Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (2024)

  • Thanksgiving Stuffings
  • Thanksgiving Side Dishes
  • Christmas Side Dishes

Thanksgiving stuffing with toasted cornbread, sausage, and sage is a great gluten-free side dish for Thanksgiving. Plus, you can make it ahead!

By

Elizabeth Stark

Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (1)

Elizabeth Stark

Elizabeth has been sharing seasonal recipes on her blog Brooklyn Supper for over ten years. She's been contributing to Simply Recipes since 2016.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated February 20, 2023

Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (2)

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Simple swaps can give old favorites new life, don't you think? This stuffing recipe opts for cornbread!

In this Thanksgiving stuffing recipe, I swapped traditional cubes of rustic white bread for toasted cornbread to make a stuffing that feels fresh without straying too far from the familiar (and beloved).

Why Use Cornbread in Stuffing?

Cornbread lends a faint sweetness to the stuffing and a distinctive toothsome texture, while flavors like browned sausage and fresh sage strike familiar flavor notes. Cornbread stuffing is also an excellent option for those who need to eat gluten-free.

This stuffing ends up closer to a classic Thanksgiving bread stuffing than a true Southern-style cornbread stuffing, but with flavors and ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (4)

How to Make Cornbread Stuffing—Gluten Free!

To make cornbread stuffing, you'll first need to make cornbread. I used Elise's classic Southern cornbread recipe from here on Simply Recipes.

Her cornbread recipe has a gluten-free version and a version that uses some flour. I found that the all-cornmeal (gluten-free) cornbread was more crumbly and, likewise, made a more crumbly stuffing. Cornbread made with some all-purpose flour held its shape better in the stuffing, giving me larger pieces of cornbread in each bite.

Both cornbread recipes work fine in this recipe, so pick the one that works best for you. Either way, you'll end up with a delicious stuffing.

Make-Ahead Suggestions

You can make the cornbread for this recipe up to three days ahead, wrap it in plastic, and store it on the counter. You can also make it well in advance and freeze it until needed; thaw before using.

The stuffing can also be assembled up to a day in advance and then baked just before serving.

Here Are More Options for Thanksgiving Stuffing!

  • Mom's Turkey Stuffing
  • Sweet Potato and Pork Stuffing
  • Wild Rice Dressing
  • Cornbread Stuffing With Green Olives and Pecans

Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Total Time60 mins

Servings8to 10 servings

The cornbread can be prepared several days ahead.

The prepared stuffing can also be prepared the day ahead and kept refrigerated.

Ingredients

  • 1 piece cornbread

  • 1 teaspoon oil (or other neutral, heat tolerant cooking oil)

  • 1 1/2 pounds sweet or mild Italian sausage, (4 to 6 links), casings removed and broken into bite-sized pieces

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 1 medium yellow onion

  • 4 ribs celery, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

  • 2 cups low sodium chicken stock

  • 4 large eggs

Method

  1. Toast the cornbread cubes:

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut the cornbread into 1/2-inch cubes; you should have about 8 cups. Spread them on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toast the cubes in oven for 10 minutes, flip, and toast 10 minutes more or until cubes look toasted and golden (about 20 minutes total). Let the cubes cool slightly, and then place in a large mixing bowl.

    Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (5)

  2. Turn oven heat up to 375°F:

    Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Set aside.

  3. Brown the sausage:

    Set a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil and then sausage. Use a spoon to break sausage into smaller hunks as it cooks. Cook until the sausage nicely browned on all sides, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a bowl and pour off pork fat.

    Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (6)

  4. Cook the onions and celery:

    Turn the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons butter. Add onions, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook 7 minutes or until very tender and fragrant. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

    Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (7)

  5. Combine the stuffing ingredients:

    Spoon the onion mixture over the toasted cornbread. Fold in browned sausage, herbs, and stock. Taste and add salt as needed. Finally, fold in the eggs and mix until well combined. Some of the cornbread will crumble, which is fine.

    Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (8)

    Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (9)

  6. Spoon stuffing into buttered baking dish:

    At this point, stuffing can be covered and refrigerated for 1 day.

    Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (10)

  7. Bake the stuffing:

    When ready, bake stuffing until piping hot and golden brown on top, 35 to 45 minutes. If the stuffing begins to brown too much on top during bake time, cover loosely with foil. Serve hot.

