Funeral Potatoes, also known as Cheesy Potato Casserole, is a comforting, hearty dish that’s often served at gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Despite its somber name, this dish is celebrated for its rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness. It’s a beloved side dish that combines hash browns, a creamy sauce, and crunchy topping, making it a favorite among many.
The origins of Funeral Potatoes are somewhat vague, but the dish has deep roots in American cuisine, particularly in the Western United States. It’s often associated with church functions and community events, where it’s enjoyed for its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing qualities. This recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, add extra toppings, or make it ahead of time for convenience.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make your own Funeral Potatoes from scratch. The result will be a creamy, cheesy, and slightly crunchy casserole that is sure to be a hit at any meal.
Ingredients for Classic Funeral Potatoes
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hash browns
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
How to Make Classic Funeral Potatoes
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and develop a golden-brown top.
2. Prepare the Hash Browns
- If you haven’t already, thaw the frozen hash browns. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Add the Hash Browns
- Gently fold the thawed hash browns into the mixture, making sure they are well-coated with the creamy mixture. Be careful not to break up the hash browns too much.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick cooking spray. Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter. Mix until the cornflakes are coated with the butter. This mixture will create a crispy, golden topping for your casserole.
7. Top the Casserole
- Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it a nice crunch and additional flavor.
8. Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly and the topping should be golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the casserole; it should come out hot and clean.
9. Let It Cool
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
10. Serve
- Cut into squares and serve hot. Funeral Potatoes are perfect as a side dish for holiday meals, potlucks, or family dinners. Enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Frozen Hash Browns
Frozen hash browns are the base of this casserole. They are convenient, pre-cut, and ready to use. Hash browns provide a hearty and starchy component to the dish, making it filling and satisfying.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the casserole. It helps create a rich, smooth texture that blends well with the cheese and hash browns.
Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup acts as a binder and adds depth of flavor to the casserole. It also contributes to the creamy texture that is characteristic of Funeral Potatoes.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a sharp, tangy flavor and a gooey texture. The cheese melts and combines with the other ingredients to create a rich and cheesy casserole.
Cornflakes
Crushed cornflakes are used as a topping for the casserole, providing a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy interior. The cornflakes are mixed with melted butter to enhance their flavor and crispness.
Butter
Butter is used both in the casserole mixture and in the topping. It adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy texture on top.
Funeral Potatoes are a classic and comforting dish that can be enjoyed year-round. This recipe combines simplicity with delicious flavors to create a satisfying side dish that will please any crowd. Whether you’re serving it at a special event or as a family dinner, these Classic Funeral Potatoes are sure to be a hit.
