Funeral Potatoes are a classic American side dish, renowned for their creamy, cheesy texture and satisfyingly crunchy cornflake topping. Often referred to as cheesy potatoes, gooey potatoes, or party potatoes, this potato casserole is a staple at gatherings, potlucks, and especially comfort food occasions. This recipe explores the delightful world of Funeral Potatoes, offering a guide to creating this beloved dish that’s sure to be a hit at any table.
What Exactly are Funeral Potatoes?
The name “Funeral Potatoes” might sound unusual, but it speaks to the dish’s traditional role. This comforting casserole is deeply rooted in communities where food is a central part of expressing care and support during times of mourning. Specifically, Funeral Potatoes are frequently served at post-funeral luncheons and dinners, providing a warm, easy-to-serve, and crowd-pleasing option when people gather to remember loved ones. Beyond funerals, however, their comforting nature and ease of preparation have made them a popular choice for all sorts of gatherings, from holiday dinners and potlucks to casual family meals. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for bringing people together.
Funeral Potatoes – creamy, cheesy potatoes topped with buttery crunchy cornflakes. These are always a hit at get togethers. #funeral #potatoes #sides #dish #recipe #potluck
Key Ingredients for the Best Funeral Potatoes
Creating exceptional Funeral Potatoes relies on a few key ingredients, each contributing to the casserole’s signature taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Hash Browns: The base of any great Funeral Potatoes recipe is hash browns. Frozen hash browns are most commonly used for convenience, and you can choose between shredded or diced depending on your preferred texture. For a richer flavor, consider using fresh potatoes, grated and prepared properly.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy soup is essential for binding the casserole together and adding a savory depth of flavor. Cream of mushroom soup can be used as a substitute if preferred, offering a slightly different but equally delicious taste profile.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese is crucial for the “cheesy” in cheesy potatoes. Its bold flavor melts beautifully into the casserole, creating that gooey, irresistible texture. Feel free to experiment with other cheese variations like Colby Jack or a blend for a unique twist.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy richness and moisture to the potato mixture, balancing the richness of the cheese and soup. Full-fat sour cream will provide the best flavor and texture.
- Melted Butter: Butter is incorporated both into the potato mixture and the cornflake topping. It adds richness and flavor throughout the dish and is key to achieving that golden, crunchy topping.
- Corn Flakes: The signature crunchy topping of Funeral Potatoes comes from corn flakes. Lightly crushed and mixed with melted butter, they bake into a golden brown, crispy layer that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy potatoes underneath. Some variations use potato chips for a saltier, equally crunchy alternative.
- Green Onions: Adding sliced green onions brings a mild oniony flavor and a touch of freshness to the casserole. They are mixed into the potato base, contributing a subtle savory note.
Funeral Potatoes – creamy, cheesy potatoes topped with buttery crunchy cornflakes. These are always a hit at get togethers. #funeral #potatoes #sides #dish #recipe #potluck
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Funeral Potatoes
Making Funeral Potatoes is remarkably simple, which is part of their appeal, especially when feeding a crowd. Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and sliced green onions. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Hash Browns: Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Gently fold the hash browns into the other ingredients until they are evenly coated. Ensure everything is well mixed so that the flavors are distributed throughout the casserole.
- Prepare Cornflake Topping: In a ziploc bag, lightly crush the corn flakes. You want to break them down a bit but not turn them into crumbs – some texture is desired for the topping. In a separate small bowl, melt the remaining butter and then mix it with the crushed corn flakes, ensuring all the flakes are coated in butter. Reserve this mixture for topping the casserole later.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the potato mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. For initial baking, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the potatoes cook through and become tender without the topping browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: After the initial baking time, remove the foil from the casserole dish. Sprinkle the cornflake topping evenly over the top of the potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are bubbling hot and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy.
potato mixture
Tips for Perfect Funeral Potatoes Every Time
- Don’t Overcook: The biggest mistake you can make with Funeral Potatoes is undercooking them, resulting in crunchy potatoes (and not in a good way!). Ensure the potatoes are tender and heated through. However, avoid overbaking, which can dry out the casserole.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Hash Browns: While frozen hash browns are convenient, using fresh grated potatoes can elevate the dish. If using fresh potatoes, be sure to grate them and squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the mixture. You may also want to parboil them slightly for optimal texture.
- Customize Your Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but experiment with other cheeses or cheese blends. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a bit of spice, or a combination of cheddar and Gruyere can create interesting flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: Funeral Potatoes are freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole but do not add the cornflake topping. Freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then add the cornflake topping and bake as directed. This makes them an excellent make-ahead dish for busy times or large gatherings.
Funeral potatoes in a dish
Serving Suggestions for Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish for a wide variety of meals. They are a fantastic accompaniment to:
- Holiday Dinners: Perfect alongside ham, turkey, or roast beef for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Their crowd-pleasing nature makes them ideal for potlucks, barbecues, and family reunions.
- Comfort Food Meals: Serve them with baked chicken, meatloaf, or pulled pork for a classic comfort food dinner.
- Breakfast or Brunch: While traditionally a side dish, Funeral Potatoes can also be enjoyed as part of a hearty breakfast or brunch spread.
Gooey Potatoes – creamy, cheesy potatoes topped with buttery crunchy cornflakes. Some people call these funeral potatoes but this name is much less morbid. the-girl-who-ate-everything.com
Conclusion: Embrace the Comfort of Funeral Potatoes
Whether you call them Funeral Potatoes, cheesy potatoes, or gooey potatoes, this classic casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simple preparation, comforting flavors, and satisfying textures make it a timeless recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. From somber gatherings to joyful celebrations, Funeral Potatoes are a dish that brings people together with warmth and deliciousness. Try this recipe and experience the enduring appeal of this beloved comfort food classic.
