Funeral Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying comfort food that brings warmth and smiles to the dinner table, this Funeral Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and topped with a crispy, buttery cornflake crust, it’s the kind of dish that instantly feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just because you deserve a little extra comfort, these golden layers of flavor and texture come together effortlessly to create something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Funeral Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing creamy richness, subtle savory notes, and a satisfying crunch on top, making every bite memorable.

• 30 ounces hash brown potatoes (thawed): The hearty base that holds all the flavors together with a tender texture.
• 1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick) (divided): Adds richness and helps create that irresistible crispy topping.
• 2 cups sour cream: Brings smooth creaminess and a mild tanginess to brighten the dish.
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Acts as the savory binder that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle hint of aromatic warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Pepper (to taste): Provides a subtle kick that balances the creaminess.
• 1/3 cup scallions (chopped): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and pops of color.
• 2 cups cheddar (grated): Melts into gooey, sharp goodness throughout the casserole.
• 2 cups corn flakes (crushed): Creates a golden, crunchy topping that’s simply addictive.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes

Begin by thawing your hash brown potatoes. You can leave them out on the counter for about an hour or thaw them overnight in the fridge. This step ensures the potatoes cook evenly and absorb all the creamy flavors.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the middle. This temperature allows the casserole to cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust without drying out.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter using a microwave or on the stovetop. Dividing the butter later between the casserole and the topping is key to achieving that luscious texture and crispy finish.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes

Spoon all the thawed hash brown potatoes into a 9×13 casserole dish. This sturdy dish will comfortably hold all the delicious layers and fit perfectly into your oven.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, half of the melted butter (about 4 tablespoons), garlic powder, salt, pepper, chopped scallions, and grated cheddar. Stir everything together until you have a luscious, uniform mixture that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Combine and Smooth

Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes, then gently toss everything together right in the casserole dish to coat the potatoes evenly. Once mixed, smooth the top so it bakes uniformly and looks inviting.

Step 7: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Place the corn flakes into a large ZipLoc bag and crush them into small, bite-sized pieces using your hands, a rolling pin, or even a bottle. This crushed texture is critical for that satisfying crunch against the creamy base.

Step 8: Finish the Topping

Mix the remaining melted butter with the crushed corn flakes in a bowl to make sure every flake gets coated in butter. Then sprinkle this golden mixture generously over the casserole’s surface to create that signature crisp topping.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is sizzling golden brown, bubbling with cheesy goodness underneath, and inviting you to dive right in.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or additional scallions instantly brightens the rich dish and adds a touch of fresh color. For an extra indulgent twist, a dollop of sour cream on top after baking is pure comfort in every bite.

Side Dishes

Funeral potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted or steamed vegetables to balance out the creaminess. Classic options like green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad make perfect companions, keeping your meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining guests, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming presentation. Alternatively, scoop portions onto plates and drizzle with a bit of hot sauce or crispy bacon bits for an extra punch of flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Funeral Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This delicious casserole keeps its creamy texture and flavors wonderfully even after a day or two.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by portioning them into freezer-safe containers or wrapping the whole casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw fully in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. The topping crisps back up nicely, giving you that fresh-baked feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen hash browns straight from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw hash browns before using them in this recipe to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery. Thawing helps the potatoes bake up perfectly creamy and cohesive.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Funeral Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or your favorite vegetarian cream soup, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian twist that’s just as comforting.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

While traditional Funeral Potatoes Recipe is rich with dairy, you can experiment with dairy-free sour cream, cheese alternatives, and butter substitutes for a dairy-free version. The texture won’t be quite the same but still delicious.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is classic and gives that perfect balance of meltiness and tang. Feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder, creamier cheese blend.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales nicely. Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly, watching for that bubbly top and golden crust to signal it’s done.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Funeral Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!

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