a smaller crowd, halve all of the ingredients, keep cook times the same, and use a smaller, 3-4 quart (round-style) slow cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you can't find a boxed gluten-free stuffing mix, you can make your own bread cubes. You'll need two loaves of gluten-free bread, cut into large cubes. Toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Place bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet and bake for approximately 30 minutes until dry and lightly toasted, stirring every 10 minutes. Then, allow to cool while preparing and sautéing vegetables.
Remember to replace the spices from the seasoning pack. Recommended: 2 tablespoons sage, 2 tablespoons thyme, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons rosemary, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon powdered garlic.
Absolutely! You can omit any vegetables you don't enjoy or replace them with your favorite flavors or mix-ins from your family recipe, like apples, sausage, dried cranberries, or extra herbs. Just keep the overall ratios similar so the texture stays perfect. And don't cut back on the butter!
Yes. I have tested this recipe with several brands of gluten-free stuffing, always with great results. Use your favorite brand, as long as it includes a seasoning packet. I typically use Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix. Keep in mind, this is often a seasonal item, available around the holidays.
It is not recommended to use an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker. The stuffing turns out too moist and lacks the crisp edges you get from the slow cooker. If the Instant Pot is your only option, reduce the broth to 3 cups and cook on high heat.
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving
- 35 Gluten-Free Fall Desserts to Spice up the Season
- 25 Gluten-Free Holiday Sides Everyone Will Love!
- Gluten-Free Rosemary Roasted Turkey & Gravy: Easy Recipe
- Simplify Your Gluten-Free Thanksgiving! (Free Printable Planner, Recipes & Tips)
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Tips
Tackling the holiday season on a gluten-free diet can be daunting. You're seeking out new gluten-free recipes to replace your family favorites.
Here are additional articles and resources to help you truly enjoy a gluten-free Thanksgiving:
- How to Simplify Your Gluten-Free Thanksgiving: gluten-free tips and a full Thanksgiving menu with recipes
- 8 Thanksgiving Tips for When You Are the Gluten-Free Guest
- Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Planner (Free Printable)
Gluten-Free Christmas
- Trader Joe's Holiday Vegetable Hash & Pesto Frittata
- Gluten-Free Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Cookie Bars
- Eggnog Crème Brûlée
- 30 Gluten-Free Christmas Brunch Recipes for a Festive Morning!
I hope you love this Slow Cooker Gluten-Free Stuffing as much as we do! If you give it a try, please leave a comment and star rating below. I'd love to hear from you!
Easy Gluten-Free Stuffing (Slow Cooker)
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups onion chopped
- 2 cups celery chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 12 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 2 12-oz boxes gluten-free stuffing mix with seasoning package I recommend Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix
- 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth Pacific Foods Chicken Broth is labeled gluten-free
- 2 eggs beaten
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, parsley, and mushrooms in butter for approximately 10 minutes, until onions are translucent.
- In the slow cooker, gently combine bread cubes, vegetable-butter mixture, and the seasoning package (included with the stuffing mix).
- Pour in broth.
- Carefully mix in beaten eggs.
- Cook on high for 45 minutes.
- Stir gently. Reduce heat to low, and cook for 4 hours.
- If the stuffing is ready before the turkey, reduce heat to warm until ready to serve.
Heather says
My whole family loves this stuffing—and everyone, whether gluten-free or not, goes back for seconds (or more).
Christina H says
I had a box of Trader Joes GF Stuffing in my pantry and was looking for a way to elevate it for Thanksgiving. This recipe was exactly what it needed. I added in a handful of Trader Joes dried cranberries and cooked ground sausage as well. The stuffing is so good I'm sure everyone will eat it. This recipe is a keeper and I'll make it anytime I need great stuffing.
GoGlutenFreely says
I'm so glad you loved it, Christina! Cranberries and sausage sound like a delicious addition.