Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and outrageously comforting, Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole for potlucks, holidays, and cozy Sunday dinners alike. This classic dish turns simple, humble ingredients into a bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece that’s impossible to resist—no matter the occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great pan of Funeral Potatoes is built on a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have at home. Each one brings something special—creamy richness, meltiness, or that signature buttery crunch—to the final dish.

• Frozen Southern-Style Hash Brown Potatoes: These shredded potatoes make prep lightning fast, and they turn delightfully tender as they bake.
• Minced Onions (frozen): They add a mild savoriness and a tiny bit of texture without any fuss—just toss them in straight from the freezer.
• Sour Cream: The secret to the casserole’s incredibly creamy consistency and unmistakable tangy kick.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic shortcut brings everything together into a velvety, comforting sauce.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness to both the casserole and the crisp topping for an extra indulgent flavor.
• Salt: Just enough seasoning to brighten up all the flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection and gives the potatoes lots of bold, savory depth.
• Corn Flake Cereal (crushed): The crunchy topper that sets Funeral Potatoes apart—always buttery, always golden.

Variations

One of the most lovable things about Funeral Potatoes is how easily you can tweak them to suit your mood, fridge contents, or guests’ needs. Feel free to get creative—you’re the boss of your own casserole destiny!

• Use Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or pepper jack for a pop of spice.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked, chopped ham, rotisserie chicken, or crumbled bacon for extra heartiness that takes the casserole into main dish territory.
• Swap the Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work for a vegetarian twist.
• Try a Different Crunch: Swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a new take on that irresistible topping!

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray; this makes it a breeze to serve every layer without any sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your frozen hash brown potatoes and minced onions. Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated and wonderfully creamy—you want every shred of potato to be smothered in goodness!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so it fills the pan all the way to the edges. The casserole should look thick, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor at this stage.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

Combine the crushed corn flakes with the remaining melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your casserole, making sure to cover every nook and cranny—the more surface area, the crispier each serving will be!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crunchy and the potatoes are steaming hot all the way through. Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven to set, then dig in while it’s warm and irresistible.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

For a little extra color and flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or sliced green onions over your fresh-from-the-oven Funeral Potatoes. Their brightness pops against the golden topping and brings a freshly homemade touch to every spoonful.

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair beautifully with classic ham, roast chicken, or grilled pork chops. For a lighter spread, add a crisp green salad or some simply steamed veggies—Funeral Potatoes are rich enough to let anything shine alongside them.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking Funeral Potatoes in individual ramekins for charming dinner-party servings, or scoop them into lettuce cups for a unique potluck appetizer. They’re always a winner as part of a big family brunch buffet too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Funeral Potatoes cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—they reheat wonderfully, making them a favorite for next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole without the topping for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the buttery cornflake topping, and bake until bubbly and browned.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the pan with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, removing the foil at the end to recrisp the topping. For single portions, a microwave works in a pinch—even though the top won’t be quite as crunchy, it’s still delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings guaranteed smiles, generous comfort, and a little bit of old-fashioned nostalgia, you can’t go wrong with a bubbling pan of Funeral Potatoes. I hope you’ll gather your favorite people, give this recipe a try, and savor every creamy, cheesy, perfectly crunchy bite. Enjoy!

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