Funeral Potatoes, despite their rather somber name, are a fantastic comfort food that many families cherish. This dish brings warmth and joy to any meal, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or even cozy nights at home. Imagine creamy, cheesy potatoes topped with a delightful crunch, melding flavors that create a sense of home and nostalgia. It’s a recipe steeped in tradition, often served during times of loss to provide comfort to loved ones, but it’s equally wonderful for celebrating joyous occasions. In this post, I’ll share my beloved Funeral Potatoes Recipe, so you can bring a touch of warmth and deliciousness to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress, with its hearty ingredients and simple preparation.
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This Funeral Potatoes Recipe blends creamy textures with crunchy toppings, creating a dish that’s comforting and satisfying. The combination of frozen hash browns and creamy soup provides the perfect base, while the addition of sautéed onions and melted cheese elevates the flavor profile. The crunchy corn flakes on top give the casserole a delightful contrast, making every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Funeral Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a tradition in many households, loved for their rich flavors and ease of preparation. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare while still impressing your guests with its deliciousness.
Ingredients
- Butter for greasing pan
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 lbs frozen, diced hash browns (not shredded)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 21.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (two 10.75-ounce cans)
- 2 cups sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 3 cups crushed corn flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
Preparing the Casserole
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
First things first, let’s preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13 casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray will help prevent any sticking, ensuring that your masterpiece comes out in one piece.
Sauté the Onion
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. This little step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your dish.
Combine the Main Ingredients
Now, let’s move to a large mixing bowl. Combine the frozen hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sautéed onion, salt, black pepper, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should look creamy and inviting!
Prepare the Topping
Grab your skillet again and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in the crushed corn flakes and stir them for about 1 minute until they’re lightly golden. This quick toasting step transforms your topping into a delicious crispy layer.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato mixture evenly in your greased casserole dish. Don’t forget to top it with the toasted corn flakes mixture, distributing them evenly across the top. This topping will create a lovely crunch when baked.
Bake to Perfection
Now, it’s time for the magic to happen! Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for it to be hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Just the sight of it will have everyone in your kitchen!
Serve Hot
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This Funeral Potatoes dish tastes best when it’s hot, so get ready to dig in!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Funeral Potatoes alongside rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a balanced dinner.
- Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings – it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to use diced hash browns for optimal texture.
- Don’t rush the sautéing of onions; it enhances the overall flavor.
- Adjust the cheese according to your preference; try mixing different cheese types for variation.
Variations
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Incorporate diced vegetables such as bell peppers for added freshness.
- Use cream of mushroom soup for a different creamy base.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking and cook it later when ready to enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I prepare Funeral Potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it and refrigerate before baking.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, but you’ll need to prepare them ahead of time, dicing and par-cooking them for the best results.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the cream of chicken soup and corn flakes. Substitute with gluten-free options if needed.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Use a vegetarian cream soup for a meat-free version.
5. How do I know when the casserole is done?
It’s done when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top; a knife inserted in the center should come out hot.
Funeral Potatoes are versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a home-cooked meal. With its creamy base and crunchy topping, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to adapt and prepare ahead of time, making it a staple recipe in any kitchen. Enjoy this dish warm and watch it bring smiles to your table!
PrintFuneral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes offer a creamy and cheesy blend of flavors topped with a delightful crunch. This beloved comfort dish is perfect for any gathering.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- Butter for greasing pan
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 lbs frozen, diced hash browns (not shredded)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 21.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (two 10.75-ounce cans)
- 2 cups sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 3 cups crushed corn flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Sauté diced onion in 1 tablespoon of butter until translucent.
- Mix hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sautéed onion, salt, black pepper, and cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Melt remaining butter and toast corn flakes until golden.
- Spread potato mixture in the casserole dish and top with corn flakes.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Using diced hash browns ensures the best texture.
Sauté onions thoroughly for enhanced flavor.
Feel free to mix different cheeses for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 60