Funeral Potatoes are the quintessential creamy, cheesy potato casserole that graces tables at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and yes, even funeral luncheons. This comforting side dish, with its gooey interior and satisfyingly crunchy cornflake topping, is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. If you’re searching for the perfect Recipe For Funeral Potatoes From Pioneer Woman style cooking, you’ve come to the right place. While this recipe isn’t directly from Ree Drummond herself, it embodies the hearty, flavorful, and approachable spirit of Pioneer Woman’s beloved dishes.
Creamy and cheesy funeral potatoes with a golden brown cornflake crust, perfect for sharing at gatherings.
This dish, sometimes called gooey potatoes or party potatoes, is more than just a side; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. Forget mashed potatoes and gravy – funeral potatoes offer a delightful alternative that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. They are a staple at family dinners and special occasions because they are simple to make in large quantities and universally loved.
Why “Funeral Potatoes”? The Story Behind the Name
The name “Funeral Potatoes” might sound a bit somber, but it simply reflects the dish’s traditional role in Mormon culture. These cheesy potatoes are a classic comfort food served at post-funeral receptions, or “funeral luncheons,” where large groups gather to support grieving families. Their ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd make them an ideal dish for such occasions. However, don’t let the name limit you! Funeral potatoes are wonderful for any gathering where you need a comforting and delicious side dish. They bring warmth and togetherness, no matter the occasion.
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Funeral Potatoes
To create this creamy and crunchy masterpiece, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- Hash Browns: The heart of funeral potatoes! A 2 lb bag of frozen hash browns, either shredded or cubed, works perfectly. Thawing them beforehand ensures even baking. For a more rustic, “Pioneer Woman” touch, you could even use freshly grated potatoes, though frozen hash browns are a convenient and widely used shortcut.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides the creamy base. A 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup is standard, but cream of mushroom soup can be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Sour Cream: Two cups of sour cream add tanginess and richness, contributing to the signature “gooey” texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese are essential for that cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
- Melted Butter: Half a cup of melted butter is mixed into the potato mixture for richness. Another quarter cup of melted butter is reserved for the cornflake topping – because, as Pioneer Woman knows, butter makes everything better!
- Corn Flakes: The secret to the irresistible crunchy topping! Two to three cups of corn flakes, lightly crushed, provide the perfect textural contrast to the creamy potatoes. Some variations use potato chips for the topping, but corn flakes offer a classic and slightly sweeter crunch.
- Green Onions (Optional): A small bunch of sliced green onions adds a touch of freshness and mild onion flavor to balance the richness.
Close-up of the creamy potato mixture with cheese and green onions before baking.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making funeral potatoes is incredibly easy – perfect for busy home cooks and potluck contributions. Here’s how:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and melted butter. If using, add the sliced green onions to the mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare Cornflake Topping: In a ziploc bag, lightly crush the corn flakes. In a separate small bowl, stir together the crushed corn flakes and the remaining melted butter.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the potato mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the casserole dish. Sprinkle the cornflake topping evenly over the potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are bubbling hot and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy.
The potato mixture being poured into a baking dish, ready for the oven.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the funeral potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. They are best served warm and are a fantastic side dish for ham, chicken, or beef.
Tips and Variations for Your Funeral Potatoes
- Fresh Potatoes: While frozen hash browns are convenient, you can absolutely make funeral potatoes from scratch using fresh grated potatoes. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes before adding them to the mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheddar and Gruyere can add unique flavors.
- Add Ham or Bacon: For a heartier casserole, consider adding diced ham or cooked, crumbled bacon to the potato mixture. This turns funeral potatoes into a more substantial dish, perfect for a brunch or light meal.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder to the potato mixture for extra flavor. A dash of hot sauce can also add a subtle kick.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the funeral potatoes ahead of time, up to a day in advance. Store the unbaked casserole, covered, in the refrigerator. Add the cornflake topping just before baking.
Funeral potatoes bubbling hot and golden brown in a casserole dish, ready to be served.
Can You Freeze Funeral Potatoes?
Yes, funeral potatoes freeze beautifully! This makes them an excellent make-ahead dish for busy times or potlucks.
- Freeze Before Topping: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not add the cornflake topping.
- Freeze Solid: Wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw and Bake: When ready to bake, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
- Add Topping and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cornflake topping and sprinkle it over the thawed potatoes. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions for Funeral Potatoes
Funeral potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of main dishes. They are a classic side for:
- Holiday Ham: A perfect Easter or Christmas side dish.
- Roasted Chicken: A comforting addition to a Sunday dinner.
- BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork: The creamy potatoes balance the richness of BBQ perfectly.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Their crowd-pleasing nature makes them ideal for any potluck or large gathering.
A serving spoon scooping out a generous portion of funeral potatoes, showcasing the creamy texture and crunchy topping.
Funeral potatoes are more than just a recipe; they are a taste of home, comfort, and togetherness. This recipe for funeral potatoes from pioneer woman inspired cooking is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit – give this cheesy potato casserole a try and bring a little Pioneer Woman charm to your table!
Recipe Card: Pioneer Woman Inspired 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 with corn flake mixture, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Adjust baking time as needed to ensure potatoes are tender.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious Pioneer Woman inspired Funeral Potatoes recipe!
