Funeral Potatoes

It’s funny how certain dishes have the magical ability to transport us back to the cozy kitchens of our childhood, filled with laughter and the intoxicating aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. Funeral Potatoes are one of those cherished recipes that hold a special place in my heart. Imagine sitting around the family table, surrounded by loved ones, as this creamy, cheesy delight brings everyone together with its comforting warmth. The first time I made these, I was immediately reminded of Sunday afternoons at Grandma’s house, where love was served with every meal.

This dish is more than just a side; it’s a centerpiece for family gatherings and potlucks, offering a rich, creamy texture that’s perfectly complemented by a crispy, buttery topping. Each bite is a reminder of simpler times, where sharing a meal meant sharing love and joy. Funeral Potatoes are wonderfully practical, made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, yet they never fail to impress with their irresistible flavor.

The real beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—it’s effortlessly easy to prepare, yet delivers a heartwarming experience that brings everyone back to the table for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is as approachable as they come, ensuring that you’ll feel like a culinary star in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

Funeral Potatoes deserve a spot in your culinary repertoire for more reasons than one. Here’s why they should be a staple at your next gathering:

1. Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish epitomizes comfort, delivering a creamy, cheesy experience that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. The combination of potatoes and cheese creates a rich, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy texture coupled with gooey cheese provides an indulgent experience that is both satisfying and nostalgic.

2. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice cooks can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The use of frozen hash browns simplifies the process, allowing you to skip the peeling and chopping of potatoes. This practical approach saves time and energy, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

3. Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual potluck, Funeral Potatoes fit right in, enhancing any meal with their savory goodness. They can be served alongside a wide variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian delights. This versatility ensures they complement any culinary setting, adding a touch of homemade charm to any meal spread.

4. Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish ensures that everyone at the table leaves happy and satisfied. Its universal appeal lies in the familiar, comforting flavors that resonate with people of all ages. The creamy potatoes and crunchy topping create a delightful texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

5. Nostalgic Charm: It brings back fond memories and creates new ones, making it much more than just a side dish. Every time you prepare this dish, you’re participating in a tradition that goes beyond cooking, invoking memories of family, togetherness, and warmth. Sharing this dish is a way to keep those memories alive and create new ones with loved ones.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

To whip up these delightful potatoes, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade meals:

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients efficiently. A sturdy bowl will allow you to mix the ingredients without making a mess, ensuring that every component is evenly distributed. Using a larger bowl than you think you need can make the mixing process smoother and avoid any ingredient spillage.

• 9×13 Casserole Dish: This dish is perfect for baking your Funeral Potatoes to golden perfection. The size allows the casserole to cook evenly, ensuring a perfectly crispy top and a creamy interior. Opt for a glass or ceramic dish to ensure even heat distribution.

• Oven: A trusty oven will ensure your casserole is baked evenly. Consistent heat is key to achieving that golden, bubbly top layer that makes this dish so inviting. Preheating your oven ensures that the casserole starts cooking immediately, leading to an even bake.

• Mixing Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients together. A wooden spoon works well, offering the right amount of leverage to mix the thick ingredients thoroughly. A silicone spatula can also be useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the perfect balance of flavors. Accurate measurements help maintain the right consistency and taste, especially when dealing with creamy and salty elements. Using nested measuring cups can help accurately measure both dry and wet ingredients.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Ingredients

Casserole:

• 2 pounds southern style hash brown potatoes, (frozen): These are the base of the dish, providing the necessary texture and substance. Their frozen state makes them incredibly convenient and easy to handle.
• 2 tablespoons minced onions, (frozen): Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish. These onions are a time-saver and lend a mild sweetness to the casserole.
• 2 cups sour cream: This creamy component binds the ingredients together and adds a tangy flavor. Its rich texture enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish.
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup: Introduces a savory element that enhances the overall richness. This soup acts as a flavor-packed binding agent that integrates all the components seamlessly.
• 4 tablespoons stick butter, (melted): Adds richness and helps in achieving that creamy consistency. Butter gives a luscious quality that elevates the dish’s comfort factor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Salt balances the flavors, ensuring that each bite is deliciously seasoned.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides that irresistible cheesy goodness that everyone loves. The sharpness of cheddar adds a robust flavor, enhancing the dish’s savory profile.

Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups corn flake cereal, (crushed): Adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy potatoes. This topping is a delightful textural element that makes each bite exciting.
• 1/2 cup butter, (melted): Ensures the topping is rich and golden. The butter helps the corn flakes achieve a beautiful golden-brown color during baking.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving. This step is crucial for easy cleanup and serving.
2. In a large mixing bowl, place frozen hash browns and minced onions and mix. This initial combination forms the base of your casserole, with the onions providing an aromatic start. Ensure the potatoes are evenly mixed with the onions for uniform flavor distribution.
3. Add sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, and 2 cups shredded cheese. Mix well then place your mixed ingredients into a 9×13 casserole dish. Ensure the mixture is spread evenly for consistent cooking. The creaminess of sour cream and cheese should coat the potatoes evenly.
4. Mix crushed cereal and melted butter together, then sprinkle on the top of the casserole. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crunchy topping. The butter helps the cereal adhere to the surface, creating a cohesive topping.
5. Place in the oven to bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness. The bubbling signals that the casserole is heated through and ready to enjoy.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 45 minutes • Total Time: 60 minutes • Calories: 350 per serving • Servings: 8

Note: For a bit of a kick, consider adding a dash of paprika or a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top. These additions not only add a pop of color but also introduce a slight heat and fresh flavor. The vibrant garnish enhances the visual appeal and flavor complexity of the dish.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

These Funeral Potatoes not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:

• Potatoes: A great source of vitamins C and B6, and they provide energy-boosting carbohydrates. Potatoes are also known for their fiber content, which can aid in digestion. They’re a versatile vegetable that offers a comforting base for this hearty dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds calcium and protein, enhancing the creaminess and flavor. Cheese is a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamin A and zinc. Its rich taste and creamy texture make it a beloved ingredient in comfort foods.

• Sour Cream: Offers a tangy richness and is packed with probiotics for gut health. The probiotics in sour cream can contribute to a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. Its creamy consistency makes it an excellent binding agent in casseroles.

• Corn Flakes: Adds a satisfying crunch and are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. These cereals can offer a touch of sweetness and texture diversity to dishes. They provide a crunchy contrast that elevates the overall dish.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

These Funeral Potatoes are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:

• Roasted Chicken: Complements the richness of the potatoes with its savory, juicy flavors. The crispy skin and tender meat of a well-roasted chicken provide a delightful counterpoint to the creamy casserole. This pairing is a classic that never fails to impress.

• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the creamy richness of the dish. Consider a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cleanse the palate. The freshness of the salad provides a refreshing break from the richness.

• Sparkling Cider: Adds a refreshing contrast to the savory and creamy elements. The effervescence of cider cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing note. Its sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the dish.

• Steamed Vegetables: Light vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair well with the hearty potatoes. Their simple, clean flavors complement the richness of the casserole. Steaming maintains their vibrant color and crisp texture, offering a healthy addition.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, storing and savoring your Funeral Potatoes later is a breeze. Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm, or microwave single servings for a quick and easy snack.

For those nights when you crave something comforting, these leftovers can be transformed into a delicious breakfast hash by adding some scrambled eggs and diced ham. Simply heat everything together in a skillet until warm, and you have a new meal that’s just as delightful as the original. This transformation not only prevents waste but also offers a creative way to enjoy the dish anew.

Gathering around the table to share a meal is one of life’s simplest and most profound joys. Funeral Potatoes remind us of the warmth and love found in homemade dishes, and their nostalgic charm makes every bite a tribute to cherished family memories and new traditions alike. There’s nothing quite like preparing a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I hope this recipe brings that comforting joy to your kitchen.

Funeral Potatoes

A comforting and cheesy potato casserole that’s perfect for gatherings and potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole

• 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 butter melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

• 2 1/2 cups corn flake cereal crushed
• 1/2 cup butter melted

Equipment

• 9×13 Casserole Dish
• Large Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl place frozen hash browns and minced onions and mix.
3. Add sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, and 2 cups shredded cheese. Mix well then place your mixed ingredients into a 9X13 casserole dish.
4. Mix crushed cereal and melted butter together then sprinkle on the top of casserole.
5. Place in the oven to bake for 40-45 minutes.

Notes

This dish is a popular comfort food and is often served at gatherings and potlucks. You can customize it by adding diced ham or bacon for extra flavor.