Pioneer Woman’s Funeral Potatoes Recipe: Cheesy Comfort Food Delight

Funeral Potatoes might sound like a somber dish, but don’t let the name fool you! This incredibly cheesy and comforting casserole is a beloved staple at gatherings of all kinds, especially potlucks and, yes, even post-funeral meals. Inspired by classic Midwestern comfort food and with a nod to the popular style of the Pioneer Woman, this recipe for funeral potatoes is about to become your new go-to for any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing side dish.

What Exactly Are Funeral Potatoes?

For those unfamiliar, funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy potato casserole that hails from the Midwest. The name is derived from their traditional presence at post-funeral luncheons, where comforting and easy-to-share dishes are most appreciated. Think of them as the ultimate comfort food casserole – a warm, satisfying blend of potatoes, cheese, and creamy soup, topped with a satisfyingly crunchy topping. While they are a thoughtful dish for somber occasions, their deliciousness has made them a hit at picnics, family reunions, holiday dinners, and potlucks everywhere. It’s a dish that transcends its name and truly brings people together with its simple, heartwarming flavors.

Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes

This recipe is wonderfully simple, using pantry staples to create a dish that tastes like pure indulgence. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own batch of Pioneer Woman inspired funeral potatoes:

• Creamy Soup Base: 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup is the classic base for that rich, comforting creaminess.
• Sour Cream: 1 pint (16 ounces) of sour cream adds tang and extra creaminess to the casserole.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded is convenient, but freshly grated will melt even better and offer a richer flavor.
• Dehydrated Onion Flakes: ½ cup of dehydrated onion flakes provides a savory onion flavor that permeates the entire dish.
• Frozen Hash Browns: 30 ounces of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed. Thawing is important to ensure even baking and prevent a watery casserole.
• Crunchy Potato Chip Topping: 1 cup of crushed potato chips. Plain, ruffled potato chips work best for that classic salty crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Funeral Potatoes

Making funeral potatoes is incredibly easy – perfect for busy days or when you need a dish that comes together quickly. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Creamy Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, and dehydrated onion flakes. Stir until well combined and creamy.
3. Incorporate Hash Browns: Add the thawed shredded hash browns to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir until the hash browns are evenly coated with the cheese and soup mixture.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Add Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potato chip topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the funeral potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes serving easier.

Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing Funeral Potatoes in Advance

One of the beauties of funeral potatoes is that they can be easily prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for potlucks or when you’re planning a meal in advance. Here’s how to get ahead:

1. Assemble the Casserole: Follow steps 1-4 of the recipe instructions, combining all ingredients in the baking dish, but do not add the potato chip topping yet.
2. Refrigerate: Cover the unbaked casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
3. Bake When Ready: When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven as directed. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats. This helps ensure even baking.
4. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the top of the casserole and bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through since it started cold.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Funeral Potatoes

If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), funeral potatoes store well and reheat beautifully.

• Storing: Store leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat funeral potatoes in the microwave for individual servings, or in the oven for larger portions. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole dish with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the topping again if desired.

Enjoy this comforting and cheesy Pioneer Woman inspired funeral potatoes recipe at your next gathering! It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.