Gluten Freedays: Cornbread Stuffing

For my American readers, stuffing (sometimes called dressing) is a classic Thanksgiving side. Some make it from scratch, some use Stovetop brand. Some cook it on its own, and some cook it inside the Turkey (hence why it is called “stuffing”). Regardless of how you make it, it is always delicious. In my opinion, this can be attributed to the fact that the main ingredient is bread!

And as anyone with a gluten intolerance will tell you, gluten free alternatives to bread-based recipes often leave a lot to be desired. My mom and I have spent 5 Thanksgivings workshopping this cornbread stuffing recipe for my dad, who dearly misses all things bread and grain since being diagnosed with Celiac disease. While this dish started as an alternative option for my dad, it has turned into one of the biggest crowd pleasers in our house on Turkey Day!

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes (about 30-40 oz) of gluten free cornbread mix (we like Krusteaz or Red Mill)
• 3 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
• 4 tbsp. butter
• 1 large yellow onion -chopped
• 4 stalks of celery -sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Rosemary
• 3 medium granny smith apples -chopped
• 2 3/4 – 3 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Prepare cornbread according into instructions. Add cayenne pepper to the batter and bake.
2. Remove cornbread from oven. Once cooled, cut cornbread into ½ inch cubes.
3. Spread cornbread cubes evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
5. Bake cornbread until dry and slightly golden, about 15 minutes.
6. While this bakes, heat the butter in a 3 quart sauce pot over medium heat.
7. Add the onion, celery, salt, pepper and rosemary.
8. Sauté until translucent (5-10 minutes).
9. Stir in chopped apples, giving a good mix.
10. Stir in 2 ¼ cups of the broth and simmer, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
11. Remove the pot from the heat and add in the cornbread.
12. Mix to evenly moisten the cornbread. If the mixture seems dry, add more broth.
13. Spoon the mixture into a large baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
14. Bake until top is golden, about 30-35 minutes.