    Love the recipe? Leave us some stars below!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
437Calories
28g Fat
26g Carbs
20g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8to 10
Amount per serving
Calories437
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 28g36%
Saturated Fat 10g52%
Cholesterol 142mg47%
Sodium 976mg42%
Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
Dietary Fiber 0g2%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 20g
Vitamin C 4mg18%
Calcium 162mg12%
Iron 3mg16%
Potassium 416mg9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Need a Gluten-Free Stuffing? Try This Sausage, Sage, and Cornbread Stuffing (2024)

FAQs

Does Pepperidge Farm have gluten free stuffing? ›

Does Pepperidge Farm make gluten-free stuffing? No, Pepperidge Farm stuffing is not gluten-free. The Classic Cornbread Stuffing is made from wheat flour and malted barley flour, which both include gluten.

Does cornbread stuffing contain gluten? ›

While corn IS gluten free, most cornbread recipes also include regular, all-purpose flour which makes them NOT gluten free. My cornbread recipe swaps all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Easy! That said, store-bought stuffing mixes like Stove Top Cornbread Stuffing can be deceiving.

What does adding egg to stuffing do? ›

Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture.

What is gluten free stuffing made of? ›

Toasted gluten free bread cubes are tossed with sizzling Italian sausage, savory Parmesan cheese, buttery vegetables, and fresh herbs and garlic, then drizzled with just enough broth to create a stuffing that's creamy in the center and crispy on top after baking.

Who makes gluten-free stuffing? ›

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.

Does Aldi's carry gluten-free stuffing? ›

Gluten Free Stuffing and French Fried Onions

I can still find the Aldi's gluten free stuffing at my store.

Why is cornbread not gluten-free? ›

While corn is gluten free, most cornbread recipes also include regular, all-purpose flour which makes them not gluten free. That said, my recipe swaps all-purpose flour with a measure-for-measure / 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Is Trader Joe's cornbread gluten-free? ›

Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix. This gluten-free mix is easy to use; just add eggs, oil, and milk. Trader Joe's. Choose 1, 2, 3, or 4 Boxes!

Does Jiffy mix contain gluten? ›

No. Our current facility does not support the manufacture of gluten-free mixes.

What can you use as a binder instead of eggs in stuffing? ›

Cornstarch. This is our binder! Cornstarch makes a great egg substitute in vegan baked goods. Turns out it's great for making an eggless stuffing as well!

What makes stuffing unhealthy? ›

Typically high in fat, carbs and salt, stuffing can be made fresh or purchased chilled, frozen or dehydrated. Traditionally, a stuffing would use the giblets of the bird with the addition of sausage meat, a source of starch, such as bread, with some aromatics such as onion, herbs and spices.

Why do people put mayo on eggs? ›

By adding Mayo to eggs, you're really enhancing the texture of the eggs. rather than the flavor. Not to mention, chosen foods classic Mayo. made with 100% pure avocado oil is so delicious, too.

Are potatoes gluten-free? ›

The simple answer is yes — potatoes are gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. Potatoes aren't grains, they're a type of starchy vegetable. That's good news for people who can't tolerate gluten because they have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

What hidden ingredients are not gluten-free? ›

Gluten-containing ingredients to avoid: malt, malt flavor, malt extract, malt vinegar, brewer's yeast, and ingredients with the words “wheat,” “barley,” or “rye” in the name or in parentheses after the name. Examples of ingredients to avoid: dextrin (wheat), wheat starch, malt extract (barley).

Is sausage gluten-free? ›

Sausages

While there are plenty of gluten-free versions available, your regular sausages often contain rusk made from wheat.

Does roasted turkey with stuffing have gluten? ›

Turkey that has been stuffed with a bread dressing is the first obstacle because even the meat on the outside of the bird can be contaminated with gluten from the dressing. This is really one tradition that we all should avoid.

What can gluten-free people eat at Thanksgiving? ›

Here's a list of foods that are usually gluten-free:
  • Turkey (check with the producer to ensure that wheat-based gravy or stuffing hasn't been added to the turkey.)
  • Cranberries and cranberry sauce.
  • Sweet Potatoes.
  • White Potatoes.
  • Fresh, roasted, or steamed vegetables without sauce (sauces often contain wheat)

Are Pepperidge Farm buns gluten-free? ›

This product has 5 ingredients that have gluten. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?

Is stuffing celiac safe? ›

Regular stuffing (cooked inside the turkey) and dressing (made in a pan) start with dried cubes of bread, typically made with gluten. Gluten-free bread, however, is a perfectly acceptable substitute when you make your own! Cut slices of gluten-free bread into cubes, and let it dry out, either overnight or in an oven.

References

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