Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs frozen cubed hash browns; 10 tbsp butter; 10½ oz cream of chicken soup; 2 cups sour cream; ⅓ cup onion; ¾ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 2 cups Cheddar Cheese; 3 cups cornflakes; Cooking spray; 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Funeral potatoes, a comforting and creamy casserole, are a staple at many gatherings. This dish, often associated with potlucks and family events, combines tender hash browns with a rich and cheesy sauce, topped with crunchy cornflakes. It's truly a crowd-pleaser and perfect for feeding a large group.

Photos of Funeral Potatoes Recipe

You might need to head to the supermarket for a few key ingredients if they aren't already in your pantry. Frozen cubed hash browns and cream of chicken soup are essential for this recipe but may not be common in every household. Also, ensure you have enough cornflakes for the crispy topping.

Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes

Frozen cubed hash browns: These are the base of the dish, providing a hearty texture. Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. Cream of chicken soup: Enhances the creaminess and adds flavor depth. Sour cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and tangy flavor. Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and depth to the dish. Salt: Enhances overall flavor. Pepper: Adds a subtle kick. Garlic powder: Infuses a mild garlic flavor. Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without additional texture. Cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish, providing a gooey and cheesy layer. Cornflakes: Creates a crunchy topping. Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Parsley: Adds a fresh garnish and a pop of color.

One reader, Barbie Cruse says:

This funeral potatoes recipe is a hit! The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the crunchy cornflake topping is simply irresistible. Perfect comfort food for any occasion. My family couldn't get enough!

Barbie Cruse

Key Techniques for Perfecting This Recipe

How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to the desired temperature (350 degrees F in this case) and allow it to reach that temperature before placing the dish inside. How to coat a baking dish with cooking spray: Spray a thin, even layer of cooking spray over the entire surface of the baking dish to prevent sticking. How to combine ingredients: Mix all the specified ingredients in a bowl until they are evenly distributed. How to toss cornflakes with butter: Place the cornflakes in a bowl, add melted butter, and mix until the cornflakes are evenly coated. How to bake: Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and cook for the specified amount of time (40 to 45 minutes) until the top is golden brown. How to sprinkle with parsley: Finely chop the parsley and evenly distribute it over the top of the baked dish before serving.

How To Make Funeral Potatoes

Funeral potatoes is a casserole made of creamy potatoes that are baked with cheese and various seasonings and topped with crispy buttered cornflakes.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbsfrozen cubed hash browns,thawed
10tbspbutter,melted, divided use
10½ozcream of chicken soup
2cupssour cream
⅓cuponion,finely diced
¾tspsalt
½tsppepper
½tspgarlic powder
½tsponion powder
2cupscheddar cheese,shredded
3cupscornflakes,lightly crushed
cooking spray
1tbspchopped parsley,optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Place the hash browns, 4 tablespoons of butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cheddar cheese in a bowl. Stir to combine.
Spoon the hash brown mixture into the prepared pan.
Place the cornflakes in a bowl and add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Toss to coat.
Sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the potato layer.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until top is golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 762.42kcal
Fat: 55.26g
Saturated Fat: 24.79g
Trans Fat: 0.97g
Monounsaturated Fat: 17.83g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.92g
Carbohydrates: 53.97g
Fiber: 4.23g
Sugar: 4.75g
Protein: 14.15g
Cholesterol: 103.21mg
Sodium: 838.00mg
Calcium: 315.59mg
Potassium: 813.19mg
Iron: 3.98mg
Vitamin A: 387.83µg
Vitamin C: 18.66mg

Expert Advice for Mastering the Technique

When mixing the hash browns with the cream of chicken soup and sour cream, make sure the hash browns are slightly thawed. This will help the ingredients blend more evenly and ensure a creamier texture in the final dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks

Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by using pre-chopped onions from the store instead of chopping them yourself.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of using a stovetop.

Combine ingredients in one bowl: Mix all the ingredients in one large bowl to reduce cleanup time.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the hassle of grating it yourself.

Prepare ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it the next day.

