Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a warm, comforting side dish that everyone loves! Made with shredded potatoes, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping, they’re super hearty and satisfying.
Honestly, who can resist a dish that’s so cheesy and crunchy? I often bring them to potlucks, and they’re always gone in a flash! 🍽️ They’re just a hug in a casserole dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: The star of this dish! Frozen shredded hash browns are so convenient. If you can’t find them, use fresh shredded potatoes, but remember to soak them first to remove excess starch, then dry them well.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This brings creaminess and flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap in cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade sauce using vegetable broth and flour as a base.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute while keeping that creamy texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor. If you’re not a big fan, you can use medium or even mild cheddar. Other great options include mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer smoother cheese.
Cornflakes: These create that lovely crunchy topping. If you want a gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free cereals or panko breadcrumbs. My personal tip? Mix in some grated parmesan for an extra cheesy crunch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture for the Casserole?
Getting that creamy texture is all about combining your ingredients right. Ensure the hash browns are thawed and well-mixed with the other moist ingredients. Here’s how:
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter thoroughly with the thawed hash browns. This creates a smooth base.
- Don’t skimp on the mixing time—about 2-3 minutes should do. This helps all the ingredients blend together evenly.
- Make sure to spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, which ensures even baking and consistent creaminess throughout.
How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- ½ cup melted butter, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or onion powder (½ tsp each)
For the Topping:
- 1 (3 oz) box cornflakes, crushed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. Altogether, you can expect to spend around 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes before serving this delicious casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or a bit of butter. This will help prevent sticking!
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and ¼ cup of melted butter. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and the optional garlic or onion powder if you’re using them. Mix everything together well until it’s evenly blended and creamy.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now that your mixture is ready, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure it’s level across the top.
4. Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
In a small bowl, take your crushed cornflakes and mix them with the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter. Make sure all the cornflakes are coated well with butter for that perfect crunch!
5. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Then, top it all off with the buttered cornflake mixture. This will create a delightful crispy layer while baking.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want it to be bubbly and the top should turn a lovely golden brown.
7. Let it Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This cheesy potato casserole is great for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Fresh Hash Browns Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If you’re using fresh potatoes, make sure to shred them and soak them in water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Once drained, pat them dry to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce using vegetable broth. This will keep the dish creamy and flavorful without the meat!
Can I Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold casserole.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, a splash of cream or milk can help bring back that creamy texture.