Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe

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As someone who has entertained guests with various dietary restrictions and personally navigated the tricky waters of changing eating habits, I understand the importance of inclusive feasting. That’s why discovering Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing Mix was nothing short of a revelation. Not only does it cater to those who are gluten-sensitive or celiac, but it also brings the same ease and deliciousness that traditional stuffing offers.

How to make Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing is a pre-packaged, gluten-free version of the traditional bread stuffing designed for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It offers a flavorful, easy-to-prepare alternative for holiday meals or anytime you’re craving stuffing without the gluten.

Ingredients

For the basic stuffing:

• 1 package of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing Mix
• 1 3/4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter (or a butter substitute for dairy-free)
• Optional: Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Enhancements:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• 1/2 pound sausage (pork, chicken, or a plant-based alternative), cooked and crumbled
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, sage, and thyme), finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you choose to bake the stuffing.
2. Prepare the Enhancements: Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook until they are soft and translucent about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Set aside.
3. Cook the Sausage (if using): Add the sausage to the same skillet and cook until browned and crumbly. If using a plant-based sausage, make sure it’s fully cooked according to the package instructions.
4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the contents of the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing Mix with the cooked onions, celery, garlic, sausage (if using), and any additional enhancements like cranberries, nuts, and fresh herbs.
5. Add Broth and Butter: Melt the remaining butter and evenly pour it along with the broth over the mixture in the mixing bowl. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper if desired. The mixture should be moist but not overly soggy. Adjust the amount of broth as necessary.
6. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
7. Stovetop Method: Alternatively, you can cook the stuffing on the stovetop. Transfer the mixed ingredients to a large pot, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and slightly crispy on the bottom.

Tips

• Herb Boost: Fresh herbs make a fantastic addition to gluten-free stuffing, bringing a burst of flavor that complements the subtle base.
• Texture Variation: Consider adding roasted chestnuts or cooked wild rice for extra texture.
• Moisture Check: Ensure your stuffing is adequately moist before baking. Gluten-free bread can sometimes absorb more liquid than its gluten-containing counterpart.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this stuffing a day ahead. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let it reach room temperature and then bake.

What to serve with

Pairing the right dishes with Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing can transform a simple meal into a feast that celebrates the flavors of the season while ensuring that everyone at the table, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can dive into an array of delicious options.

Main Dishes

• Roasted Turkey or Chicken: A Thanksgiving classic, a perfectly roasted turkey or chicken pairs wonderfully with gluten-free stuffing. For a fully gluten-free meal, ensure that any brines or rubs used are gluten-free.
• Glazed Ham: A sweet and savory glazed ham complements the herby and rich profile of the stuffing, offering a delightful contrast in flavors.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a vegetarian or vegan centerpiece, acorn squash halves stuffed with quinoa, vegetables, and cranberries make a stunning and nutritious option.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with slivered almonds and lemon juice add a bright and crunchy contrast to the soft and savory stuffing.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until crispy and dressed with a balsamic reduction or simply seasoned with salt and pepper, Brussels sprouts offer a hearty, earthy accompaniment.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, made with dairy or a plant-based alternative, are a comforting side dish that goes with virtually everything, including gluten-free stuffing. Be cautious with additives to keep it gluten-free.
• Gluten-Free Gravy: No holiday meal is complete without gravy. Make your gluten-free version using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend as the thickener instead of traditional wheat flour.

Salads

• Autumn Harvest Salad: This salad features mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and pecans, dressed with an apple cider vinaigrette, which brings a fresh and festive element to the meal.
• Cranberry Walnut Salad: A simple salad with cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the stuffing and adds a vibrant, crunchy component to your feast.

Desserts

• Pumpkin Pie: To make this Thanksgiving staple accessible to everyone, opt for a gluten-free crust. Serve with whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative.
• Apple Crisp: A gluten-free apple crisp, using gluten-free oats and almond flour for the topping, offers a warm, spiced finish to the meal.

Beverages

• Mulled Cider: Warm and spiced, mulled cider (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) is a cozy drink that complements the autumnal flavors of your meal.
• Wine Pairings: Choose a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light to medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir to harmonize with the variety of flavors on your table.

Ingredients Substitutes

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing typically contains gluten-free alternatives to bread as its base. However, if you want to customize it further or make your version from scratch, you may need to consider substitutes for other common ingredients to keep the entire dish gluten-free.

Bread Substitute

• Gluten-Free Bread: Use gluten-free bread or cornbread readily available in most grocery stores. To provide the desired texture, toast it before using it in your stuffing.
• Gluten-Free Cornbread: If you prefer a sweeter base with a different texture, gluten-free cornbread can be a good choice.

Broth Substitute

• Gluten-Free Broth: Whether you use chicken, vegetable, or beef broth, ensure it is certified gluten-free. Some brands make broths specifically labeled as gluten-free.

Butter Substitute

• Dairy-Free Butter: For dairy-free or vegan diets, use a plant-based butter equivalent that is gluten-free.
• Olive Oil or Coconut Oil: These are great alternatives for sautéing vegetables if you want to avoid butter.

Egg Substitute (If Used as a Binder)

• Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: To replace one egg, soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds in 3 tablespoons of water. This mixture will help bind the stuffing without gluten.
• Applesauce or Mashed Banana Can also serve as a binder while adding a bit of sweetness.

Seasonings and Herbs Substitute

• Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs, as dried herbs can sometimes contain gluten if they’ve been processed on equipment shared with gluten-containing products. Common herbs in stuffing include sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
• Gluten-Free Dried Herbs and Spices: If you are using dried herbs and spice blends, check the labels to ensure that they are certified gluten-free.

Onion and Garlic Substitute

• Fresh Onion and Garlic are always the safest options, as pre-chopped versions or powders may have cross-contamination risks unless labeled gluten-free.
• Asafoetida Powder: A potent spice used in Indian cuisine, it can replace the savory depth of onions and garlic for those with sensitivities, but ensure it’s pure and not blended with wheat flour.

Celery and Other Vegetables Substitute

• Fresh Vegetables: Stick to fresh vegetables, which are naturally gluten-free. Just wash them thoroughly before use.

Sausage Substitute (If Used)

• Gluten-Free Sausage: Look for sausages that are specifically labeled gluten-free, as many sausages contain fillers or are cross-contaminated during processing.

Nuts and Dried Fruits Substitute

• Certified Gluten-Free Nuts and Dried Fruits: Avoid bulk bins and ensure that any nuts or dried fruits used in the stuffing are not processed in facilities that also process gluten-containing items.

Alcohol Substitute (If Used for Flavor)

• Gluten-Free Beer or Wine: Some recipes call for a splash of beer or wine. Choose gluten-free beer and ensure the wine is free from gluten-containing fining agents.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re starting with Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing as a base and adding extras or making your own from scratch, the substitutions above will help ensure that everyone can enjoy the stuffing without worrying about gluten content.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning Blend
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Caesar Salad Recipe