If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, look no further than the Funeral Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite Recipe. This classic casserole blends crispy hash browns and a luscious, cheesy sauce for a side dish that’s beloved at family gatherings and holiday tables alike. The creamy texture mixed with a crunchy golden topping creates a perfect contrast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re new to this classic or a lifelong fan, this recipe delivers that unbeatable cozy flavor every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with every ingredient playing a crucial role in creating that iconic creamy and crunchy combination. From the tender hash browns to the sharp cheddar and rich sour cream, each element builds upon the last for an unforgettable taste and texture.
- Frozen hash brown potatoes (30 oz bag): The foundation providing a soft, starchy base with comforting familiarity.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Adds tanginess and richness, making the casserole velvety smooth.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Brings depth of flavor and creaminess without complicated steps.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Offers bold cheesiness that melts perfectly throughout the dish.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup, optional): Infuses a subtle bite and sweetness that balances the creamy ingredients.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps bind the crunchy topping.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (2 cups): The secret to that irresistible golden, crispy crust.
- Melted butter for topping (2 tbsp): Gives the topping a perfect toasty finish when baked.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it thoroughly preheated. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to ensure your Funeral Potatoes come out in one beautiful piece without sticking. This is the first step towards creating the perfect base for our creamy casserole.
Step 2: Mixing the Creamy Sauce
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion if you’re using it, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. This mixture is where the magic begins — every spoonful is packed with savory and velvety goodness.
Step 3: Folding in the Hash Browns
Once your creamy sauce is ready, gently fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes. The goal is to evenly coat each potato strand without mashing them. This careful folding ensures the casserole will be delightfully creamy while still holding onto some texture.
Step 4: Spreading the Mixture in the Baking Dish
Spread your luscious hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon or spatula to prepare for that irresistible crunchy topping.
Step 5: Preparing the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This simple combo will transform into a golden, crispy topping that adds the perfect textural contrast to the creamy base.
Step 6: Adding the Topping and Baking
Sprinkle the buttery topping evenly over the casserole’s surface. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is gloriously golden and bubbling hot. Your kitchen will start to smell like the ultimate comfort food haven!
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, allow the Funeral Potatoes to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set just right, making it easier to serve and enjoy each creamy, cheesy bite.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped chives or parsley on top to add a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the rich casserole. A light dusting of paprika or a few dashed red pepper flakes can also bring a lovely hint of warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Funeral Potatoes pair wonderfully with a bright green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside juicy roasted chicken or baked ham to round out your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving Funeral Potatoes in individual ramekins for a personal touch at gatherings, or try layering it in a trifle dish for a fun, unexpected presentation. It’s also incredible spooned on top of grilled meats or even topped with crispy bacon for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole will keep its creamy texture but sometimes firms up a bit, making it perfect for reheating the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping it well with foil and plastic wrap, then storing it for up to 3 months. When ready, just thaw overnight and bake as usual, adding a little extra baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. This helps maintain that lovely crispy topping. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the crust, so oven reheating is best for preserving texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can be used, the texture and convenience of frozen hash browns work best for this recipe. If you do use fresh, be sure to grate and dry them very well to avoid excess moisture making the casserole soggy.
Is there a vegetarian version of Funeral Potatoes?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup, and make sure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly. This option keeps the recipe comforting and delicious without any meat.
Can I make Funeral Potatoes dairy-free?
With a few substitutions—dairy-free sour cream, plant-based cheese, and a suitable cream soup alternative—you can create a dairy-free version, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the classic.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice because it melts wonderfully and adds a wonderful tangy depth. You can experiment with Monterey Jack or a mild Colby for a different twist, but cheddar really nails the comfort factor.
Why is it called “Funeral Potatoes”?
The name comes from the dish’s popularity at funeral luncheons and gatherings where comforting, easy-to-make casseroles are a staple. It’s all about bringing people together around a warm, satisfying meal during difficult times.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Funeral Potatoes before, now’s the perfect time to dive in and experience this beloved classic for yourself. This Funeral Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite Recipe is a surefire way to bring warmth, nostalgia, and a crowd-pleasing dish to your table. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods that everyone will ask you to make again and again!
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Funeral Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Funeral Potatoes are a classic cheesy and creamy casserole made with hash browns, sour cream, and a crispy cornflake topping. This comforting dish is perfect as a hearty side or a main for gatherings, delivering warmth and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Add Hash Browns: Gently fold the thawed hash brown potatoes into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated without mashing them.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the combined hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared greased baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter to create a crispy topping.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered cornflake or cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let it set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, but you can mix varieties based on preference.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, add an extra 1/2 cup of crushed cornflakes or crackers.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or diced ham for a meatier casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
