Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, let me introduce you to Funeral Potatoes—a golden, cheesy, crunchy-topped casserole that never fails to bring people together. Whether you know them from potlucks, family celebrations, or Sunday suppers, this classic Midwestern dish is a crowd-pleaser with its irresistible blend of creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and a buttery cornflake crunch. Trust me: there’s a reason everyone lights up when someone walks through the door carrying a pan of homemade Funeral Potatoes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Funeral Potatoes is how everyday ingredients transform into something utterly irresistible. Each part—potatoes, cheese, and that famous cornflake topping—plays a starring role in the taste, texture, and color of the dish.

• Frozen Southern Style Hash Brown Potatoes (2 pounds): Pre-shredded or diced, these are the convenient base of the casserole, saving time while creating a hearty texture.
• Frozen Minced Onions (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle savory flavor without any chopping or tears.
• Sour Cream (2 cups): Creamy tang brings the sauce together with luscious richness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz): This classic casserole shortcut gives body and savory depth to each bite.
• Butter (4 tablespoons for the casserole, 1/2 cup for the topping – melted): Adds richness within, and creates the perfect golden-buttery crunch on top.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all those comforting flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): A generous handful adds irresistible gooeyness and that signature orange color.
• Corn Flake Cereal (2 1/2 cups, crushed): The secret to the iconic crispy topping—don’t substitute, this is essential!

Variations

The joy of Funeral Potatoes lies in how easily you can adapt them—have fun swapping ingredients to suit your pantry, dietary style, or the preferences of your favorite people. There’s no rulebook: experiment to make this beloved dish your own!

• Use Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery: Easily swap the soup for a vegetarian version or a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add Diced Ham or Bacon: Stir in cooked ham or crispy bacon bits for added heartiness—perfect for brunch or “breakfast for dinner.”
• Change Up the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby for a fun flavor twist and different meltiness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Make sure your soup and corn flakes are certified gluten-free for a fully gluten-free casserole everyone can enjoy.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your Funeral Potatoes bake evenly and are easy to serve without any sticking—super important for that perfect scoop!

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In your largest mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns and minced onions. Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, four tablespoons of melted butter, salt, and all that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well, making sure the potatoes get evenly coated for nothing but creamy goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble in Your Dish

Spoon the potato mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks thick—that’s exactly what you want for those classic Funeral Potatoes layers!

Step 4: Make and Add the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix your crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/2 cup melted butter until every flake glistens with buttery magic. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the potatoes, completely covering the surface so every serving gets a perfect crunch.

Step 5: Bake and Serve!

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. The aroma is amazing! Let it cool just a few minutes so the slices hold together, then serve up your Funeral Potatoes with a big spoon and a smile.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

Classic Funeral Potatoes are perfect on their own, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast. For special occasions, finish with a dusting of paprika to make those golden layers really shine.

Side Dishes

This casserole loves company! Funeral Potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats like ham, turkey, or rotisserie chicken, and they’re right at home alongside a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for balanced comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving at a party? Spoon individual portions into ramekins for the ultimate grab-and-go potluck treat. For brunch, serve Funeral Potatoes with poached eggs on top for something extra special—or press the potatoes into a muffin tin, bake, and serve “mini stacks” as irresistible appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even cozier overnight, and the leftovers heat up beautifully for lunch, brunch, or a late-night snack.

Freezing

Funeral Potatoes are wonderfully freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole (without the cornflake topping), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the buttery topping, and bake as directed.

Reheating

To keep that topping crisp, reheat Funeral Potatoes in a 350°F oven, uncovered, until hot and bubbly—usually about 20 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is your friend for reviving the full casserole experience!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a little cheesy nostalgia, Funeral Potatoes always deliver that cozy, feel-good magic. Give this recipe a try—you’ll see why it’s a staple at so many tables and why it might just become a new favorite at yours!

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