Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a warm and creamy comfort dish made with crispy hash browns, rich cheese, and a buttery topping. They are perfect for gatherings and family meals!
These potatoes are so delicious that they might steal the spotlight at any gathering. I always look forward to the cheesy goodness—who can resist that? 🧀
Whenever I make them, I love adding a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color. They’re super easy to whip up, making them my go-to for potlucks and celebrations!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes: This is the base of the dish. If you don’t have frozen hash browns, grated fresh potatoes can work, but remember to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor. You can switch it with mild cheddar for a milder taste, or even use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Gruyère for extra creaminess!
Chopped Onion: Adding onion gives a nice depth of flavor. If you’re sensitive to onions, feel free to skip them or substitute with onion powder—just use about a teaspoon for a hint of onion flavor.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess. If you’re vegetarian or don’t like chicken, cream of mushroom soup is a great substitute, or you can make a homemade creamy sauce with flour and broth!
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute, providing a similar texture and taste.
Cornflakes: They create a crunchy topping. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free cereal options or even crushed potato chips for that satisfying crunch!
How Do I Get the Cornflake Topping Just Right?
Getting a great crunch with the cornflake topping is important for texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- First, melt the butter and combine it with the crushed cornflakes. Make sure every piece of cornflake is well-coated.
- This ensures they crispen up nicely while baking.
- Spread the buttered cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture to get an even bake and color.
For an extra crunch, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the topping. It gives a nice flavor and even more crunch when baked!
Delicious Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup as a substitute)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and then around 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake. Just let it cool a little before serving, and you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped onion if you choose to add it. Then, pour in the can of condensed cream of chicken soup, followed by the sour cream, melted butter, and sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this is going to be super creamy and cheesy!
3. Spread the Mixture:
Take your creamy mixture and spread it evenly into the greased baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and even so it cooks properly.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, take the crushed cornflakes and mix them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until they’re all coated. This will give your casserole a lovely crunchy topping!
5. Add the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the buttered cornflakes over the top of the potato mixture. This step is crucial for that delightful crunch!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in the oven (uncovered) and let it bake for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly all around.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This part is hard, but it makes a difference—it helps the dish set up a bit. Now, enjoy your creamy, cheesy Funeral Potatoes! Perfect as a side at family gatherings or holiday dinners!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just grate them and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and use a dairy-free cream soup like coconut cream or a homemade version with vegetable broth. Also, choose dairy-free cheese alternatives for the cheddar.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cheesy Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal!
Can I Add Extra Ingredients for More Flavor?
Definitely! You can mix in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers for added flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overload it, as too many extras can affect the baking time and consistency.
