What Are Funeral Potatoes?
This sinfully good creation has its roots in the Midwest and Intermountain of the United States. And just as the name suggests, Funeral Potatoes are commonly served after funerals because it’s an easy casserole that is both comforting and delicious. However, of course, this cheesy potato dish is also served all the time at potlucks and parties. People love it! I mean, who doesn’t love creamy cheesy potatoes!?! It’s an indulgent combination and this dish is almost like the hash brown casserole version of my Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon, yet with a crunchy topping and no bacon. But you can add meat to it if you like. Some people add bacon, ham, or sausage. Or, just serve it alongside Air Fryer Steak or Grilled Chicken. Funeral potatoes are also wonderful served for breakfast with some eggs. It’s a versatile recipe so feel free to be as creative as you like.
Hash Browns – You need a bag of frozen hash browns to make this easy recipe. Salt – Potatoes always need a dash of salt to season them or they are bland. Black Pepper – Regular ground black pepper is perfect. Butter – Always use unsalted butter to control the amount of added salt. But if you don’t have any unsalted on hand, you will need to cut back on the amount of salt you add to the recipe or even omit it. Onion – I like to use brown onion or yellow onion for the most flavor. Cream of Chicken Soup – Used to make the potatoes nice and creamy, any brand will work or you can make your own. You can also use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup if you prefer. Sour Cream – Helps to make the dish even more creamy and adds a nice tang to cut the richness. Cheddar Cheese – Makes the funeral potatoes cheesy good! You can use any kind of cheddar you like. Corn Flakes – This recipe would not be complete without its crunchy topping made out of crushed cornflakes. You can also use potato chips or ritz crackers if you like, but they do not need to be mixed with butter.
Because this recipe is made with frozen hash browns, it doesn’t take much effort at all! It’s pretty much just a matter of combining all the ingredients together and then baking them into a pan of cheesy potato deliciousness with a crunchy topping!
Preheat The Oven
To start, get your oven hot and ready to go before you even begin the recipe. The dish will not cook as well if the oven is not hot enough before you put the potatoes in to bake. So preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and then move on to the next step.
Make The Potato Mixture
While the oven is heating up, add the thawed hash browns along with ½ cup of the melted butter, salt, pepper, chopped onions, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese to a large bowl. Then stir everything together until it is well combined. You really want to make sure that the potatoes are evenly coated with all the ingredients. Now, transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Top And Bake The Potaoes
Now, you need to make the crunchy corn flake topping! So mix the crushed corn flakes together with the remaining butter in a small bowl. Then sprinkle the crushed corn flake mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish. Transfer the funeral potatoes to the oven and bake them for about one hour or until golden brown on top and bubbly.
Can I Use Frozen Hash Browns?
The potatoes need to be defrosted for this recipe. If the hash browns are frozen they will add too much liquid to the casserole and can make it soupy. So make sure to thaw them out before making this dish.
Can I Add Other Ingredients To The Potatoes?
Yes, of course! This potato casserole recipe is really versatile, so you can add anything you like to the dish. Chopped jalapeños are a nice addition for a little spice or bacon for some salty goodness. You can also switch up the cheese if you like or type of cream soup.
Storage
These cheesy potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To reheat, put them in the microwave for a few minutes on medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 10 minutes.
Make Ahead
You can easily make this casserole recipe ahead of time. All you have to do is just make the potato mixture but don’t top it with the corn flakes. Then wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then when you are ready to serve, top the casserole with the crushed corn flake topping and bake it as instructed in the recipe.
Other Delicious Potato Recipes To Try
Air Fryer French Fries Mashed Potatoes Irish Potato Cakes (Potato Farls) Roasted Baby Potatoes Potatoes Au Gratin Zucchini Potato Bake
title: “Funeral Potatoes” ShowToc: true date: “2024-09-26” author: “Helen Henline”
Funeral Potatoes
I know, what a name, right? As the name suggests, funeral potatoes got their name because they have been a traditional side dish recipe at after-funeral dinners and wakes. This dish is such a classic comfort food that I can imagine why it might make someone who is down in the dumps feel a little bit better. 😁 Beyond that, it’s a great way to feed a crowd and an easy make ahead recipe.
Ingredients
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions
Frozen Hash Browns – You can also use fresh russet potatoes Butter Onions Garlic– fresh cloves minced at home for best results Cream of Chicken Soup- try my homemade version! Sour Cream Salt/Pepper Hot Sauce- optional, enhances the other flavors. Cheddar Cheese- shredded from a block at home for best results.
Topping
Ridged Potato Chips, slightly crushed Butter Parmesan Cheese
How to Make it
Saute onions and garlic in a saucepan until softened. Add all remaining ingredients.
Transfer to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with cheese.
Combine melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and potato chips. Spread over the top.
Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes prior to serving.
Crock Pot Method
Assemble as indicated in recipe, reserving some of the cheese to top it with. Place in a lightly greased Crock Pot. Heat on low for 4-5 hours or high for 3+1/2. Top with Cheddar and Parmesan cheese, cover until melted.
Sprinkle with slightly crushed potato chips. (No need to toss them with butter as that’s more conducive for the oven.)
Using Fresh or Frozen Cubed Potatoes
Fresh
32 oz. of shredded fresh potatoes can also be used, this equals about 10 cups. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with cold water after shredding and pat them completely dry.
Frozen Cubed
Frozen cubed potatoes can also be used instead of shredded, be sure to thaw and pat dry. Potatoes O’Brien are a good choice as they also have onions and peppers
What to Add to Funeral Potatoes
Ham blends in really well with this recipe, add some frozen diced vegetables like peas and carrots and you’ve got a complete meal! Other choices include diced peppers, pulled pork, diced chicken, and bacon. Feel free to add an extra can of cream of chicken soup to maintain the creamy consistency.
Topping Alternatives
Corn Flakes, Crispy Fried Onions, or Breadcrumbs are good alternatives for a crunchy topping.
Make Ahead Method
2-3 days ahead:
Assemble as instructed and add everything except for the crunchy topping. Let it sit out for 30 minutes prior to baking and add crunchy topping right beforehand. OR, cover and add 15 minutes to baking time if baking from a cold state.
2-3 months ahead:
Freeze in a casserole dish or disposable aluminum baking pan, cover top with 2 layers of foil. Let it defrost overnight in the fridge. Add topping. Cover and add 15 minutes to baking time, remove cover and bake as instructed. If baking from a frozen state: Bake without crunchy topping, covered, for 1 hour. Add crunchy topping and bake as outlined.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. It’s best to remove the potato chips prior to freezing. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or covered in a 350° oven.
What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes
Baked Chili Cheese Dogs, Sloppy Joes, Marinated Chicken, Steak, Country Fried Chicken, Chicken Tenders or Chicken Nuggets.
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