Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a comforting dish that features creamy potatoes smothered in delicious cheese and topped with crunchy cornflakes. Perfect for gatherings!
These tasty potatoes are a crowd favorite. Honestly, who can resist that gooey cheese? I always make extra because leftovers are a dream come true! 😋
Making Cheesy Funeral Potatoes is super easy. Just mix, bake, and enjoy. I love serving them alongside my favorite meat dishes for a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen shredded hash browns save time. If you prefer fresh, you can grate your own potatoes, but make sure to soak them in water to remove excess starch and moisture.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar or a cheese blend like Monterey Jack for a creamier taste.
Diced Onion: Yellow onions work best as they add sweetness. If you’re not a fan of onions, consider using onion powder instead—just a teaspoon will do!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is key for creaminess. If you need a vegetarian option, try cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce for a similar texture.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt makes a great substitute if you want a tangy flavor and lower fat content. It keeps the creaminess intact without the extra calories.
How Do I Get a Crispy Cornflake Topping?
The cornflake topping is crucial for that delightful crunch! Here’s how to nail it:
- Crush the cornflakes a bit, but not too fine; you want some texture. You can use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin for this.
- Mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter. This helps the flakes crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Distribute the cornflakes evenly on top of the potato mixture. A nice even layer ensures every bite has that crunchy goodness.
- Don’t skip the baking time! 45-55 minutes at 350°F will get the top golden brown and the casserole bubbly. Adjust the time as needed based on your oven.
If you let the dish rest for a bit after baking, the topping will stay crisp longer.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter, divided
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to have everything ready and bubbling in the oven. Perfect for a comforting side dish at family gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown top.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined, and you get a nice creamy mixture.
3. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some butter or cooking spray. Carefully pour the potato mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
4. Prepare the Cornflake Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Make sure all the cornflakes are coated in the butter for that extra crunch!
5. Add the Cornflake Topping:
Take the buttered cornflakes and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping as it bakes.
6. Bake It:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and once the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges, it’s done!
7. Let It Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly. This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the cheesy potatoes while they’re still warm. Enjoy this comforting side with your favorite main dishes, and get ready for seconds!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can! If using fresh potatoes, grate them and soak them in water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Be sure to thoroughly dry them before mixing them into the casserole.
How Do I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as instructed.
Can I Freeze Leftover Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
Absolutely! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
What Should I Serve with Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses! Consider serving it alongside ham, roasted chicken, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy this comforting side dish at your gatherings!