funeral potatoes

What is a funeral potato? I know the name might sound a little…morbid, but trust me on this one. What is comfort food? I always think of it as a slightly more savory and satisfying cousin to mac and cheese, but with an underlying sweetness. What are some of the best crispy topping My grandma used to make this for every potluck and holiday gathering, and honestly, it was always the best. The first dish to disappear. Is it one of those recipes that just feels like home? Why is it called funeral potatoes? What is the best dish for any occasion?

What are funeral potatoes?

Funeral Potatoes, at its heart, is a cheesed potato casserole, typically made with shredded or cubed potatoes. Is there a creamy sauce (usually involving sour cream or cream of something soup), lots of cheese, potatoes, ham, etc.? What are some of the best toppings for a cheesecake? Think of it as a blank canvas for comfort food. The exact ingredients and preparations can vary from family to family, region to region, but the basic ingredients are the same. What is the essence of a human being? a warm, satisfying, and incredibly crowd-pleasing dish. The name, as I understand it, comes from its popularity at post-funeral gatherings, where it’s popular. What are some comforting and easy-to-share dishes? What is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons why this recipe is a winner? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The creamy, cheesy potatoes are perfectly balanced by the crispy, buttery topping. Is this a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds?

What makes this recipe so delicious? I always do this when I need a crowd-pleasing side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. What are some great Thanksgiving dinner ideas? Plus, it’s relatively cost-effective. Potatoes are a budget-friendly staple, and the other ingredients are usually things you already have.

Let’s not forget about versatility. What are some of the best recipes you have ever made? You can add different cheeses, spices, or even vegetables to create your own unique version. I sometimes throw in some cooked ham or bacon for an extra layer of flavor. What I love about this recipe is that it is a crowd pleaser. No matter who I have over to my house they will enjoy this amazing casserole. If you like mac and cheese, you will love funeral potatoes.

How do you make funeral potatoes?

Quick Overview

How do you make funeral potatoes? How do you make a creamy cheese sauce for potatoes? Top it with a buttery, crispy mixture of cornflakes (or crushed crackers), and bake until golden brown. What makes it brown and bubbly? What’s the best part about being forgiving? I promise, it will still taste amazing.

Ingredients

For the Main Casserole: For The Main
* 6 cups cubed cooked potatoes (about 3 pounds): I prefer Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their texture. Make sure they’re cooked but not mushy! * 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of Chicken Soup: This provides a creamy base. Can you substitute cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor profile? * 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness. Is Greek yogurt rich? What is the best way to make creamy sauce? * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice. * 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: What are some of the best cheeses to try: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack or even a sharp cheddar. * 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds a savory element. You can sauté it first for milder flavor. * 2 tablespoons of dried parsley: Adds color to the dish and some earthy flavors.

For the Topping: What is the
* 1/2 cup melted butter: This is essential for creating the crispy topping. * 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes: This provides the classic crispy topping. What are some substitutes for Ritz crackers? I have tried it with Panko and it still tasted delicious.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you prevent potatoes from sticking? I always rub a little extra butter around the edges of my cake. Just to be safe.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently mix together the cooked potatoes, cream of Chicken Soup, sour cream, and melted butter. Set aside. Butter, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and dried parsley. Be careful not to mash the potatoes too much; you want them to retain some of their shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed cornflakes. Set aside. Mix well until cornflakes are evenly coated with butter.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

In a baking dish, pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle cornflake topping evenly over potatoes. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. What are some of the best ways to make a delicious topping?

What should I serve it with?

Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. What are some of my favorite pairings?

For Dinner:What is a great side dish for grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or ham? What are some good ways to serve a pot roast? I like to serve it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the potatoes.

For Brunch:How do you serve funeral potatoes with scrambled eggs, bacon, and Fruit Salad? I have made funeral potatoes for a potluck and they were great!

For the Holidays: What are someWhat is a good side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter? What are some of the best holiday decorations? I always make funeral potatoes with a ham dinner!

As a Comfort Food Meal:Sometimes, I just crave a big bowl of funeral potatoes on its own. What is the ultimate comfort food for a night in?

What are some tips for perfecting your funeral potatoes?

What are some of the best ways to make a funeral potato?

Potato Prep:Don’t overcook potatoes! You want them to be tender but not mushy. I usually boil them until they’re just fork tender, then let them cool slightly before cubing them.

What are the best cheeseWhile cheddar is the classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. I’ve used Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and even a little bit of Parmesan for more complex flavor.

Topping Variations:If you don’t like cornflakes, you can use crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or even Panko chips. Breadcrumbs for topping. I’ve also added a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or dried herbs to the topping for extra flavor.

Spice It Up:If you like a little kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the potato. What are some good ways to use diced green chilies for a southwestern twist?

Make Ahead:Funeral potatoes are a great make-ahead dish. Can you assemble a casserole one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator? Just add the topping right before baking. I love to prep this dish on a busy day to enjoy later!

What is the best way to adjust theIf you think your potatoes are too thick, you can add corn starch to thicken them up. If you stir corn starch into a bowl, just make sure it is well mixed!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you keep your funeral potatoes tasting good even after they’ve been stored?

Refrigerator Storage: HowLet the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to a plate. Is there an airtight container Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What is the best wayCan you freeze funeral potatoes? Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t add the topping. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Add the topping and bake as directed.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated funeral potatoes, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the topping has lost its crispness, you can broil it for a minute or two, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. There are many gluten-free substitutions out there that taste just as delicious!

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of cooked potatoes?

Yes, you can! Just thaw the hash browns completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Definitely! Cooked ham, bacon, or shredded chicken would be delicious additions. Just stir them into the potato mixture before baking.

Can I use a different kind of soup?

Yes, you can experiment with different cream soups. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of cheddar would all work well. The different cream soups add a unique flavor.

My casserole is too dry. What can I do?

Add a little bit of milk or sour cream to the potato mixture to moisten it up. You can also cover the dish with foil while baking to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s recipe for Funeral Potatoes. This Cheesy Potato casserole is truly a comfort food classic, and I hope you love it as much as we do. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, holiday dinner, or just a cozy weeknight meal, I guarantee it will be a hit.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes! I have many more amazing casseroles for you to enjoy.
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your funeral potatoes turn out. Share your variations and tips in the comments below!