Funeral Potatoes, or Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, is a classic comfort food dish perfect for any gathering. This creamy and cheesy casserole combines shredded hash browns with a rich, savory sauce and a crispy cornflake topping. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delicious Funeral Potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheese creates a rich and creamy base that’s perfect for a comforting casserole.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Crispy Topping: The cornflake topping adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor, making this casserole even more enjoyable.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Funeral Potatoes are always a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals, ensuring that everyone will love this dish.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Hash Browns
Shredded hash browns are the star of this recipe, providing a crispy and flavorful base. You can use freshly shredded potatoes, but frozen hash browns are more convenient and consistent in texture.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds richness and creaminess to the casserole. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup adds a savory flavor to the casserole. You can use cream of mushroom soup or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese provides a rich, tangy flavor to the casserole. You can substitute it with other types of cheese like Gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
Cornflakes
Cornflakes add a crispy and crunchy topping to the casserole. You can substitute them with crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or any other crispy topping you prefer.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures that the oven is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Potato Casserole Mixture
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir with a whisk until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, and chopped onion. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for the casserole.
Step 3: Add the Casserole Mixture to the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. This step ensures that the casserole is evenly distributed and ready for the topping.
Step 4: Make the Cornflake Topping
- Combine Cornflakes and Butter: In a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and melted butter. Stir to coat the cornflakes evenly with the butter.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the butter-coated cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture. This step adds a crispy and flavorful topping to the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown. This step ensures that the casserole is fully cooked and achieves a perfect golden brown and crispy texture.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! This step adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making the casserole even more enjoyable.
Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 10.5-oz. can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 30-oz. pkg. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese about 8 oz.
- 3/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 heaping cups cornflake cereal coarsely crushed (about 2 1/2 oz.)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Potato Casserole Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir with a whisk until well combined.
- Fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, and chopped onion. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Add Casserole Mixture to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Make the Cornflake Topping:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and melted butter. Stir to coat the cornflakes evenly with the butter.
- Sprinkle the butter-coated cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown.
Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed before mixing with the other ingredients.
- You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 10g
Expert Tips for Success
- Fully Thawed Hash Browns: Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed before mixing with the other ingredients. This helps to achieve a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the casserole mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional garlic powder to suit your preferences.
- Even Layering: Ensure the casserole mixture is evenly distributed in the baking dish for consistent cooking.
- Customize Topping: Feel free to add other crispy toppings like crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even bacon bits for added flavor and crunch.
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Vegetarian: Use cream of mushroom soup or celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup. Ensure all other ingredients are certified vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese to make this recipe dairy-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified dairy-free.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the casserole mixture for an herbal note.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in additional shredded cheese like mozzarella or Swiss cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of milk or water to help retain moisture during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These Funeral Potatoes pair beautifully with:
- Roasted Chicken: A classic pairing that’s perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Grilled Steak: The rich and savory flavors of steak complement the creamy and cheesy notes of the casserole.
- Fresh Salad: Serve with a side of fresh salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Conclusion
Funeral Potatoes are a classic and comforting dish perfect for any gathering. With their creamy and cheesy base and crispy cornflake topping, they’re a casserole that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner. Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Funeral Potatoes!