NourishWithRecipes

funeral potatoes

Let’s talk comfort food. I’m talking about a dish that’s cheesy, creamy, and perfectly satisfying every single time. What is the name of funeral potatoes? What do you feel about the taste? It’s one of those recipes that has been passed down through generations, and every family has their own. What is your own little twist? If mac and cheese had a potato cousin, this would be it! What is that one dish that brings everyone together and you will soon be making them all.

funeral potatoes final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is funeral potato?

Think of funeral potatoes as cheesy Potato Casserole. What is a creamy potato base, usually made with shredded potatoes (sometimes frozen, sometimes fried)? Sometimes freshly grated), sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a whole lot of cheese. Then, it’s topped with a buttery, crunchy topping, often made with crushed cornflakes or potato chips. According to legend, this dish is often served at a post-funeral service. What are some comforting and easy-to-share dishes during a difficult time? Is it just a funeral? Is it a staple at potlucks?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love the most is how easy it is to make. I don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Is there a recipe for it? Is it a “dump and bake” kind of recipe? What are some of the best potatoes in the world? What is a butter Is it a symphony of textures and flavors that just works? What is a healthier alternative to regular cheesy potatoes? Potatoes are cheap, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. What is the best way to feed a large group without breaking the bank? It’s so versatile! What are some good ways to add cheese to a sandwich? What is a blank canvas for culinary creativity?

How do you make funeral potatoes?

Quick Overview

How do you make funeral potatoes? How do I make a creamy potato base? Chicken Soup, melted butter, cheese, seasonings. How do you spread cornflake topping onto a baking dish? Is it good to bake it in the oven until golden brown? What is the process to bake a cake takes about an hour?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 6 cups shredded potatoes (frozen, thawed, or freshly grated) – I prefer frozen, frozen potatoes. Is grated cheese a good way to keep it fresh? If you go fresh, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture!
* 1 cup sour cream – Full-fat is the way to go for maximum creaminess, but you can use light if you like. How can I reduce the calories in my diet?
What is the condensed cream of chicken soup? If you prefer, substitute cream of mushroom or celery.
* 1/2 cup melted butter – Unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can use a blend of both. What are some good alternatives to cheddar and Monterey Jack?
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping: What is the
* 2 cups crushed cornflakes – You can crush them in a bag with .25 ounces of water or use food crumbs. Don’t crush them too finely – you want some texture!
* 1/2 cup melted butter – Again, unsalted butter is best.
funeral potatoes ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

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 with butter or cooking spray. I find that a glass baking dish works best for even cooking.

Step 2: Mix Main Batter

In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, Sour Cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted butter. Set aside. What are the ingredients for cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder? Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Don’t overmix at this point, just make sure everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare Filling

There is no filling here, we are mixing the main ingredients.

Step 4: Layer & Swirl

Since there is no filliling, skip step.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is topped. If the topping starts to get too brown, you can tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set up a bit and make it easier to slice.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring the casserole bakes evenly. Grease a 9×13 baking dish really well. I prefer using butter for greasing because it adds a subtle richness to the edges of the potatoes. Does cooking spray really work? What is the best way to prevent sticking?

Step 2: Mix Main Batter

Now, for the heart of the dish! In a medium bowl, combine the thawed potatoes, Sour Cream, cream of chicken soup, salt and pepper. Set aside. What is the best way to top cheddar cheese with melted butter? ), salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Is overmixing a potato gummy? You’re just aiming to evenly distribute ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare Filling

We don’t have a separate filling for this recipe. But we do need to get the topping ready to go. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and the remaining melted butter. Set aside. Toss them together until the cornflakes are evenly coated. What gives the topping its crunch?

Step 4: Layer & Swirl

Since there is no filliling, skip step.

Step 5: Bake

Carefully spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Try to create an even layer so that the casserole bakes uniformly. Sprinkle the buttered cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture. This is where you can get creative! You can create a simple, even layer, or you can make little mounds of cornflakes for extra crunchy bits.
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on it. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning. I always check by poking a fork into the center – if it comes out hot, you know it’s ready!

Step 6: Cool & Serve

How do you remove a casserole from the oven and let it cool before serving? This allows the cheese to set up a bit and prevents the casserole from being too runny. Plus, it gives you a chance to admire your work! Serve warm and enjoy!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do I get my oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)? I always double check my oven temp because even a slight difference can affect the baking time. While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use butter because it gives the edges of the potatoes a nice, golden-brown crust, but I also like to use Olive Oil. Cooking Spray works perfectly fine too. What is the best way to make sure nothing sticks? I always have some parchment paper on hand just in case things get messy. Is it a lifesaver if it sticks to the pan?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

What are some dry ingredients for this recipe?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

There are no seperate wet ingredients either. For this recipe make sure to mix it all up together.

