If you’ve never tasted this comforting classic, you’re in for a real treat with the Funeral Potatoes Recipe. This dish is pure comfort food perfection—creamy, cheesy, crispy on top, and packed with warmth in every bite. A beloved staple at gatherings and family dinners, it combines simple ingredients like hash brown potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese to create a deliciously rich casserole that’s as satisfying as it is nostalgic. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, potluck, or just because, this Funeral Potatoes Recipe brings a cozy touch your table will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Funeral Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From creamy sour cream to crunchy corn flakes, every element comes together in perfect harmony.
- 2 pounds southern style hash brown potatoes: The hearty base of the casserole, offering tender potato bites with a little crisp on the edges.
- 2 tablespoons minced onions (frozen): Adds a subtle savory note without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cups sour cream: Gives the casserole its rich, creamy body and keeps it moist.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup: Brings in a silky texture and that classic comforting flavor.
- 4 tablespoons stick butter (melted): Enhances richness and helps bind ingredients for a silky consistency.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors perfectly, so the cheese and potatoes shine.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and decadent—this cheese is what makes the casserole truly addictive.
- 2 1/2 cups corn flake cereal (crushed): Provides a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted): Binds the cereal topping crisply and adds a buttery finish.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets the stage to cook the casserole evenly and develop a delicious golden crust. Spray your 9×13-inch casserole dish generously with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the southern style hash brown potatoes and the minced onions. These frozen ingredients make it super easy to prepare your casserole base without extra chopping or prep work. Their cool temperature also helps maintain a fresh texture until the rest of the ingredients join in.
Step 3: Add Creaminess and Flavor
To the potato and onion mixture, add sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and salt. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the potatoes evenly. This creamy blend is what keeps each forkful moist and flavorful, marrying the savory elements seamlessly.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing each potato piece to get a cheesy hug. The cheese will melt during baking, infusing the casserole with deep, savory richness that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 5: Transfer and Top
Spoon the potato mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, combine crushed corn flake cereal with the remaining 1/2 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle this golden topping liberally over the casserole to create a satisfying crunch and buttery finish that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the edges are bubbling hot. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side is always a hit, especially for those who love a little extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light soup. Think crisp steamed broccoli or a fresh green bean almondine to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Funeral Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at gatherings. Alternatively, lay it out as a buffet dish where guests can help themselves, making it a cozy, comforting centerpiece everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover casserole tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying leftovers without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
This Funeral Potatoes Recipe freezes wonderfully. Prepare the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed casserole in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. This method keeps the topping crispy and the inside creamy, just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with something else?
Absolutely! If you want a vegetarian alternative, cream of mushroom soup works beautifully and provides a similar creamy texture without altering the rich flavor much.
Is it okay to use fresh onions instead of frozen minced onions?
Yes, fresh onions work great. Just finely mince about the same amount, and you may want to sauté them lightly to soften their sharpness before mixing them in.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can, but you’ll need to use dairy-free versions of sour cream, butter, and cheese. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly but can still be comforting and delicious.
What type of hash browns should I use for this recipe?
Southern style frozen hash brown potatoes are best for that classic texture. Avoid shredded style, as southern style has larger, chunkier pieces that hold up well during baking.
How do I get the topping extra crispy?
Make sure to crush the corn flakes finely and mix well with melted butter before sprinkling on top. Also, placing the casserole on a lower oven rack can help the topping brown more evenly and develop that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this cherished Funeral Potatoes Recipe at your fingertips, I truly hope it becomes a staple in your home as it has in mine. Its warm, cheesy goodness with that irresistible crunchy topping is sure to bring smiles around your table. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own and share it with those you love—it’s comfort in a casserole dish that speaks to the heart!
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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Funeral Potatoes recipe is a comforting, cheesy casserole featuring crispy hash browns baked with a creamy mixture of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and cheddar cheese, topped with a crunchy buttery cornflake crust. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings, this dish delivers classic American Midwestern flavors in a simple baked casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds southern style hash brown potatoes (frozen)
- 2 tablespoons minced onions (frozen)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 4 tablespoons stick butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 2 1/2 cups corn flake cereal (crushed)
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Dish: Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Combine Potatoes and Onions: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen southern style hash brown potatoes and frozen minced onions; mix to distribute evenly.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 4 tablespoons melted stick butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixed potato and creamy mixture into the prepared 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed corn flake cereal and 1/2 cup melted butter until the cereal is well coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered corn flake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Notes
- Use southern style hash browns for the classic texture and flavor.
- Frozen ingredients should not be thawed before mixing; they help maintain moisture balance.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream and real stick butter.
- Ensure the corn flakes are evenly coated with melted butter for the best crunchy topping.
- This dish reheats well; cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, just add an extra few minutes to baking time if chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American