A Comfort Classic: The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe

 

 There are some dishes that transcend a simple meal and become true expressions of comfort and care. Funeral Potatoes, despite their somber name, are exactly that: a beloved, comforting casserole that has graced countless family gatherings, potlucks, and yes, even post-funeral receptions. This dish is pure, unadulterated comfort food at its finest.

If you've never had them, imagine a creamy, cheesy, perfectly savory potato casserole topped with a buttery, crunchy crust. It's rich, satisfying, and impossible to resist. While the name might seem a little unusual, it speaks to the dish's ability to provide solace and warmth during difficult times, and joy during celebrations. It's a hug in casserole form!

Why You'll Love This Funeral Potatoes Recipe:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit, no matter the occasion.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance.
• Versatile: Great as a side dish for almost any meal.

Ready to bring this comforting classic into your kitchen? Let's get baking!

Ingredients:

• 1 (30-32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/celery)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes (about 3 cups whole cornflakes)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1.     Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2.    Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ¼ cup of the melted butter, salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until the hash browns are evenly coated.

3.    Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

4.   Prepare Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter. Stir until the cornflakes are evenly coated.

5.   Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Then, evenly spread the buttery cornflake mixture over the cheese.

6.   Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.

7.    Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Serve this hearty casserole alongside ham, roasted chicken, or any meal that needs a dose of delicious comfort. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy, creamy bite!