Name: Small Batch Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 16 oz (about 450g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry; 10.5 oz (about 298g) can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream; 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted and divided; 1 cup (113g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup (56g) shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup (28g) corn flakes, crushed

Funeral Potatoes for Two? Yes, Please!
Why This Small Batch Recipe is Your New Go-To
Ingredients: The ‘Why’ Behind the ‘What’
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Small Batch Masterpiece
Expert Tips for Funeral Potato Success
Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Best
Storing & Reheating Your Leftovers
Small Batch Funeral Potatoes FAQ

Oh, the humble Funeral Potato casserole! It’s a dish that evokes memories of comfort, community, and undeniably delicious, creamy, cheesy goodness with that irresistible crunchy topping. But what if you’re not feeding a crowd? What if you just crave that nostalgic flavor for a cozy night in, or a small family dinner? That’s where my Small Batch Funeral Potatoes recipe comes in! Imagine a perfectly golden, bubbly casserole, scaled down to deliver all the flavor and texture you adore, without a mountain of leftovers. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s got that satisfying crunch, and it’s absolutely perfect for two to four servings. Get ready to fall in love with this scaled-down classic!

Funeral Potatoes for Two? Yes, Please!

For years, Funeral Potatoes were synonymous with large gatherings. Potlucks, holidays, and yes, even post-funeral receptions. But the idea of scaling down such a beloved comfort food seemed almost sacrilegious to some. Not to me! I believe everyone deserves a taste of this magic, regardless of their party size.

Scaling Down Comfort: Why Small Batch Works

The beauty of a small batch recipe lies in its efficiency and intimacy. You get all the rich, satisfying flavor without the overwhelming quantity. No more staring at a giant casserole dish for days, wondering how you’ll ever finish it. This small batch version means fresh, hot, and perfectly portioned comfort food, exactly when you want it.

My Personal Journey to Perfecting This Dish

My love affair with Funeral Potatoes started young. My grandmother’s recipe was legendary, but it always made enough to feed an army! As I started cooking for just myself and my partner, I realized I needed a way to enjoy this classic without the excess. It took some tweaking – adjusting ratios, finding the right pan size, and ensuring that signature crunch wasn’t lost – but I finally cracked the code. This recipe is the culmination of those delicious experiments, bringing you the very best of Funeral Potatoes, in a perfectly manageable size.

Why This Small Batch Recipe is Your New Go-To

Creamy, Cheesy, Crunchy: A Texture Trio: This recipe nails the holy trinity of textures that makes Funeral Potatoes so addictive. The tender potatoes, the gooey melted cheese, and that golden, crispy topping are all present and accounted for.
Flavor Bomb: Savory and Satisfying: Every bite is packed with savory goodness from the soup, tang from the sour cream, and rich cheese, all perfectly seasoned. It’s pure comfort in a dish.
No Waste: Perfect Portions Every Time: Say goodbye to endless leftovers! This recipe is designed to serve 2-4, making it ideal for smaller households or when you just want a manageable amount of deliciousness.
Quick Bake: Faster Comfort Food: Because it’s a smaller batch, it bakes up faster than its full-sized counterpart, meaning you get to enjoy that warm, cheesy goodness sooner!

Ingredients: The ‘Why’ Behind the ‘What’

Here is what you need and why:

Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: These are the absolute foundation of speed and texture for our Small Batch Funeral Potatoes. Using frozen hash browns means no peeling, no shredding, and no par-boiling. They thaw quickly and absorb all the creamy goodness, becoming wonderfully tender.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the ultimate binder and flavor booster. It provides that classic savory, umami depth and helps create the incredibly creamy texture that defines Funeral Potatoes. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

Sour Cream: For tang and tenderness, sour cream is essential. It adds a lovely richness and a slight acidity that balances the savory notes of the soup and cheese, preventing the dish from being too heavy.

Melting Cheeses: Why Cheddar and Colby Jack Excel: I love a blend of sharp cheddar for its robust flavor and Colby Jack for its superior melt and mild creaminess. Together, they create a beautiful, gooey cheese pull and a complex flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere!

Butter: Browning and Flavor Layering: Butter is used in two ways here. A little goes into the potato mixture for richness, and melted butter is crucial for coating our crunchy topping, ensuring it browns beautifully and adds another layer of delicious flavor.

