Funeral potatoes, a dish with a curious name, are a comforting and cheesy casserole that transcends its somber moniker. Far from being limited to funeral dinners, this recipe, especially inspired by the style of the Pioneer Woman, is a crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks, picnics, or cozy family meals. Imagine a creamy, cheesy potato bake with a delightful crunchy topping – that’s the magic of funeral potatoes.
What Makes This Funeral Potato Recipe “Pioneer Woman” Style?
While not explicitly attributed to Ree Drummond, this recipe embodies the spirit of Pioneer Woman cooking: hearty, flavorful, and made with accessible ingredients. It’s about creating satisfying comfort food that brings people together. This version emphasizes the rich, cheesy goodness and easy preparation that are hallmarks of Pioneer Woman recipes.
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Funeral Potatoes
To create this comforting casserole, gather these simple ingredients:
- Creamy Base: 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup and 1 pint (16 ounces) sour cream create the luscious base for this dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: 1 ½ cups of grated Cheddar cheese. Sharp or mild cheddar works wonderfully – choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
- Flavor Boost: ½ cup of dehydrated onion flakes adds a savory depth that complements the creamy and cheesy flavors.
- Potato Foundation: 30 ounces of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed. Ensure they are thawed properly to prevent a watery casserole.
- Crunchy Topping: 1 cup of crushed potato chips. The salty, crispy topping is what elevates this casserole to another level.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Funeral Potatoes Like the Pioneer Woman
Creating this comforting casserole is straightforward:
- Combine Creamy Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, and dehydrated onion flakes. Ensure everything is well combined for a consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- Incorporate Hash Browns: Gently stir in the thawed shredded hash browns into the creamy mixture. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the cheese and soup mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the potato chip topping is golden brown and crispy.
Make-Ahead Magic and Storage Tips
One of the beauties of this Pioneer Woman-style funeral potato recipe is its make-ahead convenience:
Prepare Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Follow steps 1-3, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Add the potato chip topping just before baking.
Storage: Leftover funeral potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in a conventional oven until heated through. Oven reheating will help retain the crispy topping.
Embrace the Comfort of Funeral Potatoes
Whether you’re serving a crowd, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving some cheesy comfort food, this Pioneer Woman-inspired funeral potato recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t let the name deter you – this casserole is a celebration of simple, delicious ingredients and heartwarming flavors, perfect for any occasion.
