Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our irresistible recipe for **Funeral Potatoes**. This creamy, cheesy hashbrown casserole, topped with a deliciously crispy cornflake crust, is a beloved classic perfect for any gathering, from holiday feasts to casual potlucks. Forget bland side dishes; these Funeral Potatoes offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Its playful name belies its serious deliciousness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
For those who grew up in the Mountain West, Funeral Potatoes are more than just a dish; they’re a cherished tradition. They appear at every significant event, from celebratory gatherings to comforting meal trains, offering a warm, hearty embrace. The delightful contrast between the soft, cheesy potato base and the crunchy, buttery cornflake topping creates an experience that is truly unforgettable. This versatile casserole is not only incredibly satisfying but also budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice when you need to feed a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.
My goal with every recipe is to empower home cooks, regardless of their experience level. Having taught myself through countless hours in the kitchen, I understand the importance of clear instructions and a deep understanding of why each ingredient matters. This recipe for Funeral Potatoes is designed to build your confidence, offering detailed tips and explanations that ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Get ready to master this iconic side dish and make it a staple in your own kitchen!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Crispy Hashbrown Casserole
- Step-by-Step Method for Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
- Pro Tips for Perfect Funeral Potatoes
- Funeral Potatoes FAQs
- Best Dishes to Serve With Funeral Potatoes
How to Make Funeral Potatoes: A Timeless Comfort Classic
Creating this beloved hashbrown casserole is remarkably simple, making it a fantastic choice for busy holiday dinners or any occasion where you need a comforting, substantial side. Its rich flavor and hearty texture ensure that hungry bellies are filled, all while being incredibly kind to your budget. The process can be broken down into three easy phases:
- Prep: Gather your ingredients and assemble the cheesy potato base.
- Bake: Let the oven work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a golden, bubbling casserole.
- Enjoy: Allow the dish to cool slightly, then dig into a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will adore.
Ingredients for Crispy Topping Hashbrown Casserole
To bring this ultimate comfort dish to life, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures that make Funeral Potatoes so special:
- 28-ounce package frozen cubed hash browns, thawed (800 grams): These form the hearty foundation of our casserole. Thawed hash browns ensure even cooking and contribute a delightful mix of soft interior and slightly crispy edges, crucial for the perfect potato texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly coat the hash browns, the olive oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup: This classic pantry staple is the secret to the casserole’s incredible creaminess and savory depth. It acts as a rich binding agent, infusing every bite with comforting flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Essential for adding luxurious richness and a delightful tang, the sour cream balances the other heavy, savory elements, creating a perfectly rounded flavor profile.
- ¾ cup salted butter, divided and melted: Butter is key for both the casserole’s interior and its iconic topping. Half is mixed with the potatoes for unparalleled richness, while the other half is combined with cornflakes for a golden, crunchy finish.
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: What’s a cheesy potato casserole without an abundance of cheese? Shredded cheddar provides a sharp, savory flavor and melts into a gooey, irresistible blanket that binds everything together.
- 2 ½ cups Cornflakes: The pièce de résistance! These humble flakes, when coated in melted butter and baked, transform into a light, crispy, and utterly addictive topping that provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy potatoes below.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Crispy Topping Method
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Funeral Potato casserole:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed hash browns in a colander to drain any excess moisture, which helps prevent a watery casserole. Lightly drizzle olive oil into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Evenly spread the thawed hash browns in the prepared dish and set aside.
2. Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt ¾ cup of salted butter. Allow the melted butter to cool slightly to prevent it from curdling the dairy ingredients in the next step. This slight cooling period is essential for a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Create the Cream Sauce Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, and half of the slightly cooled melted butter. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the rich, creamy binder for your casserole.
4. Combine with Cheese and Hash Browns
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the cream sauce mixture and mix again until the cheese is evenly distributed. Pour this rich, cheesy sauce over the hash browns in your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to gently mix everything until the hash browns are completely coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness. Ensure every potato piece is drenched in flavor.
5. Evenly Spread the Potato Mixture
Once the hash browns are fully incorporated with the creamy, cheesy mixture, ensure it’s spread evenly across the 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a uniform layer for baking and ensures every serving will have the perfect balance of ingredients. Gently press it down to create a compact, even surface.
6. Prepare the Crispy Cornflake Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the cornflakes with the remaining half of the melted butter. Gently toss until the cornflakes are evenly coated. For the best crunch, lightly crush the cornflakes—you want pieces, not powder. This butter coating is essential for that signature golden-brown crispness.
7. Add Topping and Bake
Evenly spread the buttered cornflakes over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes; you’re looking for a bubbling interior and a beautifully golden-brown, crispy cornflake topping. The exact baking time may vary based on your oven.
