Craving The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe?
Discover creamy, cheesy comfort with The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe perfectly baked for every gathering and hungry crowd. This classic casserole brings together tender potatoes, a rich blend of cheese and sour cream, and a crunchy topping that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving a holiday feast, family dinner, or comforting potluck dish, this recipe promises satisfaction and warmth in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy texture combined with melted cheese makes it feel like a big, cozy hug on a plate.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly, even for busy cooks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Its rich flavor and satisfying crunch make it a favorite at holidays, gatherings, and weeknight dinners alike.
- Feeds a Crowd: This casserole is designed to serve many, making it ideal for family get-togethers and potlucks.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit any taste or dietary preference without losing its heartwarming essence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its irresistible taste, texture, and color. From the creamy potatoes to the crispy topping, every element contributes to a perfectly balanced dish.
- Frozen Hash Browns: Provides the tender, starchy base and perfect texture for the casserole.
- Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess that enriches the dish’s signature smoothness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, melty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the potatoes.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a savory binder, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- Melted Butter: Enhances richness and helps the crispy topping brown perfectly.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Crunchy Topping (Cornflakes or Panko): Creates that signature golden, crispy finish loved by all.
Variations for The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe
This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a breeze to tweak based on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or personal preferences. Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or vegetable soup for a meat-free version.
- Extra Crunch: Swap the cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers or toasted breadcrumbs to change the texture profile.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture to heat things up.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for a fresh aromatic twist.
- Cheese Variations: Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella to customize the flavor.
How to Make The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greased a baking dish. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking as the casserole bakes to bubbly perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, diced onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well mixed and uniformly creamy.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared dish, smoothing the top for an even bake and distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or your choice of crunchy topping over the potato mixture, then drizzle with a little melted butter for a golden, crispy crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Step 6: Let it Rest Before Serving
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for at least 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set so it holds its shape when served.
Pro Tips for Making The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts better and gives a richer, creamier texture than pre-shredded versions.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients gently to avoid breaking the potatoes into mush.
- Let Frozen Potatoes Thaw Lightly: Partial thawing prevents excess water in the casserole for a creamier result.
- Cover with Foil Initially: To keep moisture in, bake covered for the first 30 minutes, then uncover to crisp the topping.
- Add Extra Butter to Topping: It guarantees that perfect golden crunch everyone loves.
How to Serve The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Top the warm casserole with freshly chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of paprika to add color and an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, fresh green salads, or your favorite protein like ham, turkey, or grilled chicken to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the casserole in small ramekins for individual portions or layer it over sautéed greens for a colorful presentation that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors intensify overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy on top, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese and cream soup to keep the creamy texture without milk products.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Frozen shredded hash browns are preferred for their convenience and consistency, but you can also use fresh potatoes shredded manually if desired.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try using reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, or swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade low-fat version with broth and thickener to cut calories.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be portioned into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I add meat to The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe?
Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or diced ham can be mixed into the casserole for a heartier, protein-packed version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the perfect comfort side dish, The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe is your new go-to. Its blend of creamy potatoes, cheesy richness, and crunchy topping delivers warmth and satisfaction to any table. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a cherished favorite for you and your loved ones.
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The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe is a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring tender frozen hash browns mixed with sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and onions, topped with a golden crunchy crust. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this comforting dish is ideal for holiday gatherings, family dinners, and potlucks, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (shredded potatoes)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Crunchy Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or panko, crushed Ritz crackers, or toasted breadcrumbs as variations)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking as the casserole bakes to bubbly perfection.
- Mix the Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, diced onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well mixed and uniformly creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared dish, smoothing the top for an even bake and distribution of flavors.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed cornflakes (or your choice of crunchy topping) over the potato mixture, then drizzle with a little melted butter for a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for at least 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set so it holds its shape when served.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
- Don’t overmix to avoid breaking the potatoes into mush.
- Let frozen potatoes thaw lightly to prevent excess water and ensure creaminess.
- Cover with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to crisp the topping.
- Add extra butter to the topping to achieve the perfect golden crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: funeral potatoes, cheesy casserole, comfort food, baked potatoes, hash brown casserole, sour cream casserole, holiday side dish, potluck dish