Description
I still remember the first time I took my first bite of Funeral Potatoes at a family gathering. The warm, cheesy goodness mixed with the crispy cornflake topping felt like a hug on a plate. This delightful hash brown casserole, also affectionately known as cheesy potatoes, quickly became a staple in our family, often served at potlucks, holiday dinners, and yes, even somber occasions when comfort food was needed most.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (30 oz) Frozen Hash Browns
- 2 cups Sour Cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup
- 10 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Dried Minced Onion
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 3 cups Corn Flakes Cereal
Instructions
- Thaw Hash Browns: Begin by thawing your frozen hash browns overnight in the fridge, or if you're short on time, quickly thaw them in the oven at a low temperature until soft.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for the casserole. This step is essential for proper baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, pepper, and dried minced onion. Stir everything together until thoroughly blended.
- Add Potatoes and Cheese: Gently fold in the thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is well-coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour this cheesy goodness into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure it bakes nicely.
- Prepare Topping: Place cornflakes in a ziplock bag and crush them into smaller pieces for an even topping.
- Mix Cornflakes and Butter: In a bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter. This will make them extra crispy!
- Sprinkle Topping: Evenly sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the potato casserole. Ensure it covers the entire surface for that irresistible crunch.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and lightly golden on top.
- Serve Warm: Once done, allow it to cool slightly before serving. These Funeral Potatoes pair beautifully with baked ham, turkey, or flank steak for any occasion.
Notes
- Thawing Wisely: Always ensure hash browns are completely thawed to avoid a soggy casserole; this is crucial for achieving the perfect bake.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to step 4, store it covered in the fridge for a day. Add the cornflake topping just before baking for freshness.
- Freezing Tips: For future meals, freeze the casserole without the cornflake topping. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and add topping before baking.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to switch it up by using white cheddar for a different flavor profile that still captures that creamy essence of Funeral Potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg