Name: Delicious Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs (32 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns (slightly thawed); 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 (16 oz) container sour cream (full-fat recommended); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 2 cups crushed cornflakes OR Ritz crackers for topping

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Ah, funeral potatoes! Just the name evokes a sense of comforting familiarity, doesn’t it? But don’t let the moniker fool you – there’s nothing somber about these incredibly delicious, cheesy See more good recipes here hashbrown creations. Imagine a symphony of textures and flavors: a gloriously creamy, savory interior bursting with sharp cheddar and tender potatoes, all crowned with a golden, impossibly crispy topping. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary hug, a dish that brings people together and vanishes from the potluck table faster than you can say ‘seconds.’ Getting them just right, with that perfect balance of gooey cheese and crunchy crust, is an art, and I’m here to share all my secrets for the best funeral potatoes with hashbrowns you’ll ever taste.

Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients and Substitutions
How to Make Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
Expert Tips for Success
Storing and Reheating
What to Serve With Your Funeral Potatoes
Frequently Asked Questions

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe for funeral potatoes with hashbrowns isn’t just another casserole; it’s a meticulously designed guide to achieving perfection. Here’s why it stands out:

Creamy Interior, Golden-Brown Topping: We strike the ideal balance between a luscious, cheesy potato base and an irresistibly crunchy, buttery topping – no soggy bottoms here!
Balanced Savory and Tangy Flavors: The combination of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup provides a rich, tangy depth that perfectly complements the savory potatoes and sharp cheese.
Essential for Potlucks and Gatherings: Its crowd-pleasing nature and ability to be made ahead make it the superstar of any gathering, from holiday feasts to casual brunches.
Easy Prep for Delicious Results: Despite its impressive outcome, the steps are straightforward and designed for home bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a rewarding experience.

Ingredients and Substitutions: Building Flavor Layer by Layer

Here is what you need and why:

Frozen Hashbrowns: The star of our show! I highly recommend using shredded hashbrowns for the best texture and creaminess, as they integrate seamlessly into the cheesy sauce. Diced or O’Brien hashbrowns can work, but they might result in a slightly chunkier, less uniform casserole. No need to thaw completely, but a little defrosting helps them mix better.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic casserole staple creates the ultimate creamy, umami-rich base. For a twist, you can experiment with cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup, but mushroom is my go-to for depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make a homemade cream soup base with a roux, milk, and sautéed mushrooms for an even richer flavor, as suggested by culinary experts like Food Network.

Sour Cream: This is crucial for adding a delightful tang and extra moisture, preventing your casserole from becoming dry. Full-fat sour cream offers the best richness, but light sour cream can be used if preferred. Greek yogurt can be substituted in a pinch for a slightly tangier and healthier alternative, but it might alter the texture slightly.

Butter: Oh, buttery goodness! Melted butter binds everything together and infuses the potatoes with incredible richness. It’s also essential for that golden, crispy topping. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt content, but salted butter works – just adjust any added salt accordingly.

Cheese: For me, a sharp cheddar is non-negotiable for its robust flavor and excellent melt. However, you can use a blend of cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little Parmesan mixed in can add complex layers of flavor. Always grate your own cheese from a block for the best melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make them less creamy.

Onion & Garlic Powder: These pantry staples are flavor powerhouses, adding an aromatic depth without the textural interruption of fresh minced onion or garlic, which can sometimes burn or become pungent in a long bake. Don’t underestimate their ability to round out the savory profile.

Salt and Black Pepper: Crucial for seasoning! Taste as you go, especially after adding the cheese and soup, as they both contribute sodium. Freshly ground black pepper adds a superior kick.

Crunchy Topping Options: This is where personal preference shines! My absolute favorite is crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter – they create an unparalleled crispiness. Crushed Ritz crackers also make an amazing buttery and salty topping. Panko breadcrumbs or even crushed potato chips can be used for different textural experiences. A mix of cornflakes and panko is also fantastic!

How to Make Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the ultimate comfort food:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If your hashbrowns are frozen solid, let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes while you gather other ingredients to slightly thaw. This helps them mix more easily into the creamy sauce. In a small bowl, melt your butter for both the potato mixture and the topping. Crush your cornflakes (or chosen topping) and set aside.

