Nothing says Thanksgiving like the smell of cozy herbs like rosemary and thyme dancing down your hallways. As I tested this recipe a few times during the week, our house was blanketed in that scent, happily ushering in the start of the holiday season.
With chunky cubes of whole grain bread as a base and pockets of sautéed brussels sprouts and mushrooms throughout, this gluten-free vegetarian stuffing is a charmer. Dried cranberries add pops of color and a little sweetness, the perfect balance to the savory depths of the dish. Plain and simple, it’s a combination I can’t get enough of.
I won’t deny that StoveTop Stuffing was one of the first things I learned to “make” when I was young. Sadly I would eat that, but not the rich, sausage & onion laced dressing that Aunt Shirley would bring to Thanksgiving every year.
Since you eat with your eyes more than ever at that age, the mushy pile of pale and stale bread didn’t appeal to me, even though everyone else swore by it. I’m kicking myself now knowing some foods have a “don’t judge a book by its cover” quality.
I’m thrilled to be sharing my version of stuffing as part of a virtual Friendsgiving, hosted by the lovely Renee of Will Frolic for Food and J.Q Dickinson Salt Company. As much of the holidays are played out in tradition, this 7th generation salt-making family represents that word like few companies can.
Located in West Virginia, they hand harvest the salt from the ancient Iapetus Ocean trapped underneath Appalachian mountains. They use solar-powered evaporation houses, where the salt crystals take about three weeks to separate from the salty brine. It’s clearly a passion, and there’s clearly a difference in taste.
What might surprise some people is that salt is a lot like wine, where terroir and other characteristics define each one. Think about what you use is. Is it thin, delicate flakes or chunkier crystals? Are the crystals small like grains of sand or big and square? Is the flavor of the salt subtle or bold? Is there a brininess or earthiness? Yes, this might be a little nerdy, but it’s fun to taste and learn.
When I received the salt, (with beautiful labeling, snug in a burlap bag – clearly a great gift) I wanted to taste it with something simple. I toasted a piece of bread, spread it with avocado and sprinkled it with a bit of the salt. Heaven. Just a few crystals elevated the buttery, sweet characteristics of the avocado. The slight crunch against the smooth texture was absolutely perfect.
And although I was happy with this bountiful stuffing when I made it for my latest segment on Twin Cities Live (a Gluten-Free Thanksgiving!), the avocado toast experience pushed me to make it again.
Just a few bites in, I could tell the difference. It brought out even more umami from the brussels sprouts and mushrooms. The nuttiness of the millet and chia bread shined through. It added depth to the savory herbs, matching their scents that floated out of the oven. And a few crystals sprinkled on top were the perfect finishing touch.
Whether you decide to call it stuffing or dressing and whomever you may be gathering with, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for you as readers, the friends I’ve met through this beautiful world wide web, and for the farmers who grow us the food that nourishes our body and soul. Amen, xo.
Gluten-Free Vegetarian Stuffing with Brussels Sprouts
A gluten-free Thanksgiving stuffing with brussesl sprouts!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped leeks
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and diced
- 3/4 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more for finishing
- 8 cups cubed Udi's gluten free bread
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced, fresh thyme
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Leave the cubed bread sit out uncovered as you are preparing the rest of the ingredients. To begin, preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add leeks and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Stir in mushrooms and a pinch of salt, then cook for 4 minutes, until mushrooms start to sweat.
- Stir In brussels sprouts, salt and pepper and cook for another 4 minutes. Add 1/2 cup broth and the apple cider vinegar, bring to boil. Cook until just a little liquid remains.
- Dump into a large bowl, followed by the bread. Drizzle remaining broth over the mixture, followed by the eggs, herbs, and cranberries.
- Stir well to coat and allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bread has turned golden brown. Serve warm.
Looks gorgeous, Amanda!
thanks friend :) happy early thanksgiving to you. i can only imagine how delicious a seat at your table is.
What a gorgeous, festive dish! I love the flavors going on in there and the little pop of color from the veggies.
What a gorgeous stuffing! The pictures make me want to make this ASAP.
This is our first “Gluten Free” Thanksgiving. Your recipes are flavorful, beautiful and healthy. Thank you, thank you!!
Kelli! I wish I was spending Friendsgiving with you. I know it will be just perfect, as always. And honestly, you probably won’t even miss the gluten :) xo
Ditto!
That’s like a whole meal right there!
I am loving this approach to stuffing. It embodies all the classic and wonderful fall flavors. My mouth is salivating simply by looking at the pictures!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Amanda! How fantastic your holiday table must be, with dishes like this – looks so delicious! xx
I actually haven’t made stuffing since going gluten free a couple of years ago. I think that may change now that I have seen this recipe.
Kristen, I have to say this is one dish that I really missed. It tasted so good to have it again. Cheers!
this sounds yummy!
I would use it to make avocado toast! Yum! :)
i can vogue for that being soooooo good Ashley! Thanks for stopping by.
Adding brussels to stuffing sounds like an amazing idea. My childhood self was much like yours – I totally turned up my nose at stuffings like your Aunt Shirley’s! Which is sad because it’s my favorite dish on the table now. Mmmm.
If I won the salt, I think I’d pair it with a savory chocolate recipe. Cookies? Brownies? A big cake just for me?
This looks absolutely lovely, Amanda! Happy Friendsgiving + Thanksgiving to you! xo
Oh wow, Amanda! This stuffing has all the flavors of thanksgiving packed in one dish! Seriously, just give me this and maybe some cranberry sauce and I’m good! Happy friendsgiving to you!
what a wonderful delightful dish. So looking forward to trying this out!
Have an absolutely great Thanksgiving my sweet girl…
Thanks dad :) love you, and see you soon.
This looks amazing! I love the brussels sprouts addition – gotta try that soon!
Thanks Ashley! I hope you have a great thanksgiving.
I would sprinkle this salt all over homemade granola. :)
Happy Friendsgiving, Amanda! This looks gooood!
Hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend,
Sini
This stuffing looks incredible delicious. Definitely a recipe I need to try this Christmas period!
This stuffing sounds so good – I love the idea of using brussel sprouts in here and the combo with cranberries is just perfect.
I’d love to make a Salty Pluff Mud Pie using J.Q. Dickinson Salt.
Oh, this makes me wish my family made traditional stuffing so bad!!! (we usually make an asian-y riff with sticky rice, sausage, etc.) I <3 brussels sprouts, x234223438 when bread is involved, of course. Your photos are just gorgeous, lady!!
Erika! I’m so glad Friendsgiving introduced me to your blog. It’s fantastic – that pie! Can’t wait to continue connecting. xo
I want to sprinkle it on heirloom tomatoes…or a tomato sandwich that just has tomato, mayo and bread. So good with the right salt!
Could I make this with cornbread instead of Udi’s bread? I usually making a cornbread stuffing (usually use Bob’s Cornbread mix) and that has worked well for my family but your recipe has me intrigued. It sounds amazing and I’m always looking for new GF recipes. Thanks!
Yes, I think cornbread would be great in this recipe!