Ah, Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns. Just the name evokes a sense of comforting warmth, doesn’t it? This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a hug in casserole form, a culinary embrace that brings people together. Imagine: a golden, crispy topping giving way to a creamy, cheesy, potato-filled interior that’s rich, savory, and utterly irresistible. Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors – the satisfying crunch, the tender potatoes, the gooey cheese, and that subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving the ultimate comfort food, this recipe for funeral potatoes with hashbrowns is about to become your new go-to.
Table of Contents
- Funeral Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Dish You Need
- Why This Recipe Delivers Perfect Funeral Potatoes Every Time
- Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for the Best Funeral Potatoes
- Step-by-Step: How to Make Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
- Expert Tips for Funeral Potato Perfection
- What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes
- Storing and Reheating Your Funeral Potatoes
- Funeral Potatoes FAQ
Funeral Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Dish You Need
There’s a reason funeral potatoes with hashbrowns have earned their place in the pantheon of classic American comfort foods. They’re more than just a casserole; they’re a tradition, a staple at gatherings from holiday feasts to casual weeknight dinners. This particular recipe has been perfected over countless family meals, earning its stripes as a true crowd-pleaser. It’s the dish everyone asks for, the one that disappears first, and the one that brings a smile to every face. It’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious – everything comfort food should be.
Why This Recipe Delivers Perfect Funeral Potatoes Every Time
- Crispy Golden Topping and Creamy Potato Base: We achieve that coveted contrast with a generous, buttery cornflake crust that perfectly complements the rich, tender potato interior.
- Balanced Savory and Tangy Flavor Profile: The combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a hint of onion creates a complex, deeply satisfying flavor that’s never bland.
- Effortless Prep for a Crowd-Pleasing Side: This recipe is designed for ease, making it perfect for feeding a large group without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Enjoyment: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring.
Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for the Best Funeral Potatoes
Here is what you need and why:
Hashbrowns: For the ultimate funeral potatoes with hashbrowns, frozen shredded hashbrowns are your best friend. They’re convenient, consistently textured, and thaw beautifully, ensuring your casserole isn’t watery. Avoid the cubed variety for this recipe, as shredded hashbrowns integrate better into the creamy base.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the classic creamy binder and flavor base. It adds a savory depth and helps create that signature velvety texture. You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred, or even a homemade cream soup for a less processed option.
Sour Cream: Essential for adding a delightful tang and moisture, sour cream balances the richness of the cheese and soup. Full-fat sour cream yields the best results, but a light sour cream can be used if you’re watching calories.
Cheese: The melty, savory hero! A good sharp cheddar is a must, but a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little Gruyere can elevate the flavor profile. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents. For an extra kick, try a pepper jack!
Onion: Aromatic depth is key. A finely diced fresh yellow onion provides a subtle sweetness and savory foundation. If you’re short on time or prefer a milder flavor, a teaspoon of onion powder can be used as a substitute.
Butter: Richness and binding for the topping. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt content of the dish. It helps the cornflakes crisp up beautifully and adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the casserole itself.
Crushed Cornflakes or Crushed Crackers: The signature crispy topping! Cornflakes provide that iconic crunch and golden color. If you don’t have cornflakes, crushed Ritz crackers or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter make excellent alternatives. For a gluten-free option, ensure your cornflakes or crackers are certified gluten-free.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
Follow these simple steps for perfect funeral potatoes with hashbrowns:
1. Prep Day: Thaw Your Hashbrowns
This step is crucial! Place your frozen shredded hashbrowns in the refrigerator overnight, or spread them out on a baking sheet at room temperature for a few hours. Thawing prevents excess moisture from making your casserole watery and ensures even cooking. Once thawed, gently squeeze out any excess liquid with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Combine the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter (for the base, not the topping yet!), finely diced onion (if using fresh), and your chosen seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder). Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This forms the luscious foundation of your funeral potatoes with hashbrowns.
3. Fold in the Hashbrowns and Cheese
Add the thawed and drained hashbrowns and about two-thirds of your shredded cheese to the creamy mixture. Gently fold everything together until the hashbrowns and cheese are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the potato strands.
4. Prepare the Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or crackers) with the remaining melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are thoroughly coated. This buttery mixture is the secret to that irresistible golden, crispy crust.
5. Assemble and Bake
Pour the hashbrown mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the shredded cheese over the potato mixture, then evenly distribute the buttery cornflake topping. Bake in a preheated oven (usually around 350°F / 175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Funeral Potato Perfection
- Don’t skip thawing hashbrowns (and why): As mentioned, thawing and draining your hashbrowns is paramount. It prevents a watery casserole and ensures a perfectly creamy, not soggy, texture.
- Adjusting seasoning to your preference (taste as you go): Taste the creamy base before adding the hashbrowns. This is your chance to adjust salt, pepper, or add a pinch of paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Achieving the crispiest topping (butter ratio and oven temp): Ensure your cornflakes are well-coated in butter. Baking at 350°F (175°C) allows the casserole to cook through while the topping slowly crisps. For an extra-crispy finish, you can briefly broil the top for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make-ahead options: Assembling ahead of time: Funeral potatoes are fantastic for making ahead! Assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Making it gluten-free or vegetarian (simple swaps): For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free cornflakes or crackers. For vegetarian, swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery, and ensure any broth used is vegetable-based.
What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes
These versatile funeral potatoes with hashbrowns pair beautifully with a wide array of dishes:
- Classic Pairings: They are a match made in heaven with roasted ham, turkey, or chicken, making them a holiday feast essential.
- Everyday Meals: Perfect alongside BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, pot roast, or even as a hearty side for a weeknight meatloaf. They’re also a guaranteed hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
Storing and Reheating Your Funeral Potatoes
Leftover funeral potatoes with hashbrowns are a treat!
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze baked or unbaked funeral potatoes. For unbaked, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. For baked, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Best Reheating Methods for Optimal Texture: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
What kind of cheese is best for funeral potatoes?
How do I prevent my funeral potatoes from being watery?
Can I make funeral potatoes without cream of soup?
Is there a dairy-free option for funeral potatoes?
Easy Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Master the classic comfort of Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns using our easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipe. Get perfectly crispy, creamy results every time with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 32 oz (2 lbs) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/celery)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion (optional, or 1 tsp onion powder)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or crushed Ritz crackers)
Instructions
- 1. Thaw Hashbrowns: Thaw frozen hashbrowns completely and gently squeeze out any excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel.
- 2. Prepare Creamy Base: In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, diced onion (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- 3. Combine Ingredients: Add the thawed hashbrowns and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Gently fold until evenly coated.
- 4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- 5. Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Stir until the cornflakes are well coated.
- 6. Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins