Welcome to your new favorite comfort food classic! This Easy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes casserole recipe brings together tender potatoes, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping for an unforgettable side dish. It is incredibly versatile, perfect for any family gathering or a cozy night in. Get ready to bake a dish everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true crowd-placer that delivers on both flavor and convenience.
- It’s a classic, beloved side dish that always disappears fast.
- With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
- Funeral Potatoes are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.
- The name comes from its comforting nature, often served at gatherings where food offers solace. You can learn more about the interesting history behind this dish. Funeral potatoes: A history of the Latter-day Saint staple
- You’ll love the irresistible combination of cheesy, creamy potatoes with a crispy, buttery topping.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this comforting casserole:
- 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
You have flexibility with many of the ingredients for your funeral potatoes. Use either diced or shredded frozen hash browns; just ensure they are fully thawed. For the cream of chicken soup, a homemade version offers a fresher flavor, or feel free to use a cream of mushroom soup for a different twist. Experiment with cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar for varying flavor profiles. If corn flakes aren’t your preference, try crushed Ritz crackers, Panko bread crumbs, or even crushed potato chips for the topping. You can also use fresh, parboiled and diced potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, but ensure they are cooked until just tender.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy casserole. Gather these common kitchen items:
- A standard 9×13 inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
- You will need large mixing bowls to combine your ingredients.
- Standard measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Creating these delicious funeral potatoes is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect casserole every time.
First, thaw the hash browns completely. You can do this by letting them sit in your fridge overnight, or spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 200 degrees F for about 20 minutes until thawed. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons of the melted butter, salt, pepper, and dried minced onion. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. Add the thawed hash browns and the shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Gently stir until the potatoes and cheese are evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful not to overmix the potato mixture.
Spoon this delicious potato mixture into a single, even layer in your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. For the crispy topping, add the cornflakes to a large zip-top bag. Crush the cornflakes gently with your hands or a rolling pin until they form coarse crumbs. Pour the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter into the bag with the crushed cornflakes and mix well until the cornflakes are fully coated.
Evenly sprinkle the buttered cornflake mixture over the top of the potato casserole. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 40-50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are bubbly around the edges and the cornflake topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed before mixing; this prevents a watery casserole. Do not overmix the potato mixture, as this can make the potatoes gummy. For an extra crispy topping, ensure the cornflakes are thoroughly coated in butter and baked uncovered. To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure your casserole is baked completely until golden brown and bubbly. Always taste your mixture before baking to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting casserole alongside your favorite mains. It pairs perfectly with a baked ham or roasted turkey, especially during holiday feasts. Enjoy it with a juicy roast beef or a flavorful flank steak for a hearty meal. Some even enjoy Funeral Potatoes as a rich breakfast casserole. It’s truly great for potlucks and any large gathering.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can easily assemble this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the potato mixture and spread it into the baking dish, but do not add the cornflake topping. Cover and refrigerate it overnight. To freeze, assemble the unbaked casserole (without the topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before adding the topping and baking. Reheat leftover portions gently in the oven or microwave. Following USDA guidelines for safe handling of leftovers and prepared foods is important for food safety.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your Funeral Potatoes! Try different cheese combinations, such as a blend of Gruyère and white cheddar. Add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham to the potato mixture for extra flavor and protein. Include diced onions or bell peppers for added vegetables and a hint of freshness. Swap cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or celery soup to alter the creamy base. For a spicy kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional information helps you plan your meals effectively. This recipe for Funeral Potatoes offers a comforting and hearty side dish. These are approximate values per serving based on 12 servings.
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
FAQ
- What are Funeral Potatoes? These are a classic, creamy, and cheesy potato casserole, often topped with a crispy crust.
- Why are they called funeral potatoes? The name comes from their popularity as a comforting dish served at large family gatherings, including post-funeral receptions.
- Can I use fresh potatoes for this recipe? Yes, you can use fresh potatoes; just parboil and dice them before adding them to the mixture.
- Can I make these Funeral Potatoes ahead of time? Absolutely, you can prep the casserole (without the topping) and refrigerate or freeze it for later.
- What kind of cheese is best? Classic cheddar is popular, but Colby Jack, sharp cheddar, or a blend work wonderfully.
- How do I get the topping crispy? Ensure your cornflakes are well-coated in butter and bake the casserole uncovered until golden.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes casserole recipe proves that ultimate comfort food can be simple to make. It’s a guaranteed hit, perfect for feeding a crowd or simply indulging in a delicious, homemade dish. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below. We know you will enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Easy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thaw the hash browns 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 sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, pepper, and dried minced onion, mixing until well blended.
- Add the thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, stir to combine, then spoon it into a single layer in a 9x13-inch pan.
- Place cornflakes 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 in the bag and mix well, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the potato casserole.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-50 minutes at 350°F, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve this comforting casserole as a side dish with baked ham, oven-roasted turkey, or flank steak.