Funeral Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

What Exactly Are Funeral Potatoes?

Are you searching for a dish that’s guaranteed to bring warmth, smiles, and seconds to the table? In a world of fleeting food trends, there’s a timeless classic that consistently delivers pure, unadulterated comfort: Funeral Potatoes. This creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy casserole has earned its beloved status for a reason. Often served at gatherings where community and care are paramount—like funerals or potlucks—Funeral Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a hug in a baking dish. But what makes this seemingly simple combination of hash browns, cheese, and a creamy sauce so universally adored? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors: the tender bite of potatoes, the velvety richness of a cheese sauce, and that irresistible, golden-brown, buttery crunch on top. It’s the kind of food that evokes nostalgia and feeds the soul, making it a go-to for holidays, family dinners, and any occasion that calls for a truly satisfying meal.

Irresistible Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes

The beauty of Funeral Potatoes lies in its simplicity, using readily available ingredients to create something extraordinary. The magic happens when these humble components come together in the oven. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:

For the Casserole:

• 2 (30 ounce) packages frozen hash browns, thawed but not drained. These form the tender, comforting base, offering a slightly crisp exterior when baked and a wonderfully soft interior.
  • Substitution: You can use homemade shredded potatoes, but ensure they are well-drained to avoid a watery casserole. Freshly shredded potatoes will have a slightly different texture, potentially more potato-forward.
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted. This is the backbone of our creamy sauce, providing a savory depth and luxurious thickness.
  • Substitution: Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup work beautifully. For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream soup alternative or a homemade béchamel sauce enriched with nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream. Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess, balancing the richness of the soup and cheese.
  • Substitution: Plain Greek yogurt can be used for a slightly lighter, tangier option. Ensure it’s full-fat for the best texture.
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping. The heart of the cheesy goodness! Sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor that doesn’t get lost in the creamy sauce.
  • Substitution: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or Gruyère, would offer a more complex cheesy profile.
• ½ cup chopped onion, finely minced. Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Substitution: Use ½ teaspoon of onion powder if you prefer not to have visible onion pieces or if fresh onions aren’t available.
• ¼ cup butter, melted. This is part of our crunchy topping, giving it that beautiful golden hue and delicious buttery flavor.

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed corn flakes OR panko breadcrumbs. This is the key to that irresistible crunchy layer that everyone fights over!
  • Substitution: For a gluten-free crunch, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even finely crushed tortilla chips.
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. More cheese for more deliciousness on top!
• ¼ cup butter, melted. To bind the topping and ensure it toasts to golden perfection.

Timing and Preparation

Funeral Potatoes are wonderfully quick to assemble, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks. The active preparation time is minimal, allowing you to focus on other tasks while this comforting casserole bakes to perfection.

Compared to average casserole recipes which often require more complex sauces or longer baking times, Funeral Potatoes are remarkably efficient, offering maximum comfort for minimum effort.

Crafting Your Funeral Potatoes

Let’s get started on this comforting classic. Follow these simple steps for a casserole that’s destined to be a favorite.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns (don’t drain them!), the undiluted cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the finely chopped onion. Stir everything together until it’s well incorporated and you have a creamy, cohesive mixture.

Step 3: Combine and Layer

Gently fold the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Ensure it forms a smooth, consistent layer. This is the soul of your casserole!

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping

In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs, the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the ¼ cup of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated in butter and begin to clump together slightly. This mixture will create that delectable crunchy crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the hash brown mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. This double-bake method ensures the center is heated through and the topping is perfectly crisp.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the Funeral Potatoes rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve without it falling apart. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Nutritional Insights

While Funeral Potatoes are a rich and decadent comfort food, it’s helpful to have an estimated nutritional breakdown. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
• Protein: Around 10-15g
• Fat: Approximately 25-35g (primarily from cheese and butter)
• Carbohydrates: Around 20-30g (from potatoes and corn flakes)
• Sodium: Can be high due to canned soup and cheese; adjust as needed.

This data is an estimation and will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to make Funeral Potatoes a bit lighter without sacrificing too much flavor or that irresistible comfort, consider these swaps:

• Reduced-Fat Ingredients: Use reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute half of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for added protein and a tangy twist.
• Fresh Vegetables: Add finely chopped steamed broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms to the casserole mixture for added nutrients and fiber.
• Whole Wheat Topping: Opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs or a mix of whole grain cereal for the topping.
• Lean Protein: Incorporate lean cooked chicken or turkey for a more substantial and protein-rich casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of main dishes. They are a perfect accompaniment to:

• Roasted meats like turkey, ham, or roast beef.
• Grilled or baked chicken.
• Hearty stews or chili.
• Serve as a stand-alone vegetarian main dish with a fresh green salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Funeral Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Draining the hash browns too much: The slight moisture from the thawed hash browns contributes to the creamy texture.
• Overmixing: Be gentle when combining ingredients to avoid a gummy texture.
• Not covering during initial baking: Covering traps steam, which helps cook the potatoes through and melt the cheese evenly before the topping browns.
• Skipping the rest time: Allowing the casserole to rest helps it set, preventing a runny dish.
• Using bland cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar or a flavorful blend for the best taste.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Funeral Potatoes are a treat! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can:

• Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover with foil initially, then remove for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, though this may soften the crunch.

Embrace the Comfort

Funeral Potatoes are more than just a recipe; they are a symbol of warmth, comfort, and shared meals. Their creamy, cheesy, and crunchy perfection makes them an enduring favorite across generations and gatherings. Whether you’re serving them at a solemn occasion or a joyous celebration, this casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and create a dish that nourishes the body and soothes the soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Funeral Potatoes

• Author: Chef Sara

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Description

Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy comfort food classic perfect for any occasion. Made with tender hash browns, a rich sour cream and cheese sauce, and a crispy buttery topping, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holidays, or even a simple family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1(32-ounce) bag frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
• 1 cupsour cream
• 1(10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
• 2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cupunsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cupscornflake cereal, crushed (or panko breadcrumbs)
• 1 tsponion powder
• 1/2 tspgarlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the frozen hash browns to the bowl and gently stir until evenly coated.
4. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve warm.

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Notes

For extra crunch, substitute crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips for the cornflakes.
Add cooked, diced chicken or ham for a more filling casserole.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, removing the foil halfway through baking.