Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delicious and comforting Gluten Free Funeral Potatoes! This beloved dish, often referred to as hash brown casserole or party potatoes, is a staple at gatherings, holidays, and potlucks across the Midwest and especially in Utah. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy shredded potatoes topped with a delightfully crunchy, buttery crust. For anyone navigating the world of gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, enjoying traditional family recipes can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why we’ve perfected this gluten-free version, ensuring everyone at your table can savor this classic comfort food without compromise.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of making a batch of exceptional gluten-free funeral potatoes, complete with tips for ingredient selection, make-ahead options, and delicious variations. Get ready to impress your guests and bring a smile to everyone’s face with this crowd-pleasing cheesy potato casserole.
What Are Funeral Potatoes and Why Go Gluten-Free?
Funeral potatoes, known by many names like “hash brown casserole” or “party potatoes,” are a quintessential American comfort food, especially popular in Utah and the Midwest. This savory side dish typically features shredded potatoes enveloped in a creamy sauce made with condensed soup, sour cream, and plenty of cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection and crowned with a crispy topping, often cornflakes. They earned their somber moniker due to their frequent appearance at post-funeral gatherings, offering warmth and solace, but their deliciousness has made them a staple at joyous celebrations too.
The traditional recipe, while beloved, often contains gluten-laden ingredients such as wheat-based condensed cream soups and non-gluten-free corn flakes. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this means missing out on a cherished family tradition. Our carefully crafted gluten-free version ensures that this iconic dish can be enjoyed by everyone. By swapping out just a few key components for their certified gluten-free counterparts, we’ve managed to retain all the classic flavor and texture that makes funeral potatoes so irresistibly comforting, without any of the gluten-related worries. It’s about bringing everyone together around the dinner table, sharing food, and creating new memories.
Reasons to Adore This Gluten-Free Casserole:
- Uncompromisingly Gluten-Free. This recipe is meticulously designed to be safe and delicious for all your gluten-sensitive family members and friends. We provide clear guidance on selecting certified gluten-free ingredients, from hash browns to condensed soup and corn flakes, so you can serve this holiday classic with complete peace of mind. No more sad exclusions – everyone gets to enjoy a generous scoop of these cheesy, crispy potatoes!
- Effortlessly Easy to Prepare. Who has time for complicated recipes, especially during busy holidays? This recipe leverages convenient pre-shredded potatoes and gluten-free canned soup, making assembly a breeze. With minimal prep, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in under 15 minutes, leaving you more time to focus on other dishes or enjoy your guests. Just mix, spread, top, and bake until golden and bubbling!
- A Perfect Fit for Every Special Occasion. Whether you’re planning an elaborate Christmas dinner, a bountiful Thanksgiving feast, a casual potluck with friends, an Easter brunch, or simply a comforting Sunday supper, these gluten-free cheesy potatoes are always a resounding success. Their universal appeal and satisfying flavor make them a versatile side dish that complements almost any meal, guaranteed to elicit compliments and requests for the recipe.
- Incredible Flavor and Texture. Despite being gluten-free, this casserole does not skimp on taste or texture. The shredded potatoes become wonderfully tender, coated in a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce. This savory base is then crowned with a glorious, buttery, and exceptionally crunchy corn flake topping that provides a delightful contrast with every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience, elevated for a modern diet.
Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Creation
- Shredded Hash Browns: The star of our casserole! You’ll need about 4.5 cups (or 1.5 pounds) of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed. It is absolutely crucial to scrutinize the packaging to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Many brands of plain shredded hash browns are naturally gluten-free, but some cubed varieties or seasoned mixes might contain wheat flour or starch. Always double-check ingredient lists and look for explicit “gluten-free” certification. Thawing them fully before mixing prevents a watery casserole.
- Sour Cream: For that irresistible creamy texture and tangy depth, sour cream is key. We highly recommend using an extra-thick variety, such as Daisy brand, as its consistency contributes significantly to the luxurious mouthfeel of the casserole. Full-fat sour cream will yield the richest results.
