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The moment you take a spoonful of this Comforting Funeral Potatoes Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic at gatherings and holiday tables everywhere. This dish brings together creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures in the most perfect way, transforming simple frozen hash browns into a warm, hearty casserole that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Comforting Funeral Potatoes Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet each plays an essential role in creating that delicious, comforting flavor and irresistible texture. From creamy soups to crispy toppings, every element combines for a perfect balance.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: The hearty base that delivers tender potato goodness without extra prep time.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness that ties the whole casserole together.
- Sour cream: Brings tang and moisture, keeping the dish luscious and smooth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy delight throughout the casserole.
- Melted butter: Divided to incorporate richness in the filling and to crisp up the topping perfectly.
- Onion powder: Provides subtle warmth and savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and brightens the dish.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers: A crispy and golden topping that adds a delightful crunch.
- Optional add-ins (chopped green onions, garlic powder, diced cooked chicken or ham): These bring extra layers of flavor and heartiness if you want to customize your casserole.
How to Make Comforting Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare your Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure your comforting casserole doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and presentation flawless.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ¼ cup melted butter, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, velvety mixture that forms the delicious base of your casserole.
Step 3: Fold in Cheese and Potatoes
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and the thawed hash browns to your creamy mixture. This is also the perfect moment to mix in any optional add-ins like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or diced cooked chicken or ham for an extra comforting twist.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture Evenly
Transfer your luscious potato mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly throughout, ensuring every bite gets the perfect blend of creamy potato and cheese goodness.
Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup melted butter with the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers. Sprinkle this golden, crunchy topping evenly over the casserole. This topping will create the signature crisp crust that’s so addictive.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling hot and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown, promising a combination of creamy interior and crispy exterior.
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps the dish settle, making it easier to serve and giving the flavors a chance to meld together perfectly.
How to Serve Comforting Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate this comforting casserole, consider sprinkling freshly chopped green onions or chives on top just before serving. They add a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Comforting Funeral Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh salads or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add contrast and balance to the meal. It’s also lovely alongside roasted meats or grilled chicken for a full, satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of extra cheese. You can also layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off the beautiful layers of potatoes and cheese, making it as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners that just need reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time as needed until it’s hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to keep the crunchy topping crisp. Microwaving is quick but may soften the crispy layer, so if you can, the oven method is best for preserving texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If you have fresh potatoes, shred them finely and make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing. This will achieve a similar creamy yet firm texture to the frozen hash browns.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply use a cream of mushroom soup or any vegetarian cream soup alternative instead of cream of chicken soup, and skip any meat add-ins. The result will still be rich and comforting.
What can I use if I don’t have crushed cornflakes or crackers for the topping?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips also work wonderfully for that crispy topping. Just mix them with melted butter and sprinkle as usual.
Is there a way to make this dish less rich or lower in calories?
Using light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese can help reduce calories while still maintaining good flavor. You could also cut back slightly on the butter or use a butter substitute.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms can give this recipe an extra boost of nutrition and flavor without compromising its comforting appeal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little nostalgia to your table, this Comforting Funeral Potatoes Recipe should be your go-to. It’s simple to prepare, delightful to eat, and has that special something that makes everyone feel at home. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a permanent part of your recipe collection.
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Comforting Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Comforting Funeral Potatoes is a classic cheesy hash brown casserole featuring a creamy mixture of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, topped with buttery crushed cornflakes for a crispy finish. Perfect as a hearty side dish or main, this baked favorite is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup melted butter, divided
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup diced cooked chicken or ham
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ¼ cup of melted butter, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well blended.
- Add Cheese and Hash Browns: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and the thawed hash browns gently. If using optional add-ins such as green onions, garlic powder, or diced cooked chicken or ham, incorporate them at this stage for extra flavor.
- Spread in Dish: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter with crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers. This will add a deliciously crispy topping to the casserole.
- Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors before enjoying.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup and omit the optional meat add-ins.
- Sea salt or garlic salt can be used to season for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for a more robust taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of chicken soup and crushed topping are gluten-free certified.
