Gluten-Free Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe Without a Mix

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Classic Nostalgia: This nostalgic dish, based on the Jiffy corn casserole recipe, is sometimes referred to as corn spoon bread or corn soufflé. It is traditionally served around Thanksgiving or for large family gatherings because it makes such a large quantity of cornbread goodness, but you don't have to save it just for holiday dinners!
• Easy to Make, Quick Prep, One Bowl Recipe: This recipe is simple to make all in one bowl, just dump and stir!
• No Cornbread Mix: All of the gluten-free cornbread mixes come in different sizes and are way over-priced, which makes it complicated to just "swap a gluten-free mix" into the classic Jiffy recipe. I have solved that problem for you with this from scratch recipe! Don't fret, the ingredients are basic and easy to find.
• Not Just For Holidays: Serve this gluten-free cornbread casserole along with a big bowl of gluten-free chili on a cold night or with a roasted chicken as a simple side dish for Sunday dinner. Also, consider bringing it to your next potluck or football tailgate party! This corn pudding recipe is the perfect side dish the whole family will love!

If you love cornbread, be sure to check out my fluffy gluten-free Jiffy cornbread muffins recipe and this gluten-free cornbread stuffing!

If you're planning your gluten-free sides for your Thanksgiving menu, don't miss out on this gluten-free sweet potato casserole or these fluffy gluten-free Hawaiian rolls!

This Cranberry Almond Thanksgiving Slaw recipe is a refreshing addition! Also, check out this list of gluten-free potluck recipes to get some ideas for more side dishes!

Ingredients and Dietary Substitutions

• Jiffy cornbread mix: The original recipe calls for a box of Jiffy corn muffin mix. Traditional Jiffy corn mix is not gluten-free. This gluten-free version is made from scratch, without a cornbread mix, which is very easy to do and doesn't add much extra time to the entire process. Plus, it is much more cost effective than buying the gluten-free mixes from the grocery store, which all come in different sizes. This from scratch version includes:
  • Gluten-free flour blend: Use a gluten-free flour blend for baking that has xanthan gum or another binder already included. I've tested this with a few different brands, such as King Arthur Measure for Measure and Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour. All have worked just fine.
  • Yellow Cornmeal: Look for a gluten-free yellow cornmeal or an allergen statement to make sure your cornmeal is ok for gluten-free.
• Canned Sweet Corn or whole corn kernels. Fresh corn is an option if you have it available. Cook fresh corn in the Instant Pot, or by your preferred method, then remove the kernels from the cobs before adding to the recipe.
• Canned Creamed Corn: May also be labeled cream style corn. While this corn is typically thickened with cornstarch, it is still a good idea to double-check the labels.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks and dairy-free sour cream.
• Egg-Free: You can eliminate the eggs in this recipe, which will result in a more creamy dish, similar to a corn pudding.
• Vegan: Follow both the dairy-free and egg-free substitutions.

Equipment Needed

You won't need any special equipment for this recipe. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks or kid helpers!

• 2 quart casserole dish or 9 x 13 inch baking pan
• large mixing bowl
• wooden spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• nonstick cooking spray

Optional Variations

This classic comfort food side dish is slightly sweet but somewhat plain in flavor, think of a corn-filled cornbread. If you'd llike to jazz it up you can try these variations!

• Without Creamed Corn: If you can't find or forgot to buy creamed corn, here's a quick fix to make your own cream-style corn at home! Simply drain one can of corn and puree it with ½ cup of milk. If you're using fresh corn, scrape the corn from 4 cobs and blend it with the milk.
• Cheesy Corn Casserole: Stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese or a cheddar blend. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top of the casserole.
• Spicy Corn Casserole: Stir two finely diced jalapeño peppers into the mix. You can also add cheese to this variation.
• Cheddar, Bacon, and Chive: Mix in 1 cup of grated cheese, 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chives or green onions. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.
• Southwest: In a small pan, sauté ½ cup diced red bell pepper and ½ cup diced onion. Stir the sautéed peppers and onions along with a 4 ounce can of diced green chiles and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture before baking.
• Boost of Flavor: Add 1 tablespoon dried minced onion into the mixture.
• Extra sweet: Increase the sugar to ½ cup.

How to Make Cornbread Casserole

• Step 1: Whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Step 2: Add in the remaining wet ingredients; drained corn, creamed corn, sour cream, butter, and eggs.
• Step 3: Mix well to combine.
• Step 4: Pour the corn mixture into greased casserole dish and bake!

Can I make corn casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes! While traditionally you would bake this casserole in the oven, you can cook this casserole in a slow cooker or crock pot as well! Cook on high for 2 ½ hours or on low for 4 hours.

This is a great option for Thanksgiving when oven space may be limited.

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead?

Yes, you can mix up this casserole in advance. Since the leavening agent is baking powder, which is activated by liquid and heat, the casserole will still rise and be fluffy, just as if you had mixed it up right before baking. To do this:

1. Mix up this casserole no more than one day in advance.
2. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it.
3. Remove the pan from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature about 30-60 minutes before you put it in the oven.
4. If the casserole is still cold, it may take some extra time to bake.

While you can mix this up in advance, I do not recommend to bake ahead and serve the next day, this side dish is best served fresh. If you bake it a day ahead, it will lose it's moisture during the reheating process and just not be as good.

If you are making this for Thanksgiving but don't have room in the oven, consider baking your side dishes after you remove the turkey from the oven and while the turkey rests, or cook this dish in the crock pot.

How Do I Store Corn Casserole?

• Refrigerate leftover corn casserole for 3-4 days or freeze for several months.
• Tightly wrap leftovers with plastic wrap or put them in an airtight container.
• Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven, just until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

More Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

I hope you enjoy this gluten-free corn casserole recipe your next holiday meal! It's sure to become a favorite side dish recipe for Thanksgiving dinner! This gluten-free baked macaroni and cheese is another comforting classic, alongside more options below!