Funeral Potatoes are a classic American side dish, famed for their creamy, cheesy flavor and comforting texture. Often associated with potlucks, holiday gatherings, and yes, even funeral dinners, this potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. If you’re looking for a recipe that embodies the hearty, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, then look no further. This Funeral Potatoes recipe delivers that same comforting, family-friendly appeal that makes her recipes so beloved.
Why are they called Funeral Potatoes? The name might sound a bit somber, but the reason behind it is quite simple. Funeral potatoes are traditionally served at post-funeral luncheons in many regions, particularly in the Midwest and Mormon communities. Their make-ahead convenience and ability to feed large groups make them a practical and comforting choice during times of mourning. However, don’t let the name limit you! These cheesy potatoes are perfect for any occasion where you need a delicious and satisfying side dish.
What Makes This Funeral Potatoes Recipe Special?
This recipe captures the essence of classic Funeral Potatoes while ensuring maximum flavor and that signature gooey, cheesy texture everyone loves. It’s a simple recipe, but using quality ingredients and following a few key steps will elevate it from good to great. Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
- Creamy and Cheesy Base: A generous blend of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and sharp cheddar cheese creates an incredibly rich and flavorful base for the potatoes.
- Perfectly Cooked Potatoes: Using frozen hash browns makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick to prepare. They bake to tender perfection, absorbing all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Crunchy Cornflake Topping: The buttery cornflake topping provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy potatoes, adding a satisfying crunch in every bite. This is a signature element of Funeral Potatoes and truly makes the dish complete.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Funeral Potatoes can be assembled ahead of time and baked later, making them ideal for busy schedules or potlucks. You can even freeze them for future meals.
Funeral Potatoes – creamy, cheesy potatoes topped with buttery crunchy cornflakes. These are always a hit at get togethers. #funeral #potatoes #sides #dish #recipe #potluck
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Style Funeral Potatoes
Here’s a list of ingredients to gather for this comforting casserole. The measurements are simple, and you likely have many of these pantry staples on hand already.
- Frozen Hash Browns: 1 (2 lb) bag of frozen cubed or shredded hash browns, thawed. Shredded hash browns are often preferred for a more classic texture, but cubed will also work.
- Sour Cream: 2 cups. Full-fat sour cream will provide the richest flavor and creaminess.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups. Sharp cheddar adds a robust cheesy flavor that complements the creamy base.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.5 ounce) can. This provides a savory and creamy element to the casserole. Cream of mushroom soup can be substituted if preferred.
- Melted Butter: 1/2 cup, plus 1/4 cup for the topping. Butter adds richness and flavor throughout the dish and is essential for the crunchy topping.
- Green Onions (Optional): Small bunch, sliced. Green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a touch of freshness.
- Corn Flakes: 2-3 cups. These provide the signature crunchy topping.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Funeral Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create this comforting and delicious Funeral Potatoes recipe.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. If using, add the sliced green onions. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
potato mixture -
Prepare Cornflake Topping: Lightly crush the corn flakes in a ziploc bag or by hand. In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter.
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Assemble Casserole: Pour the potato mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. A casserole dish works perfectly for this.
Funeral potatoes in a dish -
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and bubbly around the edges.
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Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the cornflake topping evenly over the potatoes. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the potatoes are bubbling.
Funeral Potatoes – creamy, cheesy potatoes topped with buttery crunchy cornflakes. These are always a hit at get togethers. #funeral #potatoes #sides #dish #recipe #potluck -
Serve: Let the Funeral Potatoes stand for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious served hot and are a perfect side dish for ham, chicken, or beef.
Tips and Variations for Your Funeral Potatoes
- Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Add Some Spice: For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Sautéed onions, diced ham, or cooked bacon can be added to the potato mixture for extra flavor and heartiness.
- Make it from Scratch: If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, you can substitute the frozen hash browns with about 5-6 cups of grated raw potatoes. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes before adding them to the mixture.
- Try Potato Chips: For a different topping variation, try using crushed potato chips instead of corn flakes. Kettle-cooked chips add extra flavor and crunch.
Can You Freeze Funeral Potatoes?
Yes, Funeral Potatoes freeze beautifully! This makes them an excellent make-ahead dish for busy times.
- Assemble and Freeze: Prepare the Funeral Potatoes according to the recipe, but do not add the cornflake topping. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Bake from Frozen or Thawed: When ready to bake, you can either thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight or bake it directly from frozen.
- Add Topping and Bake: If baking from frozen, bake covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until heated through. If thawed, bake covered for about 1 hour. In the last 15-20 minutes of baking, remove the foil, add the cornflake topping, and continue baking until golden brown and bubbly.
Perfect for Any Gathering
Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish for a family dinner, a potluck contribution that everyone will love, or a classic casserole to serve at a gathering, this Pioneer Woman inspired Funeral Potatoes recipe is sure to be a hit. Its creamy, cheesy goodness and crunchy topping make it a truly irresistible comfort food.