Crushed Corn Flakes: The Essential Crunchy Topping: This is non-negotiable for classic Funeral Potatoes! The corn flakes, when tossed with melted butter, bake into an incredibly golden, crispy, and satisfyingly crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. For another great baking resource, check out King Arthur Baking.

Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder – The Flavor Amplifiers: These simple seasonings are vital for bringing out the best in our potatoes and cheese. Salt enhances all the flavors, pepper adds a subtle warmth, and garlic powder provides that essential aromatic kick without being overpowering.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Small Batch Masterpiece

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect Small Batch Funeral Potatoes:

1. Prep Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (an 8×8 inch square pan or a 1.5-quart casserole dish works perfectly for this small batch). This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

2. Mix the Creamy Potato Base

In a large bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheeses, melted butter (the portion for the potato mixture), salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently but thoroughly until all the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.

3. Layering the Cheese for Maximum Melt

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the potato mixture. This layer of cheese will melt beautifully, creating a delicious, gooey top layer under the crunchy topping.

4. Creating the Golden, Crunchy Topping

In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes with the remaining melted butter. Toss gently until the corn flakes are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery corn flake mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish. This is where the magic happens for that signature crunch!

5. Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the corn flake topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping starts to get too dark before the casserole is bubbly, you can loosely tent it with foil. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes for easier serving.

Expert Tips for Funeral Potato Success

Thaw Wisely: Preventing Watery Potatoes: Always thaw your frozen hash browns completely and squeeze out any excess moisture. This is crucial for preventing a watery casserole. You can do this by pressing them between layers of paper towels or squeezing them in a clean kitchen towel.
Don’t Overmix: Keeping It Creamy: Mix the potato base just until combined. Overmixing can break down the potato starches, leading to a gummy or pasty texture instead of tender, creamy potatoes.
Cheese Choices: Experimenting for Flavor: While cheddar and Colby Jack are classics, don’t be afraid to experiment! A little smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of pepper jack can add exciting new dimensions to your Small Batch Funeral Potatoes.
Topping Variations: Beyond Corn Flakes: If corn flakes aren’t your thing, or you want to mix it up, try crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a different kind of crunch. Just be sure to toss them with melted butter!
Achieving the Perfect Golden Crust: Keep an eye on your casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. If the topping isn’t as golden as you’d like, you can briefly place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Best

These Small Batch Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes:

Classic Complements: Roasted Meats

They are a natural fit for roasted chicken, ham, pork loin, or even a simple steak. The creamy potatoes provide a wonderful contrast to savory meats.

Vegetable Sides: Adding Freshness

Balance the richness with a fresh green salad, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a medley of roasted root vegetables. A bright, acidic side cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Breakfast or Brunch Application

Don’t limit these to dinner! They make a fantastic addition to a hearty breakfast or brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or even a quiche.

Storing & Reheating Your Leftovers

Refrigeration Guidelines

Allow any leftover Small Batch Funeral Potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing for Future Comfort

While best fresh, you can freeze baked Funeral Potatoes. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Reheating Methods for Optimal Texture

For best results, reheat in the oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes for a small portion, covering with foil if the topping starts to brown too much. You can also microwave individual servings, though the topping may lose some of its crispness. For a quick crisp-up after microwaving, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.

Small Batch Funeral Potatoes FAQ

Can I use fresh potatoes?

While you technically can, it adds significant prep time. You would need to peel, shred, and par-boil the fresh potatoes until tender-crisp before mixing them into the casserole. Frozen hash browns are highly recommended for convenience and consistent texture in this recipe.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a similar creamy base, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. For a homemade alternative, you can make a simple béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk) and season it well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, with some substitutions! Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free sour cream, dairy-free shredded cheese, and a plant-based butter alternative. The texture and flavor will be very similar.

How to avoid a soggy topping?

The key to a crispy topping is ensuring your corn flakes are well-coated in melted butter and that the casserole bakes long enough for the topping to dry out and crisp up. Also, make sure your hash browns are thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture from steaming the topping. If needed, you can always finish it under the broiler for a minute or two for extra crispness.

For more delicious and easy recipes, be sure to See more easy recipes on my blog!

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