- Gluten-Free Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This is where many traditional recipes fall short for gluten-free diets. Fortunately, excellent gluten-free versions are now available. Pacific Foods offers a fantastic gluten-free cream of chicken soup that we wholeheartedly endorse. If you can’t find it locally or prefer a homemade touch, making your own homemade version is a budget-friendly and delicious alternative that offers full control over ingredients.
- Butter: You’ll be using butter in two crucial ways: partially melted into the potato base for richness and flavor, and then melted again and mixed with the corn flakes for that signature crunchy topping. Using high-quality salted butter will enhance the overall taste.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for funeral potatoes, providing a sharp, savory kick and incredible melt. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and often has a better flavor. If using pre-shredded, be aware that some brands use anti-caking agents that can contain trace amounts of gluten (though most are GF these days), so check labels carefully. We recommend sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact.
- Gluten-Free Corn Flakes: This is a non-negotiable swap for a gluten-free casserole. Standard Kellogg’s Corn Flakes contain malt flavor derived from barley, which contains gluten. However, numerous fantastic gluten-free corn flake options exist! We highly recommend Nature’s Path Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes for their excellent taste and perfect crispness. Ensure you crush them to a medium-fine consistency for the best topping.
- Seasonings: A simple trio of salt, pepper, and onion powder is all you need to elevate the flavors of this casserole. The onion powder adds an aromatic depth without chunks of onion, complementing the cheese and potatoes beautifully. Feel free to adjust these to your taste or add a pinch of garlic powder for extra zest.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Cheesy Potato Perfection
These cheesy gluten-free funeral potatoes are every bit as comforting and delicious as the traditional recipe, ensuring no one misses out on this iconic dish!
- In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of melted butter with the sour cream, gluten-free cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Ensure the butter is fully melted but not scalding hot.
- Using a sturdy silicone spatula or a whisk, gently fold all these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. There should be no lumps, creating a creamy base for your potatoes.
- Add the thawed shredded hash brown potatoes to the creamy soup mixture. Using your spatula, gently stir and fold until all the potato strands are thoroughly coated with the sauce. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Next, incorporate 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the potato and soup mixture. The cheese will add a rich, savory depth and bind the casserole together beautifully as it bakes.
- Continue to fold the cheese into the hash brown mixture until it’s entirely combined and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. This ensures cheesy goodness in every bite!
- Generously grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) casserole dish with cooking spray. Then, evenly spread the prepared potato mixture into the dish, smoothing the top into an even layer with your spatula.
The Crunchy Topping: A Golden Crown
- In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of butter. Heat in 30-second intervals until fully liquid, stirring in between.
- Add the crushed gluten-free Corn Flakes to the melted butter. Stir thoroughly until all the cereal pieces are well-coated with the butter. This ensures a beautifully golden and crispy topping.
- Sprinkle the buttered cereal evenly over the top of the potato layer in your casserole dish. Ensure good coverage across the entire surface for consistent crispiness.
- Bake in a preheated 350ºF (177ºC) oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the topping is beautifully golden brown. For an extra crisp topping, carefully broil for 1-2 minutes, watching constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Expert Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Funeral Potatoes
Storing Leftovers
Should you miraculously have any leftovers of this incredibly popular dish, transfer them to an airtight container. Alternatively, simply cover the original baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, individual portions can be warmed in the microwave in 45-second intervals until heated through. For larger portions or to retain some crispness in the topping, reheat in a 300ºF (150ºC) oven for 20-30 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying, then uncovered for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare for Stress-Free Serving
This gluten-free funeral potato casserole is an ideal make-ahead dish, perfect for holiday planning or busy weeknights. You can prepare the main potato and cheese layer up to 24 hours in advance. Here’s how:
- Prepare the soup, cheese, and hash brown layer exactly as instructed in the recipe. You can use either thawed or even frozen hash browns if you plan to bake immediately after thawing.