2. Mix the Creamy Hashbrown Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly thawed shredded hashbrowns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, about two-thirds of the grated cheese (reserving some for the top, if desired), part of the melted butter (about 1/4 cup), onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the hashbrowns are evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture. Ensure no dry spots remain, as this is key for a consistently moist casserole. The mixture should look rich and well combined.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the hashbrown mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure it forms an even layer. If you reserved some cheese, sprinkle it over the hashbrown layer now. This adds an extra layer of gooey cheese throughout the casserole.

4. Add the Golden Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or your chosen topping) with the remaining melted butter. Mix well so that all the crumbs are coated. Evenly sprinkle this buttery topping over the hashbrown mixture in the baking dish. This layer is crucial for that signature crispy, golden crust.

5. Bake for Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is deeply golden brown and crisp. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes for cleaner serving.

Expert Tips for Success: Flawless Funeral Potatoes Every Time

Thawing vs. Un-thawed Hashbrowns: While you don’t need to fully thaw, letting your frozen hashbrowns sit out for 15-20 minutes softens them just enough to mix easily without becoming watery. Avoid fully thawing and then squeezing, as this can remove too much starch and moisture.
Preventing Dryness: Cream Mixture Ratios: The key to a moist casserole is ensuring enough liquid. Don’t skimp on the soup and sour cream. If your hashbrowns seem particularly dry or you’re using a different cut, a splash of milk (1/4 to 1/2 cup) can help maintain moisture.
Getting That Perfect Crispy Topping: The secret is butter! Thoroughly coat your choice of topping (cornflakes, Ritz, etc.) in melted butter before sprinkling it over the casserole. This ensures every piece gets crisp and golden, not just dry and crumbly.
Seasoning to Taste: Don’t Be Shy! Taste your mixture before baking (minus the raw eggs, if using any, which this recipe does not). Adjust salt, pepper, and garlic/onion powders. The cheesy, creamy base needs assertive seasoning to shine through the potatoes.
Baking in Different Sized Dishes: A 9×13 inch dish is standard. For a thicker casserole, use an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan, but expect to increase baking time by 10-15 minutes. For smaller portions or individual servings, oven-safe ramekins work beautifully, reducing baking time to about 25-35 minutes.

Storing and Reheating Funeral Potatoes

Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftover funeral potatoes with hashbrowns should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before covering to prevent condensation.

Freezing for Future Meals: This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, remove foil and plastic, replace with new foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for another 30-45 minutes until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.

Best Reheating Methods: For individual servings, microwave until heated through, but be aware the topping may lose some crispness. For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes for a smaller portion or 30-45 minutes for a larger dish. If the topping needs re-crisping, you can place it under the broiler for a minute or two (watch carefully!).

What to Serve With Your Funeral Potatoes

Funeral potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes:

Classic Main Dishes: They are a match made in heaven with roast chicken, baked ham, pork loin, meatloaf, or grilled steak. The creamy potatoes provide a perfect counterpoint to hearty proteins.
Vegetable Side Dish Ideas: To balance the richness, serve with something fresh! Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, a simple garden salad with a vinaigrette, or sautéed broccoli are excellent choices.
Breakfast and Brunch Pairings: Yes, they’re not just for dinner! Funeral potatoes are fantastic with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, bacon, or a quiche for a decadent brunch spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole, including the topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature, then bake as directed. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While sharp cheddar is traditional and highly recommended, you can experiment with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or even a blend with a touch of Parmesan. Avoid crumbly cheeses that won’t melt smoothly.

How do I make them less watery?

The most common culprit for watery funeral potatoes is fully thawed hashbrowns that haven’t been drained. If you thaw your hashbrowns completely, gently squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel. Using condensed cream of mushroom soup and full-fat sour cream also helps maintain a thicker consistency.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes! Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free (many brands offer this). For the topping, use gluten-free cornflakes or a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Why are they called funeral potatoes?

The name originates from the casserole’s common appearance at post-funeral luncheons and other large communal gatherings, particularly in the Midwestern and Western United States, especially among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a comforting, easy-to-transport dish that feeds a crowd during times of mourning or celebration, providing both sustenance and solace.

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