If you’ve never experienced the cozy, comforting delight of a Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe, you’re in for a treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This dish combines crispy golden-hued hash browns, creamy cheese, and a crunchy cornflake topping to create a soul-satisfying casserole perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a little extra comfort on your table. The blend of tender potatoes with savory richness and a touch of buttery crisp makes this casserole a beloved classic that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping it simple is key to achieving the perfect Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the hash browns providing the tender base to the corn flakes adding a satisfying crunch on top. These straightforward ingredients come together to craft an irresistibly creamy and flavorful casserole.
- 30 ounces frozen diced hash browns (thawed): The primary base, offering soft, flaky potato goodness that soaks in all the flavors.
- 5 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Adds richness and helps crisp up the topping perfectly.
- 1 small onion (diced): Delivers a subtle sweetness and a flavorful aroma when sautéed.
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup: Imparts creamy texture and classic savory depth.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Enhances the casserole’s silky, luscious finish.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Brings sharpness and melty goodness throughout.
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and aroma.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances overall flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, spicy kick.
- 1 ½ cups corn flakes cereal (crushed): Creates the perfectly crispy, buttery topping that everyone loves.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by thawing your frozen diced hash browns completely. This step ensures even cooking and a creamy interior without excess moisture making the casserole soggy.
Step 2: Get the Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. This preparation keeps the casserole from sticking and helps achieve those perfect golden edges.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onions. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they are translucent and tender, which builds a sweet and savory flavor base for the casserole.
Step 4: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
Transfer the softened onions to a mixing bowl along with the thawed hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato mixture in an even layer inside your prepared baking dish. This ensures the casserole cooks uniformly and each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the crushed corn flakes cereal. Evenly sprinkle this buttery, crispy topping over the potato mixture for that irresistible crunch and golden finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. This baking time lets all those comforting flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Let it cool slightly, then serve your Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe warm for the ultimate cozy experience.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh bite. You could also top with a little crispy bacon for something extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with bright, crisp salads or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans, balancing the richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or scoop it into small mason jars for potlucks and gatherings. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it a wonderful next-day meal option.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the topping is crispy again, about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, the microwave works well but may soften the topping slightly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but they will require peeling, boiling, and dicing first. The frozen hash browns are convenient and designed to hold their texture well in this recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian-friendly casserole.
What can I use if I don’t have corn flakes for the topping?
Crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed fried onions can work as a crispy, buttery topping alternative.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free hash browns, a gluten-free cream soup, and gluten-free corn flakes or crackers for the topping, you can easily adapt the recipe.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe is mild and comforting, with subtle seasoning that won’t overwhelm. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a bit more kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing a warm, cheesy, crispy casserole like this Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe with family and friends. It’s more than just a side dish—it’s a comforting tradition in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try, and soon it might just become your go-to for holidays, gatherings, or any time you need a little extra love in your kitchen.
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Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Funeral Potatoes Casserole is a comforting and classic side dish perfect for gatherings and family meals. Made with tender hash browns, sautéed onions, creamy soup and cheese mixture, and topped with a buttery crunchy corn flakes crust, it delivers a rich and satisfying flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen diced hash browns (thawed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Butter and Topping
- 5 Tablespoons salted butter (divided)
- 1 ½ cups corn flakes cereal (crushed)
Instructions
- Thaw Hash Browns: Begin by thawing the frozen diced hash browns fully to ensure even cooking and easy mixing with other ingredients.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Sauté Onions: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they become translucent and fork-tender, which helps release their sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Mix Casserole Base: Transfer the sautéed onions to a large mixing bowl. Add the thawed hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared 9 x 13-inch baking dish, creating a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Prepare Topping: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed corn flakes cereal. Sprinkle this buttery corn flakes mixture evenly over the top of the potato layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges, indicating it is thoroughly heated and cooked.
- Serve Warm: Allow the casserole to rest briefly after baking, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian-friendly version (note additional ingredient adjustments needed).
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate before baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Make sure hash browns are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture to avoid watery casserole.
