I recently suggested to my husband that we spend Thanksgiving feasting at one of Disneyland's prix fixe holiday meals. His response... "Why would we go anywhere? You make the best Thanksgiving meal!"
He's right. And this savory stuffing is one of the reasons.
I have been making my crockpot stuffing recipe for nearly ten years, ever since my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease right before Thanksgiving.
That first big Thanksgiving dinner was trial by fire, but 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
- This side dish is full of delicious flavor.
- Your guests won't know the stuffing gluten-free! You are not missing anything by cutting out the gluten.
- This easy slow cooker recipe is time-saving and space-saving. Both are at a premium on Thanksgiving. This flavorful, gluten-free stuffing recipe is made in your crockpot, freeing up precious oven space on Thanksgiving day.
- The timing is perfect, always! If your stuffing is finished before your turkey is ready, switch your crockpot to warm.
Whether you are new to celiac disease, are replacing classic stuffing to accommodate Thanksgiving guests on gluten-free diets, or were simply unhappy with last year's attempt at gluten-free stuffing... you will love this easy recipe.
Next year, you won't have to search for the perfect stuffing recipe. Once you discover how simple and amazing this stuffing is, print out the recipe card. It will be your go-to stuffing year after year.
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Equipment
Slow Cooker
This is a large recipe, designed for a feast on the big day.
I recommend a large, oval slow cooker. Crock Pot has an excellent affordable 7 Quart Slow Cooker that is perfect for making this traditional gluten-free stuffing recipe.
You can cut the recipe in half for a smaller 3-4 quart, round, slow cooker and smaller crowd.
Thoughts on the Instant Pot's Slow Cooker Setting
Sadly, my much-loved Crockpot broke recently. To save space in my small kitchen, I tried multi-tasking my Instant Pot and by making stuffing on the slow cooker setting.
It was good, but not the best.
A traditional slow cooker or Crockpot has a vented lid that allows moisture to escape, creating an ideal stuffing texture.
Plus, a Crockpot gets hotter than the Instant Pot during slow cooking, giving you the perfect little crispies along the bottom of your stuffing. That crispy part of the stuffing is so important to me that I am replacing my slow cooker just for this recipe!
If you are using an Instant Pot, I recommend you make the following adjustments: reduce the broth to three cups, and set the heat to high (labled "more") for the entire cook time.
Using Someone Else's Slow Cooker
One Thanksgivng, I made this recipe far from home, in my sister's "gluten-full" kitchen. I used a slow cooker liner to prevent cross-contact with any possible gluten residue on her slow cooker.
Ingredients
Butter
Let's just get this out there... this recipe has a lot of butter. It's what makes it taste so amazing!
Vegetables: Onion, Celery, Fresh Parsley, & Mushrooms
The aroma of these veggies sauteeing in butter will immediately give you all the holiday feels.
Thanksgiving Day Time-Saving Tip! Buy prechopped veggies or prep them a day ahead.
Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix with Seasoning Package - 2 Boxes
You will need two boxes of gluten-free stuffing mix.
Each box includes a spice packet, that you'll add to the stuffing mix. Keeping it simple!
Best Gluten-Free Stuffing Brand: Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix
My absolute favorite brand is Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix.
If you can't get your hands on the Trader Joe's brand, gluten-free stuffing mixes are pretty widely available in most grocery stores leading up to Thanksgiving.
Tip! Buy your boxed stuffing in early November, just in case it sells out. Remember, this recipe calls for two boxes of gluten-free stuffing mix.
It is a good idea to grab a couple of extra boxes now to keep on hand for upcoming holidays or throughout the year. Just double-check the expiration dates.
Warning! Before the big day, open your stuffing mix, smell it, and taste one cube (if it smells bad, don't taste). For the past couple of holiday seasons, this product has had random issues. Some gluten-free shoppers have reported Trader Joe's and ALDI's gluten-free stuffing being rancid. Not all, not most, but if it happens to you, it is incredibly disappointing to have your work and expensive ingredients wasted... especially when looking forward to a traditional holiday side dish.
Gluten-Free Chicken Broth
Be sure to check the label and buy gluten-free broth. I use Pacific Foods Chicken Broth.
The recipe calls for 4 cups, which is equivalent to one 32 oz carton.
Vegetarian Option: substitute Gluten-Free Vegetable Broth.
Large Eggs
Eggs act as a binder for the stuffing. They are especially helpful in gluten-free stuffing, which lacks the natural binding properties of gluten.
Step-by-Step Directions
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.
Place the stuffing cubes and seasoning packets in the crock pot. Pour mixture of vegetables and butter over the stuffing mix. Stir gently.
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.
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.
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 large bowl and set in on your Thanksgiving table.
Leftovers
Extra stuffing leftover? Store it 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 the oven at 350℉ for 20-30 minutes. If reheating from from frozen, add additional time for the stuffing to fully heat all the way through.
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 Thankgfivng:
- 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)
Slow Cooker Gluten-Free Stuffing
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, combine bread cubes, vegetables, and the seasoning package (included with the stuffing mix).
- Pour in broth.
- Mix in 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.