Step 4: Combine

In a large bowl, combine the thawed shredded potatoes, Sour Cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, most of the cheddar cheese (save some for topping!), salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Now, here’s the trick: be gentle! Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey, and we want a nice, tender texture. I use a large spatula and fold everything together until it’s just combined. Don’t worry about getting every single lump out – a few small clumps are totally fine. This step is very important for the perfect potatoes, so make sure to go slow and stir gently.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

Since there is no seperate filling, skip step.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

No filliling for this recipe. This is just the topping which can be made at the end right before baking.

Step 7: Bake

Now, gently spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. I use the back of a spoon to smooth it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the buttered cornflake mixture evenly over the top. I like to gently press the cornflakes into the potato mixture so they stick better during baking. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. I always check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

There is no glaze here just a simple corflake topping

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This is important because it allows the cheese to set up a bit, so you don’t end up with a runny mess on your plate. I like to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, but that’s totally optional. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, potato-y goodness!

What to Serve It With

funeral potatoes are incredibly versatile and go well with so many different dishes! Here are a few ideas:

For a Holiday Dinner: Serve alongside ham, turkey, or prime rib. The creamy, cheesy potatoes are the perfect complement to savory meats. A little cranberry sauce adds a nice touch of sweetness.

For a Potluck: This dish is always a hit at potlucks! It’s easy to transport and feeds a crowd. Pair it with a green salad and some dinner rolls for a complete meal.

For a Weeknight Meal: Serve with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even just a simple green salad. Funeral potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish that elevates any meal.

My family tradition is to always serve them with a side of green beans and some kind of roasted meat. It’s a simple but delicious combination that everyone loves.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Funeral Potatoes

Okay, friend, listen up! Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will take your funeral potatoes from good to absolutely amazing. Here’s the inside scoop:

Potato Prep: If you’re using frozen potatoes, make sure to thaw them completely and squeeze out any excess moisture. This will prevent the casserole from being watery. If you’re using fresh potatoes, shred them and soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove some of the starch. Then, drain them well and squeeze out the excess moisture.

Cheese Selection: Sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to for funeral potatoes because it has a bold flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients. However, you can experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a little bit of Parmesan would all be delicious.

Topping Variations: While crushed cornflakes are the classic topping, you can get creative and try different variations. Crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or even a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese would all be delicious. Just make sure to mix the topping with melted butter for that signature crunch.

Flavor Boosters: Want to take your funeral potatoes to the next level? Try adding some diced ham, bacon, or green onions to the potato mixture. These additions will add a savory depth of flavor that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you put the casserole in. This will ensure that the topping gets nice and golden brown and the potatoes cook evenly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will prevent it from burning.

I’ve tried so many different variations over the years, but these tips always guarantee the best results. Trust me on this one!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Funeral potatoes are great for making ahead of time, and they also reheat well. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving funeral potatoes at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze them as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: If you want to store funeral potatoes in the refrigerator, let them cool completely before covering them tightly with plastic wrap or transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: Funeral potatoes freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating: To reheat funeral potatoes, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy. If you’re reheating them from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

One thing I always do is add a little extra cheese on top before reheating – it helps to revive the creamy, cheesy flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! The easiest way to make funeral potatoes gluten-free is to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free cornflakes. You can usually find gluten-free versions of these products at most grocery stores. Just double-check the labels to make sure they are certified gluten-free. I’ve tried this myself and it works perfectly!
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, you definitely can! If you’re using fresh potatoes, peel and shred them, then soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove some of the starch. Drain them well and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole. I find that fresh potatoes give the casserole a slightly fresher flavor, but frozen potatoes are more convenient.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to taste. I’ve even used a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup in a pinch, and it was surprisingly delicious!
Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! Diced ham, bacon, or cooked sausage would all be delicious additions to funeral potatoes. Just add the meat to the potato mixture before spreading it into the baking dish.

Final Thoughts

funeral potatoes slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So, there you have it – my go-to funeral potatoes recipe! I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. What I love most about this dish is that it’s so comforting and satisfying. It’s the perfect thing to bring to a potluck, serve at a holiday dinner, or just enjoy on a cozy night in. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my scalloped potatoes or my cheesy potato soup. They’re all equally delicious and comforting! Happy cooking!

Recipes Should You See

As Seen On:

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

as seen on:

as seen on:

Subscribe

Get my free protein Diet + Meal

Download My FREE Protein Meal Plan!

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x