What are funeral potatoes? I know, the name isn’t exactly the most cheerful, but trust me on this one – this creamy, cheesy. Potato Casserole is pure comfort food gold. Is it like mac and cheese’s slightly more sophisticated cousin, the one who shows up to the potluck? With a crispy, buttery topping that makes everyone weak in the knees. Is this dish a lifesaver? Whether you’re actually bringing it to a gathering after the service (hence the name), or just need it for the sake of it. What is the best thing to do on a chilly evening?What is the recipe for funeral potatoes?What is a crowd pleaser? My grandma used to make this, and it’s always been one of those dishes that just feels like home. Is it easier than you think to whip up a meal?
What are funeral potatoes?
So, what exactly *are* funeral potatoes? Think of it as a creamy, cheesy Potato Casserole, usually made with shredded hash browns, a creamy sauce, cheese (lots of cheese!), and topped with a buttery, crunchy topping – often made with crushed cornflakes or potato chips. It’s essentially the ultimate comfort food. The name, as you might guess, comes from the fact that it’s often served at gatherings after funerals. Because it’s easy to make in large batches and travels well, it’s become a staple at these events. But honestly, it’s delicious any time you need a little bit of cheesy, potato-y goodness in your life. It’s not just for sad occasions, it’s for happy ones, potlucks, or even just a Tuesday night when you want something extra comforting.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do I love the most about this book?What is the recipe for funeral potatoes?How easy is it to make a simple dish? Can you throw it together in minutes? Always do – no shame! What is the taste of buttery cheesy bread? My kids ask for this all the time. It’s also surprisingly cost-effective. Potatoes are cheap, cheese is… well, worth every penny, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. What is a good dish that will feed dozens of people without breaking the bank? Can you customize it with different cheeses, add in some ham or bacon, or even sneak in a few truffles? I sometimes add a little bit of leftover cooked broccoli florets into the mixture, and no one even notices! I’ve tried a bunch of different funeral potato recipes over the years, and this one is by far my favorite. Is it the right balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy?
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Quick Overview
Making funeral potatoes is seriously easy! You basically mix together the potatoes, cream of something soup (I prefer cream of chicken, but cream of mushroom works too!), Sour Cream, cheese, and seasonings. Then, you spread it in a baking dish, top it with the buttery cornflake (or crushed potato chip!) topping, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. It’s seriously that simple. The best part is that you can prep it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. I often make it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next day. It’s a total time-saver!
Ingredients
For the Potato Mixture:
* 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (don’t skip the freezing – it makes a difference!)
* 1 (10.75 ounces) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or if you prefer, a little cream)
* 16 ounces sour cream (full-fat is best for that extra creamy texture)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack – yum!)
* 12 cup melted butter (salted or unsalated, your call)
* 14 cup chopped onion (yellow or white works fine) .
* 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
For the Topping:
* 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or potato chips) for a salty twist!
* ½ cup melted butter
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter for greasing the pan – it adds a little extra flavor. This step is important, you don’t want the What is the recipe for funeral potatoes?How do you prevent a pan from sticking to the pan? Make sure the oven is fully preheated.
Step 2: Combine Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, Sour Cream, cheddar cheese, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there! It’s the best way to make sure all the potatoes are coated in that creamy sauce.
Step 3: Prepare Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or potato chips) and melted butter. Mix well until the cornflakes are evenly coated. This topping is what gives the What is the recipe for funeral potatoes?Is it a crunchy texture?
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
How do you spread the potato mixture into a baking dish? Sprinkle cornflake topping evenly over the potato mixture. Make sure the entire surface is covered for maximum crunch!
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to make sure the topping doesn’t burn. If it starts to get too dark, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together a bit, and it also prevents you from burning your mouth on that molten cheese! Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
funeral potatoes are so versatile, they go with anything! My family has this.What are some of the best funeral potatoesAny day of the week.
For a funeral or potluck: This is a classic side dish for any gathering. It pairs perfectly with ham, roast beef, or fried chicken. Add a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
For breakfast or brunch:What are some good ways to serve a hearty breakfast or brunch? Is it good with a side of fruit salad?
For Dinner:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled meats? What are some good side dishes to serve with baked beans and coleslaw?
For a Cozy Night In: Sometimes, I just make a small batch of funeral potatoes for a cozy night in. I’ll serve it with a simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting and easy meal. I remember one time during college, the funeral potatoes recipe got me through the midterms.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Funeral Potatoes
Want to take your funeral potatoes to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
Thaw Your Hash Browns: This is crucial! Thawing the hash browns before mixing them with the other ingredients ensures that they don’t release too much moisture during baking, which can make the casserole soggy.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the potato mixture can make it gluey. Mix just until everything is combined.
Add Some Spice: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture.
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar would all be delicious.
Get Creative with the Topping: Instead of cornflakes or potato chips, try using crushed Ritz crackers or even a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the topping right before baking to prevent it from getting soggy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave your prepared funeral potatoes recipe at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. It’s a dairy-rich dish, and we want to keep it safe!
Refrigerator Storage: Let the funeral potatoes cool completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. I always use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Freezer Instructions: Funeral potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the funeral potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it might not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to funeral potatoes recipe! It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or just making it for a cozy night in, I guarantee it will be a hit. It’s one of the dishes that makes my family so happy and I hope it will yours too. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes or my Loaded Baked Potato Casserole. Both are equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them!
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Frozen Hash Browns
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