8. Rest and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the Funeral Potatoes from the oven. It’s crucial to let the casserole rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to set properly, preventing it from being too runny and making it easier to portion and serve. Serve this comforting side dish alongside holiday favorites like roast turkey, a succulent ribeye roast, or a delicious glazed ham. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Funeral Potatoes
While Funeral Potatoes are forgiving, these expert tips will elevate your casserole from good to absolutely unforgettable:
- Thoroughly Thaw Hash Browns: This step is non-negotiable. If your hash browns are still frozen or partially frozen, they will release excess water during baking, leading to a watery, less flavorful casserole. Plan ahead and thaw them completely, then drain any accumulated liquid in a colander before mixing.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: The more cheese, the merrier! While the recipe provides a generous amount, feel free to add an extra half cup of shredded cheddar or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses (like Colby or Monterey Jack) for an even gooier, richer result. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality ingredients. If you have time, consider dicing and sautéing a small onion to add to the potato mixture for an extra layer of savory flavor. A homemade cream of chicken soup, if you’re feeling ambitious, can also make a significant difference.
- Crush the Cornflakes Properly: The goal is a crispy texture, not a powdery topping. Gently crush the cornflakes by hand or with a rolling pin inside a plastic bag. You want a mix of small and medium-sized pieces to ensure a delightful crunch in every bite, not uniform crumbs.
- Butter Your Cornflakes Generously: Tossing the cornflakes in melted butter before adding them to the casserole is crucial. This step not only imbues them with a rich, savory flavor but also ensures they crisp up to a beautiful golden brown in the oven, rather than becoming dry or burnt.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Ovens vary, so treat the baking time as a guideline. Watch your casserole closely, especially during the last 10-15 minutes. The cornflake topping should be a deep golden brown, and the edges of the casserole should be bubbling vigorously. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Let it Rest: Patience is a virtue, especially with casseroles. Allowing your Funeral Potatoes to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing them from the oven lets the creamy sauce thicken and set. This makes for cleaner slices and prevents the casserole from falling apart when served.
Perfect Baked Funeral Potatoes FAQs
Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Funeral Potatoes are an excellent make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire casserole as per the instructions, but do not add the cornflake topping yet. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cornflake topping and then bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh potatoes, though the texture will be slightly different. Peel and boil about 2.5-3 pounds of russet potatoes until they are just tender (not mushy). Let them cool completely, then dice them into small cubes before proceeding with the recipe. This will add a fresh potato flavor but requires more prep time.
Can I freeze funeral potatoes?
Yes, Funeral Potatoes freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole without the cornflake topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake. If freezing after baking, ensure the casserole cools completely, then cover tightly and freeze. Reheat thawed portions in the oven until warmed through.
What can I use other than cream of chicken soup?
If cream of chicken soup isn’t your preference, you have several excellent substitutes. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are popular choices that offer a similar creamy consistency and savory base. For a homemade touch, you could also prepare a simple white sauce (béchamel) and season it well.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Colby, Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a sharp Swiss cheese would all work wonderfully, offering slightly different flavor profiles while maintaining that desirable gooey texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of funeral potatoes?
Making a vegetarian version is easy! Simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Ensure all other ingredients, like butter, are also vegetarian-approved if needed.
What to serve with funeral potatoes?
Funeral Potatoes are the quintessential side dish for a variety of meals. They pair exceptionally well with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or beef, grilled chicken, and even simple weeknight dinners. Their rich, comforting nature makes them a perfect companion for lighter salads or green vegetable sides.
Can I use something other than cornflakes for the topping?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cornflakes, or prefer a different crunch, crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter make fantastic alternatives. Each option will impart a unique flavor and texture to the topping.
Best Dishes to Serve With Funeral Potatoes
Honey Baked Ham at Home
Dry Brined Turkey
Boneless Ribeye Roast Recipe
Perfect Easy Roasted Leg of Lamb
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5 from 1 vote
Funeral Potatoes
Servings: 10 servings
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 50 mins
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Cheesy, creamy baked hashbrown casserole topped with crunchy cornflakes!
Ingredients
- 28-ounce package frozen cubed hash browns, thawed (800 grams)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup salted butter, divided and melted
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 ½ cups Cornflakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175°C).
- Place hash browns in a colander to drain. Drizzle oil in a 9×13 casserole dish and evenly place thawed hash browns in and set aside.
- Add cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ½ of the melted butter into a medium bowl and mix well until smooth.
- Add in shredded cheese and mix again, then pour on top of the hash browns and mix until fully incorporated and spread evenly in the dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornflakes and the remaining melted butter. Layer this mixture evenly over the potatoes and bake for about 40-50 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before serving to let it set.
Nutrition
- Serving: 1g
- Calories: 560kcal
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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