- Crucially, leave the crunchy topping off until you are ready to bake. This prevents the corn flakes from becoming soggy during refrigeration.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.
- When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Just before baking, prepare the buttery gluten-free corn flake topping and sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
- Bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to account for starting from a cooler temperature.
Freezer Friendly: A Savory Stash for Future Meals
This recipe also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or having a comforting side dish ready to go at a moment’s notice. You can freeze the casserole both cooked and uncooked, though for the best texture, we recommend freezing it uncooked.
- Prepare the creamy potato and cheese layer using either thawed or frozen hash browns, as described in the make-ahead instructions.
- For optimal results, do not add the corn flake topping before freezing. If you must, note that it will likely not be as crispy upon baking.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label clearly with the date and baking instructions.
- Place in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight (12-24 hours).
- Once thawed, prepare the buttered gluten-free corn flake topping (if not added previously) and sprinkle it over the casserole.
- Pro Tip for Ceramic Dishes: To prevent temperature shock from cracking your baking dish, place the cold, thawed casserole dish into a cold oven. Then, set the oven to the specified temperature (350ºF/177ºC) and allow both to preheat together.
- Bake as directed, adding extra time (up to 60-75 minutes if baking from partially frozen, or standard time if fully thawed) until hot and bubbly.
Top Tip: Slow Cooker Adaptation!
Did you know you can also make this incredible gluten-free hash brown casserole in your slow cooker? It’s a fantastic option for freeing up oven space during holidays or for easy potluck transport. Simply follow the instructions for my Crock Pot Funeral Potatoes recipe, but ensure you use all the gluten-free ingredients specified in *this* recipe (gluten-free condensed soup, gluten-free corn flakes, etc.). You’ll get the same comforting results with minimal effort!
Creative Variations to Elevate Your Casserole
While the classic gluten-free funeral potato recipe is perfect as is, you can always get creative with a few twists to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Crunchy Potato Chip Topping: If you can’t find gluten-free corn flakes, or simply want a different flavor profile, crushed gluten-free potato chips make an excellent topping! Brands like Lay’s Classic or Cape Cod Original are often gluten-free (always check labels). You won’t need the extra butter for this variation, as potato chips contain enough oil to crisp up beautifully in the oven. Just crush and sprinkle!
- Gluten-Free Panko Bread Crumbs: For a more savory, less sweet topping, consider using gluten-free panko bread crumbs. These are widely available and provide a light, airy crispness. To use, mix about 1 cup of gluten-free panko with 3-4 tablespoons of melted butter until well coated, then sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup Swap: If cream of chicken soup isn’t your preference or is harder to find in a gluten-free version, a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup can be a delicious alternative. It lends a deeper, earthier flavor that pairs wonderfully with potatoes and cheese.
- Add Some Protein: Make this side dish a heartier meal by incorporating cooked, diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or cooked sausage into the potato mixture. This transforms it into a fantastic gluten-free breakfast casserole or a complete dinner.
- Veggie Boost: Finely diced onions, bell peppers, or a handful of chopped green onions can be sautéed and added to the potato mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Smart Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Without Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: If you prefer to avoid canned soup entirely, or can’t find a suitable gluten-free option, you can easily substitute it with a homemade gluten-free cream of chicken soup. This gives you full control over the ingredients and often results in a fresher flavor.
- Using Fresh Potatoes: While frozen hash browns offer ultimate convenience, you can certainly use fresh potatoes. Russet potatoes are recommended for their dry, firm texture. Peel them, then shred (or dice into ½-inch cubes). To achieve a texture similar to frozen hash browns, soak the shredded potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain them thoroughly and dry them completely with clean tea towels before proceeding with the recipe. This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.