Substitute Ingredients For Funeral Potatoes Recipe

frozen cubed hash browns - Substitute with fresh potatoes: Peel and cube fresh potatoes, then parboil them until slightly tender. This provides a fresher taste and texture.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used for a similar texture and flavor, especially if you're looking for a dairy-free option.
cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: This provides a similar creamy texture and umami flavor, suitable for vegetarians.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture but with added protein.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can be a nice variation.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a depth of umami.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that can be interesting.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor.
onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion offers a similar flavor but with a bit more texture.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the dish.
cornflakes - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunchy topping but with a slightly different texture.
cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be brushed on to prevent sticking and adds a bit of extra flavor.
chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped chives: Chopped chives offer a similar fresh, green flavor with a slight onion note.

Presentation Tips for Serving

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the funeral potatoes in elegant, individual ramekins to create a refined and sophisticated appearance.
Use decoration: Garnish each serving with a delicate sprinkle of finely chopped parsley and a few microgreens to add a touch of freshness and color.
Add texture contrast: Incorporate a crispy element by placing a thin, golden-brown potato chip or parmesan tuile on top of each serving for an added crunch.
Enhance presentation with sauce: Drizzle a light herb-infused cream sauce around the base of the ramekin to add a layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Use high-quality dishware: Serve the dish on a pristine, white porcelain plate with a subtle, elegant design to highlight the vibrant colors and textures of the funeral potatoes.
Incorporate height: Create a visually appealing presentation by layering the cornflake topping slightly higher in the center of the ramekin, giving the dish a more dynamic and sophisticated look.
Add a touch of luxury: Finish each serving with a small dollop of crème fraîche or a light dusting of truffle salt to elevate the flavors and add an element of indulgence.
Use fresh herbs: Place a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on top of the dish to add an aromatic element and enhance the overall presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need

Oven: Used to bake the funeral potatoes at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
9x13-inch baking dish: The dish in which the hash brown mixture is baked.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the baking dish to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the hash browns, butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cheddar cheese.
Spoon: Used to stir the ingredients together and to spoon the mixture into the baking dish.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder accurately.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the sour cream and cheddar cheese.
Knife: Used to chop the onion and parsley.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the onion and parsley on.
Small bowl: Used to mix the cornflakes with the melted butter.
Microwave or stovetop: Used to melt the butter.
Spatula: Used to spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for funeral potatoes:

Refrigerate any leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping is crispy again, about 20-30 minutes.
To freeze funeral potatoes, assemble the casserole as directed but do not add the cornflake topping. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add the butter and cornflake topping, then bake as directed, increasing the baking time by 10-15 minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.
For best results, freeze funeral potatoes before baking. This preserves the texture of the hash browns and prevents the dish from becoming soggy or watery once thawed and baked.
If you have already baked the funeral potatoes, you can still freeze the leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 45-60 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top.

Reheating Leftovers for Best Results

To reheat leftover funeral potatoes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the potatoes to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cornflake topping.
For a quicker method, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving of funeral potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The cornflake topping may lose some of its crunch, but the dish will still be delicious.
If you have a large amount of leftover funeral potatoes, consider reheating them in a slow cooker. Transfer the potatoes to the slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through. This method is perfect for keeping the dish warm during a party or potluck.
For a crispy twist, reheat leftover funeral potatoes in a skillet. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the bottom develops a golden-brown crust.
If you find that your reheated funeral potatoes are a bit dry, try stirring in a splash of milk or cream before reheating. This will help to restore some of the creamy texture and prevent the dish from drying out further during the reheating process.

Interesting Trivia About Funeral Potatoes

Funeral potatoes, also known as cheesy hashbrown casserole, are a popular comfort food in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Utah. The dish is often served at gatherings such as funerals, hence the name, but it is also a staple at holiday meals and potlucks.

Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?

This funeral potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like frozen cubed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream are affordable and easily accessible. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $12-$15 USD. Given its hearty nature and the use of simple, budget-friendly ingredients, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.

Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This funeral potatoes recipe, while undeniably comforting and delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the generous amounts of butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese. The frozen hash browns and cornflakes also contribute to the overall carbohydrate content, which may be a concern for those watching their carb intake.

