Funeral Potatoes

Discover the comforting delight of Funeral Potatoes, a beloved dish that combines creamy textures with a crispy cornflake topping. Perfect for gatherings or family meals, this recipe promises a satisfying blend of flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or craving a hearty side dish, Funeral Potatoes are sure to become a favorite on your menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Mix Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, 1/2 cup melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chopped onions. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the potato mixture.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

Notes:

• This dish is a beloved comfort food often served at gatherings, providing a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy texture that’s irresistibly satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add the cornflake topping just before baking for optimal crunchiness.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Hot and Fresh: Serve Funeral Potatoes hot from the oven to enjoy the crispy cornflake topping and gooey cheese at their best.
2. Garnish Options: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
3. Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak, or pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
4. Portion Control: Use a sharp knife or spatula to neatly cut and serve individual portions from the baking dish.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Funeral Potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: To maintain the crispy texture of the cornflake topping, reheat individual servings in the oven or toaster oven. Alternatively, microwave larger portions, being mindful that the topping may lose its crunch.
4. Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add the cornflake topping just before baking for optimal freshness.

Enjoy the Comfort These serving and storage tips ensure your Funeral Potatoes stay delicious whether freshly baked or reheated. With their creamy texture and crunchy topping, they are sure to be a hit at gatherings and family meals alike. Serve them hot and savor every comforting bite!

Variations:

1. Bacon Lover’s Delight: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the potato mixture before baking for a savory twist.
2. Vegetarian Option: Omit the cream of chicken soup and use cream of mushroom soup instead. Add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
3. Loaded Potato Version: Mix in toppings like chopped green onions, diced ham, and a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack and Parmesan before baking.
4. Spicy Kick: Stir in diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture for a spicy variation.
5. Herb Infusion: Mix fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme into the potato mixture for a garden-fresh flavor.
6. Cheesy Blend: Use a combination of cheeses such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack for a more complex cheese flavor.
7. Healthier Twist: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese and butter to lighten up the dish.
8. Tex-Mex Style: Add a layer of salsa between the potato mixture and the cornflake topping. Top with sliced jalapeños and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
9. Crunchy Panko Topping: Replace cornflakes with seasoned panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a different texture.
10. Sweet Potato Variation: Substitute half of the hash browns with mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist on this classic dish.
11. Buffalo Style: Add buffalo sauce to the potato mixture for a spicy kick, and top with blue cheese crumbles before serving.
12. Italian-Inspired: Mix in diced sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, and Italian seasoning to the potato mixture. Top with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
13. Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: Incorporate cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and diced bell peppers into the potato mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.

These variations offer creative ways to customize your Funeral Potatoes, making them suitable for different tastes and occasions. Experiment with these ideas to create a version that suits your preferences and brings a new twist to this comforting dish!

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
   • Yes, you can grate fresh potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients. This may alter the texture slightly but is a viable option.
2. What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
   • Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can be used as substitutes for cream of chicken soup in this recipe.
3. Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the cornflake topping just before baking to ensure it stays crispy.
4. How do I prevent the cornflake topping from becoming soggy?
   • Ensure the cornflakes are thoroughly coated with melted butter before sprinkling them over the potato mixture. Baking at the correct temperature also helps maintain crispiness.
5. Can I freeze Funeral Potatoes?
   • Yes, you can freeze Funeral Potatoes before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
6. How do I reheat Funeral Potatoes?
   • To maintain the crispiness of the topping, reheat individual servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwave larger portions, but note that the topping may lose its crunch.
7. Are Funeral Potatoes gluten-free?
   • No, this recipe includes ingredients like cream of chicken soup and cornflakes that typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soup and ensure the cornflakes are gluten-free.
8. Can I add additional vegetables to the potato mixture?
   • Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the potato mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
9. What size baking dish should I use for this recipe?
   • Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for this recipe to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and the topping crisps up nicely.
10. How many servings does this recipe make?
    • This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for larger gatherings or as a side dish for multiple meals.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common questions about making and serving Funeral Potatoes, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome every time you prepare this comforting dish.