cheesy funeral potatoes
When holidays and potlucks roll around, there’s one dish that consistently steals the show: cheesy funeral potatoes. This comforting casserole, packed with tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, might have a solemn name, but it brings pure joy to any gathering. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s unbelievably easy to put together, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy – it’s a hug in a casserole dish.
- Effortless Preparation: Simple steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with almost any main course, from ham to roasted chicken.
- Irresistibly Crispy Topping: The buttery cornflake crust adds an amazing texture contrast.
Ingredients
To create this beloved casserole, gather these simple ingredients:
For the Potato Casserole:
- 30 ounces (850 g) frozen hash browns, diced or shredded, thawed
- 2 cups (480 ml) sour cream
- 1 can (approx. 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
For the Crispy Topping:
- 2 cups (56 g) corn flakes cereal
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Hash Browns: Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed before mixing. This prevents a watery casserole and helps them cook evenly. Both diced and shredded varieties work well; choose your preference for texture.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream offers the richest flavor and creamiest texture. You can use light sour cream, but the casserole might be slightly less decadent. Greek yogurt is a possible tangier substitute for some of the sour cream.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This condensed soup is key to the classic creamy base. If you prefer, you can make your own cream of chicken soup from scratch for a homemade touch, or use cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or a Mexican blend.
- Dried Minced Onion: This adds a subtle oniony depth without the moisture of fresh onions. If using fresh, sauté them first.
- Corn Flakes: The cornflake topping is traditional, providing that signature crunch. Crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter also make excellent crispy alternatives.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan for melting butter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or large spoon
How to Make
1. Prepare Your Potatoes:
Ensure your frozen hash browns are completely thawed. You can either transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven for about 20 minutes until defrosted.
2. Preheat and Combine:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion. Stir until thoroughly blended and smooth.
3. Mix the Casserole Base:
Add the thawed hash browns and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes and cheese are evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the potato mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
5. Create the Crispy Topping:
Place the corn flakes into a large resealable bag and gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin until they are coarse crumbs. Pour the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter over the crushed corn flakes and mix until the cereal is well coated.
6. Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Pro Tips
- Thaw Thoroughly: Don’t skip thawing the hash browns. This is crucial for a creamy, not watery, casserole.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing your sour cream and soup to come closer to room temperature before mixing will help them combine more smoothly.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, shred your own block of cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the hash browns and cheese are added, mix just until combined to maintain the potato texture.
- Golden Topping: Keep an eye on the cornflake topping during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. If it starts to get too dark, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy funeral potatoes are incredibly versatile. They are a quintessential side dish for holiday meals alongside baked ham, roasted turkey, or a succulent pot roast. They also make a fantastic addition to Sunday supper with grilled steak, pork tenderloin, or even a simple rotisserie chicken. For a casual brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat a large portion, cover with foil and bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. For individual servings, microwave until hot, though the topping might lose some crispness. To revive the crispness, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two after microwaving (watch carefully!).
Variations & Substitutions
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture for a subtle kick.
- Add Meat: Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken to make it a more substantial main dish.
- Herbaceous: Mix in some chopped fresh chives, parsley, or dried dill for added flavor.
- Different Cheese: Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a pepper jack can be used in place of or in addition to cheddar.
- Topping Alternatives: Beyond Ritz crackers or panko, consider crushed potato chips, French fried onions, or even a sprinkle of crumbled pork rinds for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Information
This rich and satisfying casserole provides a hearty serving of calories, primarily from fats and carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of protein. A single serving generally contains around 330-340 calories, approximately 17 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, and about 26 grams of total fat, with a significant portion coming from saturated fat. It also contributes some sodium and cholesterol, typical of a creamy, cheesy dish. This information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
FAQ
Q: Can I prepare funeral potatoes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
Q: What kind of hash browns are best?
A: Both diced and shredded frozen hash browns work beautifully. Diced gives a chunkier texture, while shredded creates a softer, more uniform casserole. Just make sure they are completely thawed.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: While possible, it’s more work. You would need to peel, shred or dice, then par-boil and dry fresh potatoes before using them to achieve a similar consistency to thawed frozen hash browns. The frozen option is much more convenient.
Q: How do I prevent the topping from burning?
A: If your topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Q: Is it really called “funeral potatoes”?
A: Yes, it’s a traditional name! The casserole is a popular dish often served at post-funeral luncheons in certain regions, particularly in the Intermountain West, because it’s easy to make in large quantities and provides comforting sustenance.
This cheesy funeral potato casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a timeless tradition, a symbol of comfort, and a testament to the power of simple, delicious food. Whether you’re gathering for a holiday feast or simply craving a taste of home, this dish promises to deliver warmth and joy with every creamy, cheesy bite. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch it disappear!
Recipe Card
cheesy funeral potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Allow potatoes to thaw in your fridge overnight, or spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes, until thawed.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 Tablespoons of melted butter, salt, pepper and dried onion in a bowl. Mix well.
- Add potatoes and shredded cheese and stir to combine. Spoon mixture into a single layer in a 9x13'' pan.
- Add cornflakes to a large ziplock bag and crush gently with your hands or a rolling pin.
- Add remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter to the crushed cornflakes and combine well. Sprinkle mixture over potatoes.
- Bake uncovered at 350 F for 40-50 minutes.
- Serve these with baked ham, oven roasted turkey, or flank steak.
