Funeral Potatoes With Hashbrowns

Introduction

Get ready for a classic comfort food that truly warms the soul! Funeral Potatoes, sometimes called Cheesy Potato Casserole, are a beloved dish for good reason. Imagine tender, shredded hashbrowns baked in a rich, creamy, and incredibly cheesy sauce, all topped with a golden, crunchy crust. It’s the ultimate side dish that brings smiles to every table, whether it’s a special gathering or a simple family dinner.

This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. We use frozen hashbrowns, which means no peeling or grating potatoes! The creamy sauce comes together in minutes with just a few pantry staples. Most of the work is hands-off, letting your oven do all the magic. You’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole ready to impress with minimal effort.

So, if you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, you’ve found it! This Funeral Potatoes recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Let’s dive into making this incredible, comforting casserole together!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes

Small tip: For the quickest prep, take your hashbrowns out of the freezer to thaw slightly about an hour before you plan to start cooking. This makes them easier to mix!

Ingredients

This recipe makes 8-10 generous servings.

For the Hashbrown Casserole:

• 30 oz (approx. 6 cups) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 10.5 oz can (approx. 1 ¼ cups) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

For the Crispy Topping:

• 2 cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Thaw Hashbrowns

   Make sure your frozen hashbrowns are thawed. You can do this by letting them sit at room temperature for an hour or by briefly microwaving them in a large bowl. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the sauce better.

   Small tip: Squeeze any excess moisture from the thawed hashbrowns using a clean kitchen towel. This helps prevent a watery casserole.

3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the delicious base of our casserole.

4. Combine Hashbrowns and Sauce

   Add the thawed hashbrowns to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Stir gently until the hashbrowns are completely coated. Then, fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.

5. Assemble the Casserole

   Pour the hashbrown mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. This creates a consistent layer for baking.

6. Prepare the Crispy Topping

   In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or panko breadcrumbs) with the ¼ cup of melted butter. Stir until the cornflakes are evenly coated. This buttery topping will become wonderfully golden and crunchy.

   Small tip: For extra flavor in your topping, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the cornflake mixture.

7. Add Topping and Bake

   Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the hashbrown mixture in the baking dish. Then, evenly spread the buttery cornflake topping over the cheese layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is lightly golden brown.

8. Broil for Extra Crisp (Optional)

   If you prefer an extra crispy, golden-brown topping, you can carefully place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent burning, as broilers can toast quickly!

9. Rest and Serve

   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley, if desired, for a pop of color.

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup (or make your own GF cream sauce with cornstarch) and gluten-free crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the topping. Always check ingredient labels carefully.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: For a vegan version, use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup, vegan sour cream, plant-based milk, and vegan butter. Replace the cheddar cheese with a good quality vegan shredded cheese. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor. For vegetarian, simply ensure your cream of chicken soup is a vegetarian cream of mushroom or celery, and omit any meat products.
• Add More Vegetables or Protein: For a heartier dish, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and mix them into the hashbrown mixture. You can also add cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken for extra protein.
• Spicy Version: Introduce a kick by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce. For even more heat, finely dice a jalapeño or serrano pepper and mix it in.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different cheeses! Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or add a smoky Gouda. A teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder in the sauce can also deepen the flavor. For a richer topping, crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers can replace cornflakes.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 23g

Please note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and exact amounts of ingredients used.

Health Benefits

While Funeral Potatoes are definitely a comfort food, some of their key ingredients offer nutritional benefits!

• Potatoes: Hashbrowns are made from potatoes, which are a good source of potassium. Potassium is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Potatoes also provide Vitamin C, an antioxidant, and Vitamin B6, important for brain development and nerve function.
• Dairy Products (Cheese, Sour Cream, Milk): These ingredients contribute valuable calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth. They also provide protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and some B vitamins. Many dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption.
• Fiber: While processing hashbrowns can reduce some fiber, potatoes still offer dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied.
• Energy Boost: The carbohydrates from the potatoes provide a quick and sustained energy source, perfect for fueling your body throughout the day.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Side Dish: Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate companion to roasted meats like ham, turkey, chicken, or pork loin. They are a staple for holiday meals and Sunday dinners.
• Brunch Favorite: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty and satisfying brunch spread.
• Main Dish with a Twist: Transform them into a main course by adding cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham directly into the casserole mixture. Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Potluck Perfection: This dish travels well and is always a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and church dinners. It’s easy to make a large batch to feed a crowd.

Storage Tips

Leftover Funeral Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the baked casserole for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container, for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes for individual portions or 30-45 minutes for a whole casserole. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker reheat.

Conclusion

And there you have it – your very own batch of incredibly delicious Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns! This dish truly embodies comfort, with its creamy, cheesy interior and wonderfully crispy topping. It’s a recipe that tastes like home and brings a sense of warmth to any meal.

We hope you’ve enjoyed making this simple yet satisfying casserole. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create something truly special. This recipe is designed to be easy, forgiving, and utterly delicious, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

So go ahead, share this amazing dish with your family and friends. Watch their faces light up with every spoonful. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a comforting weeknight dinner, or a potluck, these Funeral Potatoes are sure to be a cherished favorite for years to come. Happy cooking!