GF Challah Bread and Apple Stuffing

If you're looking for a delicious and unique stuffing to serve up this Thanksgiving, try out this gluten-free fluffy challah bread and apple stuffing recipe!

Jump to Recipe

Let's Talk About Stuffing

Like many Thanksgiving side dishes, stuffing isn't inherently gluten-free. This means that traditional options can pose a challenge for those who need to avoid gluten. Whether you’re considering store-bought stuffing that often contains hard croutons or opting for homemade stuffing made with sourdough bread, it can be quite difficult to find a good gluten-free alternative. As a result, I often find myself making a kid-sized version of stuffing just for me to enjoy, which, while tasty, doesn’t quite satisfy the full experience of a festive meal. But that's about to change!

Now, everyone is going to want some of this delicious gluten-free challah bread and apple stuffing! This exciting recipe uses homemade gluten-free challah bread as the bread base, providing a rich and satisfying texture. When combined with sweet apples and onions, the flavors come together in a way that is truly amazing. This stuffing elevate your Thanksgiving table with its delightful taste and heartwarming ingredients.

First Thing's First, The Challah Bread

This recipe is actually two parts. What I mean by that is that in order to make the stuffing, you need to make the challah bread first.

Luckily, I have a gluten-free challah bread recipe just for you! Not only does this recipe yield two loaves—allowing you to enjoy one loaf on its own and use the other for the stuffing—but it also has the added benefit of no rise time, making it easy and convenient to prepare! You can check out the full recipe HERE.

One helpful tip when it comes to this challah bread stuffing is that traditional stuffing recipes typically utilize stale bread. While fresh bread that is fluffy can also make for great stuffing, stale bread has the advantage of being able to absorb more flavor. Therefore, if you choose to use this challah bread recipe, just make sure not to make the stuffing the very next day. Allow the bread to sit for a day or two to become slightly stale. This will yield the perfect stuffing, packed with flavor and texture!

Now, It's Time for the Stuffing!

Are you ready to make the stuffing?

Start by cutting one loaf of challah bread into cubes. Remember, the cubes don’t have to be perfect! It’s all about the deliciousness that’s coming next. Then, grab half a cup of unsalted butter and add it to a large saucepan. Turn the heat to medium, and once the butter has melted and is bubbling invitingly, add one diced white onion. Sweat the onion for about five minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and fragrant.

Next, it’s time to add some crunch and sweetness! Toss in two cups of diced celery and two cups of peeled, diced apples. For the apples, I personally love using Granny Smith apples. Not only are they the ideal baking apple, but their tartness complements the sweetness of the onions and the earthiness of the celery perfectly in this stuffing! Just be sure to peel the apple skins completely before adding them to the saucepan for that smooth texture.

After letting the vegetables and apples cook down for about 7-10 minutes on medium-low heat, the kitchen should be filled with a wonderful aroma. Now, it’s time to elevate the flavor! Add four sprigs of fresh thyme, three sprigs of rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to cook this delightful mixture down for another five minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse their essence into the vegetables and apples.

Let's Bake This Stuffing!

Preheat the oven to a cozy 375 degrees Fahrenheit and get ready to grease a casserole dish or Dutch oven, ensuring it’s ready for all that deliciousness! In a large bowl, combine the cubed challah bread with the savory veggie and apple mixture. Pour one and a half cups of rich vegetable broth over the mixture, allowing it to soak in all those wonderful flavors. Gently use a spatula to mix everything together, then carefully transfer it into the prepared baking dish.

Now it’s time to bake! Place the challah bread stuffing in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, keeping it covered to let all those flavors meld beautifully. After the time is up, remove the cover and turn on the broiler to high. Broil for an additional 5 minutes, watching closely until the top becomes a lovely golden brown, creating a delightful crispness.

Once it’s done baking, allow the stuffing to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This little pause will make it easier to scoop and serve. Then, get ready to enjoy every delicious bite of this incredible challah bread and apple stuffing!