- No Sour Cream? No Problem!: If sour cream isn’t available or preferred, you can achieve a similar creamy consistency by substituting it with a blend of 4 ounces of cream cheese (softened) and ½ cup of heavy cream. Whisk them together until smooth before adding to the mixture. Greek yogurt can also work for a tangier, slightly lighter option, but ensure it’s full-fat and drains any excess liquid.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this casserole dairy-free, use a certified dairy-free sour cream alternative, dairy-free cream of chicken soup (or homemade version with dairy-free milk/broth), dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese, and a plant-based butter alternative. Always ensure all chosen substitutes are also gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten-Free Funeral Potatoes
It’s a common misconception that all corn flakes are gluten-free simply because they are made from corn. However, many popular brands, most notably Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, are NOT gluten-free. This is primarily due to two reasons: milled corn, which carries a high risk of cross-contamination during processing, and more importantly, the inclusion of “malt flavor” (or malt extract), which is often derived from barley and therefore contains gluten. Always check the ingredient list carefully. Thankfully, there are several excellent certified gluten-free alternatives available on the market, such as Nature’s Path Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes, which are specifically formulated without gluten-containing ingredients.
While plain potatoes are naturally gluten-free, it’s crucial to exercise caution when purchasing frozen hash browns. Many brands of plain shredded hash browns are indeed gluten-free, but some varieties, particularly seasoned mixes, cubed potatoes, or hash brown patties, may contain wheat flour, wheat starch, or other gluten-containing additives as binders or coatings. Always meticulously check the packaging for a “gluten-free” certification or thoroughly review the ingredient list to ensure there are no hidden sources of gluten. Generally, plain shredded varieties are the safest bet, but verification is key for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic for funeral potatoes, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would also work beautifully, offering slightly different flavor profiles and melting properties. For a bolder taste, consider adding a small amount of smoked Gouda or Gruyère. Ensure any pre-shredded cheese you choose is labeled gluten-free.
A watery casserole is typically caused by excess moisture in the hash browns. To prevent this, ensure your frozen hash browns are fully thawed and, if they seem overly wet, gently press them between layers of paper towels or clean kitchen towels to remove any excess liquid before mixing them with the sauce. Also, ensure your sour cream is thick, and if using fresh potatoes, properly soak and dry them as instructed in the “Substitutions” section.
If you’ve enjoyed crafting this heartwarming recipe for Gluten Free Funeral Potatoes, we’d be thrilled to hear from you! Please consider leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card below or sharing your feedback in the comments section. Your reviews truly help other home cooks discover and enjoy this delicious gluten-free dish. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @dashfordinner when you share your culinary creations!
Gluten Free Funeral Potatoes
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Equipment
- 9X13″ baking dish (23x33cm)
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups frozen shredded hash browns about 1 ½ pounds (thawed)
- 1 cup thick sour cream (I recommend Daisy brand)
- 1 (10oz) can gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup (I recommend Pacific foods – or homemade)
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Topping
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 cups crushed gluten-free corn flakes cereal (I recommend Nature’s Path Corn Flakes)
Instructions
- Allow the shredded hash browns to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or for several hours on the countertop.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and generously grease a deep 9X13″ (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, gluten-free cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of melted butter, salt, onion powder, and pepper.
- Fold everything together with a silicone spatula until smooth and well-combined.
- Add the thawed hash brown potatoes and stir together until all of the potato strands are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and fold again until fully combined.
- Pour the potato and soup mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer with your spatula.
- Crush the gluten-free corn flakes by placing them in a plastic storage bag and gently pressing them firmly (or smashing them) with a rolling pin until coarse crumbs form.
- Melt the remaining ½ cup of butter in a medium-sized bowl in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring until completely liquid.
- Once the butter is melted, add the crushed cereal to the melted butter and stir thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Sprinkle the crushed corn flake and butter mixture on top of the potato layer in the casserole dish, ensuring the topping is evenly distributed for a consistent crunch.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges, and the topping is beautifully golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to portion and ensuring a perfect creamy, cheesy interior.
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Notes
Freezing: Assemble the casserole (leaving off the topping for the best results) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking, then sprinkle on the prepared topping (if not prepared when freezing) and bake as directed. (Note: To avoid temperature shock in your dish, add the cold casserole dish to a cold oven, then proceed to preheat).
Nutrition
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