Funeral Potatoes
Description:
Funeral Potatoes are a classic, creamy, and comforting casserole dish that has been a favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and especially during times of grief. Despite the name, it’s a celebration of hearty flavors, combining hash browns, creamy chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy cornflake topping. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Its rich, cheesy interior and golden, crispy top make it a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen hash browns
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. - Mix the ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until well combined. - Spread the mixture:
Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. - Prepare the topping:
In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture. - Bake the casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the potatoes are cooked through. - Serve and enjoy:
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!
Storage & Reheating Tips:
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. To freeze, cover the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: You can also microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.
- Freezer: If frozen, let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or bake it from frozen (you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time).
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns, but they may need to be par-cooked or sautéed first to ensure they cook fully during baking. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Colby, or any other cheese you prefer. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian cream of mushroom or celery soup. - Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives like sour cream, butter, and cheese to make it dairy-free. - Can I make this without the cornflakes?
Yes, if you don’t have cornflakes, you can use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Funeral Potatoes freeze well. Make sure to cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. - How long does this casserole need to bake?
The casserole bakes for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender. - Do I need to thaw the hash browns before using them?
No, you can use frozen hash browns directly without thawing them first. - Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. - Is this recipe spicy?
No, but if you want some heat, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mix. - Can I use a different soup flavor?
Yes, you can use other cream soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery, depending on your taste preference. - Can I use other types of potatoes?
Frozen hash browns are ideal for this dish, but if you don’t have them, you could try using cubed or shredded fresh potatoes. - What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
You can use a smaller baking dish, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. - Can I reduce the amount of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use less cheese if you’re looking for a lighter dish. - Can I skip the butter?
Butter helps with flavor and crispiness, but you can substitute it with olive oil or skip it if desired. - What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Funeral Potatoes make a great side dish for main courses like ham, roast chicken, or beef. - Can I use a different topping instead of cornflakes?
Yes, you can use crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or panko for a different texture. - How can I make it crispy on top?
Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to get an extra crispy top. - Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes, cooked bacon, sausage, or ground beef can be added to the mixture for extra flavor.
20 Best Tips to Make Funeral Potatoes:
- Use frozen hash browns to save time and ensure a creamy texture.
- Mix the hash browns well with the cream of chicken soup and other ingredients to ensure even flavor throughout.
- Use real butter for a richer flavor and golden, crispy topping.
- Add extra cheese for a cheesier, more indulgent dish.
- Don’t skip the salt and pepper—seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors of the potatoes.
- Grate your own cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Don’t overmix the hash browns—you want them to stay slightly separated for a good texture.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- For a crunchier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest results.
- Try adding garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture for extra flavor.
- For a slightly healthier version, substitute some of the butter with olive oil.
- Add a layer of sautéed onions for more depth of flavor.
- Double the recipe if you’re serving a large crowd—this dish is easy to scale up.
- Use a 9×13-inch dish for even baking—this ensures the potatoes cook evenly.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and freshness.
- Use a sharp knife to chop the onions to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to serve for easy meal prep.
- Use high-quality cream of chicken soup for the best flavor and consistency.
- Experiment with different toppings like crumbled crackers, French-fried onions, or even crispy bacon for variety.
Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any gathering or just as a delicious side dish. With a golden, cheesy, crispy top and a creamy interior, it’s hard not to love this easy-to-make casserole. Enjoy!
