Easy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the heartiness of hash browns with a luscious creamy sauce, all crowned with a buttery cornflake topping that adds a delightful crunch. It's a crowd-pleaser that's simple to prepare and always a hit at potlucks and holiday feasts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ¾ cup butter, divided

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 pounds diced hash browns, thawed and cubed

• 2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup

• 2 cups sour cream

• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 3 cups corn flakes cereal, lightly crushed

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Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, thawed hash browns, ½ cup melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add the crushed corn flakes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.

6. Sprinkle the buttered corn flakes evenly over the casserole.

7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

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Variations

• Soup Substitutes: If you prefer not to use cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup.

• Onion Preparation: For a milder flavor, you can add the diced onions directly to the casserole without sautéing them.

• Hash Brown Style: While the recipe calls for cubed hash browns, shredded hash browns can also be used for a different texture.

• Topping Alternatives: Instead of corn flakes, you can use crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips for the topping.

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Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Cover the leftover casserole with aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If the topping has softened, you can sprinkle additional crushed corn flakes on top before reheating to restore the crunch.

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FAQs

1. Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

2. Can I freeze Funeral Potatoes?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

3. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can peel and dice fresh potatoes. Boil them until tender, drain, and cool before using them in the recipe.

4. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, by substituting the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian version and ensuring all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, you can make this dish suitable for vegetarians.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

While cheddar cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites for a different flavor profile.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking to introduce some heat.

7. Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can transfer the assembled casserole to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until heated through and bubbly.

8. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter, sour cream, and cheese substitutes, and ensure the cream of chicken soup is dairy-free or use a suitable alternative.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can stir in vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to add color and nutrition to the casserole.

10. How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?

To keep the topping crispy, avoid overmixing the corn flakes with butter, and consider adding fresh corn flakes on top just before serving or reheating.

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Conclusion

Easy Funeral Potatoes are a comforting and versatile side dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy family meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Its creamy interior and crispy topping make it a standout addition to any meal.

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