Welcome to Sweet Emily, where baking is always simple and delicious! This funeral potatoes recipe is a beloved classic, known for its incredible comfort and irresistible flavor. It’s a creamy, cheesy potato casserole topped with a crispy crust, making it a perfect side dish for any gathering. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Funeral Potatoes Recipe
This amazing funeral potatoes recipe brings so much joy with minimal effort. It is packed with cheesy, creamy goodness that makes it incredibly comforting. You will appreciate the simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, perfect for beginners. This dish is ideal for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it is a fantastic make-ahead option, saving you time when you need it most. Get ready for rave reviews!
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this classic funeral potatoes dish. Each component plays a vital role in creating that signature creamy, cheesy texture and crispy topping. This recipe delivers a generous 9×13 inch casserole, perfect for sharing.
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns, diced or shredded will work, THAWED*
- 2 cups sour cream
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 10 Tablespoons butter, divided, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups corn flakes cereal
Notes & Substitutions
- Potatoes: Thaw your frozen hash browns overnight in the fridge for the best results. You can also spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 200°F oven for about 20 minutes until thawed. If using fresh potatoes, parboil and dice about 2.5 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes before using.
- Soup: A can of cream of chicken soup works perfectly for this creamy potato casserole. For a homemade touch, prepare a simple béchamel sauce with chicken broth. Cream of mushroom soup is also a good alternative if you prefer.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor for this comforting dish. Feel free to experiment with other cheese blends like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique twist.
- Topping: Crushed corn flakes create a wonderfully buttery, crunchy topping. For alternatives, try crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a different texture.
- Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of garlic powder or a sprinkle of fresh chives stirred into the potato mixture.
Easy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thaw the frozen hash browns either overnight in the fridge or by spreading them on a baking sheet and warming in a 200°F oven for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 Tablespoons of melted butter, salt, pepper, and dried minced onion, then mix thoroughly.
- Add the thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, stir to combine, and spoon into a single layer in a 9×13-inch pan.
- Place the cornflakes cereal into a large ziplock bag and gently crush them using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Pour the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter over the crushed cornflakes and mix well, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the potatoes in the pan.
- Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for 40-50 minutes.
- Serve these delicious funeral potatoes as a side dish with baked ham, oven-roasted turkey, or flank steak.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to make these easy funeral potatoes. Gather these basic kitchen essentials, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious dish.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
- Large Ziplock bag or rolling pin
Instructions
Making this funeral potatoes recipe is straightforward and fun! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a wonderfully comforting casserole that everyone will love. Precision in each step ensures a perfectly baked dish.
- Prep Potatoes: Ensure your frozen hash browns are fully thawed. You can achieve this by placing them in your fridge overnight, or by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Warm them in a 200°F (93°C) oven for approximately 20 minutes, until they are soft and completely thawed. This prevents a watery casserole.
- Preheat Oven: While the potatoes thaw, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 Tablespoons of the melted butter, salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion. Whisk these ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy base for your potato bake.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the thawed hash browns and the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sour cream mixture. Use a large spatula or spoon to gently fold everything together until the potatoes and cheese are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Do not overmix.
- Transfer to Dish: Carefully pour the entire potato mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer using your spatula. Ensure the casserole is distributed uniformly for even baking.
- Prepare Topping: Place the 2 cups of corn flakes cereal into a large Ziplock bag. Gently crush the corn flakes using your hands or a rolling pin until they are in coarse pieces, not a fine powder. This texture is key for a crispy topping on your easy cheesy potato casserole.
- Add Topping: Pour the remaining 4 Tablespoons of melted butter over the crushed corn flakes in the bag or a small bowl. Toss them together until the corn flakes are thoroughly coated with butter. Evenly sprinkle this buttery mixture over the top of the potato casserole.
- Bake Casserole: Place the uncovered baking dish into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the corn flake topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let the funeral potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes
Creating the perfect funeral potatoes is easy with a few simple tricks. Always ensure your hash browns are completely thawed; this prevents a watery casserole. For the best melt and flavor, grate your own cheddar cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded. When crushing corn flakes, aim for coarse pieces rather than fine crumbs to maintain great texture in the topping. Prevent sogginess by not overbaking; remove the casserole once the topping is golden. For an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end, watching it carefully. Finally, always adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile funeral potatoes recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this delightful casserole with a holiday ham or oven-roasted turkey for a festive meal.
- Serve it alongside roasted chicken or succulent pork tenderloin for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- It also complements beef dishes wonderfully, such as a perfectly cooked flank steak or meatloaf.
- Don’t limit it to dinner; these can even be a hearty breakfast casserole addition.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container, or simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
Make Ahead & Freezing
- Make Ahead: To prepare this dish in advance, assemble the entire casserole as directed, but do not add the corn flake topping. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping just before baking.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole (without the topping) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before adding the topping and baking as usual.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños with the sauce ingredients for a bit of heat.
- Extra Protein: Boost the heartiness by stirring in 1-2 cups of cooked diced ham or crumbled bacon into the potato mixture.
- Different Toppings: Explore other crispy toppings like crushed potato chips, buttery breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions for a unique twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of steamed peas or corn to the potato mixture for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar to customize the flavor of your cheesy potato casserole.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional content helps you plan your meals. This analysis for funeral potatoes is an estimate, as actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 336 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Cholesterol | 71 mg |
| Sodium | 666 mg |
| Potassium | 257 mg |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 905 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5.9 mg |
| Calcium | 191 mg |
| Iron | 2.4 mg |
Please note that these nutritional values are estimates only. Variations may occur based on specific ingredient brands, preparation, and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are funeral potatoes? Funeral potatoes are a beloved comfort food casserole, typically featuring shredded or diced hash browns, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a crispy topping. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings.
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen? Yes, you certainly can! Parboil and dice about 2.5 pounds of fresh potatoes until tender-crisp, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- What kind of cheese is best? Shredded cheddar cheese is traditional and highly recommended for this easy cheesy potato casserole. However, feel free to use your favorite blend like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply ensure you use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and choose a gluten-free topping, such as certified gluten-free corn flakes or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Why are they called “funeral potatoes”? This comforting dish earned its name because it is a popular, easy-to-transport casserole often served at post-funeral luncheons and other large communal gatherings, offering comfort to those grieving.
A deep dive into the origins of funeral potatoes reveals their strong association with Latter-day Saint culture in Utah.
- How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy? To ensure a crispy topping, mix the crushed corn flakes with melted butter just before adding them to the casserole. Also, add the topping right before you place the dish in the oven for baking.
Conclusion
This easy cheesy funeral potatoes recipe is truly a staple for any home cook looking for comfort and flavor. Its creamy texture, rich cheesy goodness, and satisfying crispy topping make it an unforgettable dish. We encourage you to try this simple recipe for your next family dinner or special occasion. Don’t forget to share your experience and comments with us – we love hearing how Sweet Emily makes baking simple for you!
