If you’ve ever found yourself craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Funeral Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen arsenal. This classic American comfort food blends crispy, cheesy, and creamy textures with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to make a crowd smile. Each bite offers flaky hash browns melded with sharp cheddar cheese and topped with a golden, buttery crust that will have you coming back for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its humble yet essential ingredients, each playing its own delicious role. From the crispy hash browns providing hearty texture to the creamy base that unites the flavors, every component is critical to achieving that perfect balance of comfort and flavor.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 oz): The heart of the casserole, delivering that classic crispy and tender potato base.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted, divided): Adds richness and helps create the irresistible golden crust on top.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Provides a creamy, savory backbone that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Introduces tang and creaminess that elevate the whole dish.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Brings that bold, melty cheesiness that makes this recipe utterly addictive.
- Yellow onion (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a subtle savory sweetness for depth.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A simple seasoning to boost the dish’s overall flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers just the right amount of spice to balance the richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (2 cups): The secret to that perfectly crunchy, golden topping everyone loves.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will crisp up beautifully on the edges.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This mixture is the creamy, flavorful foundation that makes those potatoes sing.
Step 3: Incorporate the Hash Browns
Gently fold in the thawed hash browns, making sure each shred is coated with the delicious creamy mixture. This is where the textures begin to meld, creating the irresistible cheesy potato base.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Spread the combined mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Even layering ensures every bite has the perfect balance of crispiness and creaminess.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle this golden, buttery mix evenly over the casserole, setting the stage for that signature crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center is bubbling hot. Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up just right.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop to your Funeral Potatoes Recipe, garnish with finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley. These not only brighten the rich flavors but also offer a beautiful color contrast that makes your dish inviting and festive.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains and veggies. Think perfectly roasted turkey, baked ham, or a simple grilled chicken breast. For veggies, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the cheesy richness with their crisp freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of funeral potatoes in ramekins and top each with a small sprinkling of crispy bacon or diced jalapeños. Another crowd-pleaser is to add cooked diced ham into the mix before baking for a heartier one-dish meal everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Funeral Potatoes Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish or an easy reheat for busy weeknights when comfort food calls your name.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Alternatively, a microwave works in a pinch, but you might miss out on that satisfying crunch of the buttery crust.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to keep it deliciously creamy without any meat.
What if I don’t have cornflakes for the topping?
No worries! Butter crackers or even crushed potato chips make excellent substitutes, providing that same wonderful crunch on top.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, adding diced ham or cooked bacon bits before baking can turn this side into a hearty main that’s perfect for brunch or dinner.
How long does it take to thaw the hash browns?
Frozen shredded hash browns typically thaw within 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. Avoid microwave thawing to keep them from becoming soggy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you’ll want to use gluten-free soup and topping options to make the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Funeral Potatoes Recipe brings people together—a cozy, cheesy casserole that feels both nostalgic and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating your own family to a comforting homemade dish, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and dive into the deliciousness that is funeral potatoes!
Print
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. This classic American side dish combines crispy coated potatoes with a savory blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Mix Potato Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped yellow onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Add Hash Browns: Gently fold the thawed shredded hash browns into the mixture, ensuring that the potatoes are fully coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter until well coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture over the top of the potato mixture. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Add diced ham or cooked bacon for a heartier, meat-enhanced casserole.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave without losing flavor or texture.
