Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Funeral Potatoes, a comforting and beloved dish, have a special place in many hearts and stomachs. Imagine gathering with family and friends, sharing stories, and enjoying a hearty casserole that embodies warmth and nostalgia. Funeral Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and delightfully crispy on top, making them the perfect side dish for any occasion, from potlucks to holiday feasts. Unlike their name suggests, these potatoes celebrate life, creating a sense of community and comfort at every table. In this recipe, you will not only learn how to prepare this crowd-pleaser but also discover tips, variations, and answers to common questions to help you create the perfect cheesy dish.
What Are Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a type of casserole made from grated or shredded potatoes combined with a rich and creamy sauce, often enriched with cheese and topped with crunchy cornflakes or breadcrumbs. The dish hails primarily from the Midwest of the United States, where it’s often served at gatherings, including funeral luncheons, hence its name. The primary flavors come from the combination of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and a touch of onion powder, creating a mouthwatering symphony of tastes.
When you take a bite of Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, you can expect a warm, creamy texture that melts in your mouth, contrasted with the crispy topping that adds a delightful crunch. The blend of flavors and textures together creates a dish that is not just a side but also a cozy comfort food. This dish is customizable, too, allowing you to incorporate your favorite additions, whether that be spices, proteins, or veggies to adjust it to fit your family’s tastes perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe for several reasons. Firstly, the blend of flavors is simply irresistible. The sharpness of the cheese, combined with the creaminess of the sour cream and the seasoning, creates an unforgettable dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Secondly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a little chopping and mixing, you can whip up this delightful casserole in no time, making it ideal for busy parents or novice cooks who want to impress their guests without spending entire days in the kitchen.
Additionally, this dish is quite budget-friendly, as the main ingredients are usually affordable and can be stored for a while, making it a great option for meal prep or potlucks. It also suits a variety of dietary needs; you can adjust the cheese to be lactose-free or replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier twist. Lastly, it can easily feed a crowd, so you won’t have to worry about anyone going hungry. This recipe offers a no-fuss way to create a dish everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Hash Brown Potatoes: 1 bag (30 ounces, preferably frozen) – This is the base of the dish. Frozen hash browns save time and add extra convenience.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup – This adds creaminess and tanginess. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (shredded) – Sharp cheddar is the preferred choice for a bold flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend for variety.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces) – This enhances the creaminess and binds the ingredients. For a vegetarian version, opt for cream of mushroom soup.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon – A vital seasoning that brings depth to the dish. You can substitute with garlic powder if preferred.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste based on your dietary preferences.
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds mild spice. You can use freshly cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (melted) – Helps to create the crispy topping. Margarine can be used as an alternative.
- Cornflakes: 1 cup (crushed) – These will provide a crunchy topping. You can substitute with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and the cheese becomes bubbly and golden brown by the time it’s finished baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash brown potatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. It’s essential to mix thoroughly to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Make sure to push the mixture into the corners of the dish for an even bake.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Stir them together until the cornflakes are well coated. This buttery coating will create a wonderfully crispy topping.
- Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture. This step is crucial, as it is what will give your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes that delightful crunch that everyone loves.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until it’s hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. An hour seems long, but this ensures all flavors meld beautifully together, and the texture is just right.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best served warm, allowing the cheese to remain melty and delicious. A bit of resting time also helps it hold together better when serving.
6 Variations & Substitutions
Loaded Funeral Potatoes: For a heartier dish, stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken into the potato mixture. This not only enhances the flavor but also turns it into a complete meal. The addition of meat brings a savory richness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potato base, making it a filling option for brunch or dinner.
Vegetarian Option: If you want to keep the dish vegetarian, consider using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. You can also include sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. This variation adds extra nutrients and textures to the dish, making it suitable for meatless meals, while still retaining the creamy goodness that makes Funeral Potatoes so special.
Spicy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes: For those who enjoy a kick, add in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the mixture. The addition of spice complements the cheese without overpowering the classic flavor. This variation is perfect for gatherings where you want to serve something with more depth and excitement.
Herbed Cheesy Potatoes: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley into the potato mixture for an aromatic touch. Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor contrast, making the dish feel lighter and more refreshing. This variation elevates the comfort food standard and gives it a gourmet twist.
Sweet Potato Variation: Instead of using hash browns, swap them out with shredded sweet potatoes for a healthier spin. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness along with a plethora of vitamins and minerals. This version can cater to those looking for lower glycemic options while providing an equally delicious flavor.
Cheesy Broccoli Funeral Potatoes: For an added veggie boost, fold in some steamed broccoli florets along with the other ingredients. The broccoli adds color, crunch, and additional nutrition to the dish. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in more greens into your comfort food while still keeping the cheesy delight intact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes when making Cheesy Funeral Potatoes is using fresh instead of frozen hash browns. Fresh potatoes release excess moisture, leading to a mushy consistency rather than the desired creamy texture; frozen hash browns maintain their shape and texture much better during cooking. Additionally, be sure to evenly mix your ingredients; this guarantees that every bite is just as flavorful as the last.
Another pitfall can be undercooking the cornflakes topping. To get that coveted crispy layer, ensure you bake the casserole long enough so that the cornflakes turn golden brown. Don’t rush this step! If the potatoes are still cool or the mixture is not combined well, it may take longer for an even cook. Always allow it to rest for a few minutes post-baking; this helps the flavors settle and makes for easier serving during gatherings.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
After making your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, you may find yourself with leftovers — which is fantastic! To store, allow the casserole to cool down completely, then cover with plastic wrap or transfer into an airtight container. It should be stored in the refrigerator where it can last for up to 3–5 days.
If you want to freeze Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, it’s best to do so before baking. Prepare the dish according to the recipe, but don’t bake it yet. Instead, tightly cover the dish with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, which prevents freezer burn. Frozen, the casserole can last up to 2 months.
When reheating, if it’s coming straight from the fridge, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 30 minutes. If it’s frozen, bake it at the same temperature, but expect it to take at least 1 hour or longer, depending on how thick the casserole is. Be sure to check with a knife or toothpick in the center to ensure it’s warmed all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Just keep in mind that it might require a longer baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. If you like, you can also prepare the dish completely and freeze it before baking.
What can I serve with Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral Potatoes are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes. They go well with baked ham, fried chicken, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or barbecued chicken for extra flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper Jack adds a spicy twist, while mozzarella gives a gooey texture. You can even mix and match for a cheese lover’s delight.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the cornflakes with crushed gluten-free crackers or items made specifically for those on a gluten-free diet.
What can I do with leftover Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
Leftover Cheesy Funeral Potatoes reheat beautifully and make for a delicious breakfast or lunch! You can also repurpose them into potato pancakes for a unique and tasty breakfast dish. Just mix with some breadcrumbs, form into patties, and pan-fry until golden brown.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are not just a crowd-pleasing dish; they are a source of comfort and nostalgia, perfect for any gathering. You’ve learned how to prepare this easy and delicious casserole, along with exciting variations to customize it to your tastes. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, or proteins. Your guests will appreciate the effort and flavor that shines through in every bite. Give it a try at your next family gathering, and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished staple in your home. Happy cooking!
