Funeral Potatoes are a classic casserole dish, renowned for their creamy, cheesy goodness and satisfying crunch. Often associated with potlucks, holiday gatherings, and yes, even funeral luncheons, this comforting side dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. If you’re searching for the perfect Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes Recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe captures the essence of home-style cooking that the Pioneer Woman is famous for: simple ingredients, comforting flavors, and a dish that brings 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
What Makes This Funeral Potatoes Recipe a Pioneer Woman Favorite?
While the exact origin of funeral potatoes is debated, their popularity in communities across the United States, especially in the Midwest and among Mormon communities, is undeniable. The appeal lies in their simplicity and comforting nature. This recipe, in the spirit of the Pioneer Woman, emphasizes these very qualities. Think of it as a creamy hashbrown casserole, elevated with sharp cheddar cheese and a signature crunchy cornflake topping. It’s the kind of dish that feels both familiar and special, perfect for any occasion where you want to serve up some heartfelt comfort food.
Funeral potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a symbol of community and care. Their presence at gatherings, both joyous and somber, speaks to their ability to provide solace and satisfaction. They are the epitome of comfort food, easy to prepare in large batches, and universally loved. This recipe embodies those characteristics, making it a go-to for anyone wanting to bring a touch of home-style warmth to their table, much like the dishes championed by the Pioneer Woman herself.
The Key Ingredients for Irresistible Funeral Potatoes
To create the best pioneer woman funeral potatoes recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what makes this casserole so wonderfully delicious:
- Hash Browns: The foundation of funeral potatoes is hash browns. You can use frozen shredded hash browns for convenience, or, for a truly homemade touch, shred your own fresh potatoes. Shredded hash browns create a lovely texture, but diced hash browns can also be used for a slightly different bite.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple contributes to the creamy base of the casserole. For a richer flavor, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade cream sauce as a substitute.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds tanginess and moisture, ensuring the potatoes are wonderfully gooey and not dry.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese is essential for that cheesy, comforting flavor we all crave. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder or different flavor profile.
- Melted Butter: Butter is crucial for both flavor and texture. It’s used in the potato mixture and, most importantly, in the crunchy cornflake topping.
- Corn Flakes: The secret to the unforgettable crunchy topping! Corn flakes, when combined with melted butter, create a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes underneath. Some variations use potato chips or even buttery cracker crumbs, but corn flakes offer a classic and satisfying crunch.
- Green Onions (Optional but Recommended): Finely sliced green onions add a touch of freshness and mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.
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 Pioneer Woman Style Funeral Potatoes
Creating this pioneer woman funeral potatoes recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for busy cooks. Follow these simple steps to cheesy potato perfection:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and green onions (if using). Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add Hash Browns: Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly to ensure the hash browns are evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
- Prepare Cornflake Topping: In a ziploc bag, lightly crush the corn flakes. In a separate small bowl, melt the butter for the topping. Pour the melted butter over the crushed corn flakes and stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the potato mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread evenly.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until heated through.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the casserole dish. Sprinkle the cornflake topping evenly over the potatoes. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the potatoes are bubbly and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the funeral potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, crunchy goodness!
potato mixture
Tips and Variations for Your Funeral Potatoes
- Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is classic, experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheddar and Gruyere for a richer flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture.
- Add Ham or Bacon: For a heartier dish that can serve as a main course, consider adding diced ham or cooked bacon to the potato mixture.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the funeral potatoes ahead of time, up to a day in advance. Store the unbaked casserole in the refrigerator, covered. Add the cornflake topping just before baking.
- Freezing Instructions: Funeral potatoes freeze beautifully. Assemble the casserole but do not add the cornflake topping. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add the cornflake topping just before baking as directed.
Funeral potatoes in a dish
Why This Pioneer Woman Inspired Funeral Potatoes Recipe is a Must-Try
This pioneer woman funeral potatoes recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a potluck, or yes, even a funeral luncheon, these cheesy potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit. Their creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and satisfying crunchy topping make them irresistible. Easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and utterly delicious, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection, bringing the warmth and comfort of home-style cooking to your table, just like the Pioneer Woman herself would.
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
Recipe: Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 (2 lb) bag of frozen cubed or shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- (optional) Small bunch of green onions, sliced
Topping:
- 2-3 cups Corn flakes
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and green onions (if using). Mix well.
- For the Topping: Lightly crush corn flakes in a ziploc bag. Mix crushed corn flakes and melted butter together. Reserve for topping.
- Pour potato mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Remove foil, top casserole with corn flake mixture, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Source: Inspired by classic funeral potato recipes and home-style cooking.
- Customize: Add different cheeses, spices, or ham/bacon to personalize your casserole.
- Make Ahead: Assemble ahead and bake later, or freeze for future enjoyment.