However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much flavor:

Replace some or all of the butter with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or avocado oil
Use low-fat or non-fat sour cream and cream of chicken soup to reduce the overall fat content
Opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese or use a smaller amount of full-fat cheese
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as diced bell peppers, carrots, or green beans, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
Replace the cornflakes with a healthier topping, such as crushed whole-grain crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a small amount of olive oil
Reduce the amount of salt and rely on herbs and spices for flavor, such as fresh thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika

Editor's Opinion on This Classic Dish

This recipe for funeral potatoes is a comforting classic, perfect for gatherings. The combination of creamy ingredients like sour cream and cream of chicken soup ensures a rich texture, while the cheddar cheese adds a delightful sharpness. The cornflake topping provides a satisfying crunch, contrasting nicely with the soft hash browns. The use of basic seasonings like garlic and onion powder enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish. Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh touch. Overall, it's a well-balanced, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit.

Enhance Your Funeral Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the delightful crunch of Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection, drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness of the funeral potatoes.

Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory carrots glazed with honey and a hint of thyme bring a burst of color and flavor to your plate. The natural sweetness of the carrots complements the savory notes of the main course.

Garlic Butter Green Beans: Crisp green beans sautéed in garlic butter offer a fresh and vibrant side. The garlicky aroma and buttery texture provide a delightful contrast to the creamy potato dish.

Cranberry Walnut Salad: A refreshing salad featuring cranberries, walnuts, and mixed greens, tossed in a light vinaigrette. The tartness of the cranberries and the crunch of the walnuts add a refreshing element to your meal.

Apple Crisp: For a sweet finish, consider a warm apple crisp. The spiced apples and crunchy oat topping create a comforting dessert that pairs wonderfully with the savory funeral potatoes.

Similar Recipes to Try Next

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: Dive into this creamy, cheesy delight that combines tender broccoli florets with a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust, it's a perfect side dish or even a main course for vegetable lovers.

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: Imagine all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in a comforting casserole. This dish features layers of potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, all baked to perfection and topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Chicken and Rice Casserole: A hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken pieces with fluffy rice and a creamy mushroom sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, it's a comforting meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

Green Bean Casserole: A classic side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. It's a staple at holiday dinners but easy enough to make any time you're craving comfort food.

Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked until tender and golden brown. This dish is a luxurious and comforting side that pairs perfectly with meat or vegetable mains.

Appetizer and Dessert Suggestions

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine plump mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The filling is rich and creamy, providing a perfect contrast to the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. Topped with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, these bite-sized appetizers are baked until golden and bubbly. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to impress. Start with slices of toasted baguette, each one rubbed with a hint of garlic for an extra layer of flavor. The topping is a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella, all drizzled with a touch of balsamic glaze. The combination of the crispy bread and the fresh, juicy topping creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It's a simple yet elegant dish that brings a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a rich and decadent chocolate lava cake that oozes with a warm, gooey center. This dessert is perfect for those who crave a deep, chocolate flavor. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate richness. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This dessert is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Delight your taste buds with a tangy and sweet lemon meringue pie. The zesty lemon filling is perfectly complemented by a light and fluffy meringue topping. This dessert is ideal for those who enjoy a refreshing and citrusy treat. Serve it chilled for a cool and invigorating experience. Add a twist by incorporating a hint of vanilla or almond extract into the meringue. This pie is a classic favorite that will leave your guests wanting more.

Why trust this Funeral Potatoes Recipe:

This recipe for funeral potatoes is a tried-and-true classic that has been passed down through generations. The combination of creamy sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy cornflakes creates a comforting and satisfying dish. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can trust that this recipe will deliver delicious results every time. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, it’s a dish that everyone will love.

Share your thoughts on the Funeral Potatoes Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this classic dish even better!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just peel and dice them into small cubes. You might need to parboil them for a few minutes to soften them up before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the cornflake topping right before you pop it in the oven.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade version with chicken broth, milk, flour, and seasonings. There are plenty of recipes online for homemade cream of chicken soup.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Sure thing! Some people like to add diced ham, cooked bacon, or even some green chilies for a bit of a kick. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.