If you have never experienced the comfort and heartiness of a Funeral Potatoes Recipe, you are truly in for a treat. This classic casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crispy potato dream that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in, this dish combines simple ingredients into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that tastes like a big, comforting hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Funeral Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity and the rich harmony of flavors. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the crispy cornflake topping that adds a delightful crunch to the creamy, cheesy base that melts in your mouth.
- 6 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed: The hearty potato base that holds everything together with a satisfying texture.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: This brings creamy richness and a hint of savory depth to the casserole.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that brightens and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the dish with smooth, buttery goodness for extra richness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Offers that irresistible cheesy flavor and gooey texture everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional): Adds a touch of aromatic sweetness and flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed: Creates the crunchy topping that’s the perfect contrast to the creamy layers below.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping): Helps the cornflake topping brown beautifully and adds an irresistible buttery crispness.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that will coat your potatoes perfectly.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Onion
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the finely chopped onion if you’re using it. These add extra flavor and a touch of savory freshness that elevates the dish.
Step 4: Fold in the Potatoes
Gently fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes, making sure every bite will be saturated with that rich, cheesy goodness without breaking the potatoes apart too much.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. This spreads the comforting flavors and textures out so every serving is just as delicious as the last.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this crunchy topping generously over the potato mixture. It’s that crunchy layer that makes the Funeral Potatoes Recipe so special.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the topping is a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting, homey aroma.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps it set so you can dish out perfect squares that hold their shape with creamy, crunchy layers inside.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Funeral potatoes are delicious on their own but adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions on top can bring a pop of color and a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli to lighten the plate. It also works well alongside roasted chicken, ham, or even a fresh garden salad for a more balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this classic in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties or potlucks. You could also layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the golden crust and cheesy layers, tempting your guests before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator. Funeral potatoes keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead comfort food option.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after cooking. Just be sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best eaten within 2 months for maximum flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen), then warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through. This helps keep that crunchy topping crisp while warming the creamy inside perfectly.
FAQs
Can I make this Funeral Potatoes Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, and you’ll still get that rich, creamy texture without the meat-based ingredients.
What if I don’t have cornflakes for the topping?
If cornflakes aren’t available, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs make great substitutes. Just mix with melted butter for that same irresistible crunchy topping.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While frozen shredded hash browns save time and keep the texture consistent, you can grate fresh potatoes. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Most traditional Funeral Potatoes Recipes contain gluten in the cream soup and cornflake topping. To make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free soup and cereal options.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting with a savory, cheesy flavor. You can add a pinch of cayenne or sprinkle some smoked paprika on top if you want to add a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the complete rundown on this incredible Funeral Potatoes Recipe, I truly hope you give it a try. There’s something magical about the way those simple ingredients come together to make a dish so rich, creamy, and comforting. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or even savoring on your own. Once you’ve tasted this golden casserole, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite and a staple at so many gatherings.
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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Funeral Potatoes is a comforting and creamy hash brown casserole featuring a savory blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a crispy cornflake topping. Perfect for gatherings and potlucks, this casserole delivers a rich, cheesy flavor with crunchy texture, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Cheese and Onion: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped onion if you’re using it to add extra flavor and texture to the casserole.
- Incorporate Hash Browns: Gently fold the thawed shredded hash brown potatoes into the mixture, making sure they are evenly coated without breaking them up too much.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter until all the flakes are coated. This will create a buttery, crispy topping.
- Sprinkle Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the buttered cornflake mixture over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian variation, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup.
- For extra crunch, you can add crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs in place of cornflakes for the topping.
- Onion is optional, but it adds a nice flavor—use green onions for a milder taste.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cooking cold.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream soup and cornflakes are certified gluten-free or use gluten-free alternatives.
