A cozy, crowd-pleasing twist on classic stuffing that’s gluten-free, full of fall flavor, and easier than you think.
Stuffing has always been the unsung hero of my family’s Thanksgiving table. Sure, the turkey gets all the hype, but we all know it’s the golden, savory, bread-packed dish that truly steals the show. For years, I followed the same basic stuffing formula: white bread, broth, and a few aromatics. It was fine—but once I started playing around with textures and flavors, something magical happened.
One year, I decided to clear out my bread drawer and ended up using a few cinnamon raisin bagels along with gluten-free sandwich slices. Tossed together with caramelized onions, sautéed apples, and a hit of warm spices, that humble experiment turned into a holiday staple. And it’s stayed in rotation ever since.
In this recipe, the sweet and savory combo of apples, cinnamon, and raisins is a nod to cozy fall mornings—reimagined as a festive side dish. A splash of apple juice enhances the fruity notes, while gluten-free millet-chia bread and cinnamon raisin bagels add layers of texture and heartiness. It’s the perfect make-ahead stuffing for anyone who wants great flavor, a nostalgic vibe, and something a little different this holiday season.
Is This Apple Raisin Easy Gluten-Free Stuffing Healthy?
This is a comfort food that should be enjoyed in moderation, but it offers some smart ingredient swaps and nutritional benefits. The millet-chia bread is higher in fiber and omega-3s than many conventional gluten-free options. Apples bring fiber and natural sweetness, and swapping out some of the broth for unsweetened apple juice cuts back on sodium while dialing up the flavor. For a vegan version, use vegan bagels and bread and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Why Use Bagels In Stuffing?
Using bagels in stuffing might sound unorthodox, but trust me on this one. Cinnamon raisin bagels bring a chewy bite and subtle sweetness that regular bread can’t match. Their dense texture holds up beautifully when soaked with broth and juice, avoiding the dreaded soggy middle. The combination of bagels and sliced bread creates a stuffing with crisp edges, soft centers, and a delightful variety in every forkful.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave individual portions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stuffing alongside your Thanksgiving main dishes or add it to your next cozy Sunday roast. For more fall-inspired favorites, try Thanksgiving Salad, a decadent Low-Carb Baked Cauliflower Casserole, or my favorite Oven-Roasted Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. To round out your Thanksgiving dessert table, you can’t go wrong with Paleo Pecan Pie Bars and Paleo Low-Carb Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups diced onion about 1 large onion
- 2 1/2 cups diced apple about 2 large apples
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 3 cinnamon raisin bagels sliced into 1-inch cubes
- 7 slices millet-chia bread sliced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2/3 cup unsweetened apple juice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large casserole dish.
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and cook until soft and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the apple, ginger, and cinnamon and cook just until the apple begins to soften, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked apple mixture to the prepared large casserole dish (mine was 9×13 inches.) Add the bagel and bread cubes and toss until evenly combined.
- Add the chicken broth, apple juice, and salt and gently mix (using our hands is the easiest) until the bread has absorbed the moisture.
- Bake until the stuffing is cooked through and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, about 45-50 minutes.
- DEVOUR.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
This is my official stuffing recipe to pair with my Cornish hens for Christmas dinner! Thank you!
So happy to hear our recipe is a Christmas favorite! Thanks for reading and rating.