– **Title**: Funeral Potatoes
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 lbs frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
– 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
– 1 (16 oz) container sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups corn flakes, crushed (for topping)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion (if using), melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes with a bit of melted butter (about 2 tablespoons) and mix well.
5. Sprinkle the corn flake mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your Funeral Potatoes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, bringing that comforting potato base. If you can’t find frozen hash browns, fresh potatoes can work too. Just peel and shred them, but they’ll need a bit longer to cook.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. It’ll still provide that delicious creaminess!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is what gives the casserole its rich flavor. If you’re vegetarian or want a different flavor, try cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce using milk and flour.
Cheddar Cheese: I love the classic sharp cheddar for flavor! You can switch it up with Monterey Jack or a cheese blend if you want something creamier, or even a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
Corn Flakes: These add a wonderful crunch on top. If you don’t have corn flakes, crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs could work nicely as well.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the baking times just right is crucial for this dish. Here are some tips to make sure it comes out perfectly golden and bubbly:
- Make sure to mix your ingredients well. An even mix means even baking!
- Cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This keeps it moist, then uncover to let the top brown.
- Check for doneness by inserting a fork. If it goes in easily and the top is golden brown, it’s ready to come out.
Letting it cool slightly before serving will help it set up a bit more, making for easier scooping! Enjoy your Funeral Potatoes!
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 2 lbs frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups corn flakes
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for corn flakes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to an hour and 10 minutes from prep to done, making it a great dish for gatherings and comforting meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your dish bakes evenly and comes out perfect!
2. Mix the Potato Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion (if you want to add it), melted butter, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all the ingredients to be evenly mixed!
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with a bit of cooking spray or butter. Then, spread the potato mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Make sure it’s level so it cooks evenly.
4. Prepare the Corn Flake Topping:
In a separate bowl, take those corn flakes and crunch them up a bit with your hands. Mix in 2 tablespoons of melted butter to coat them nicely. This will give you that delicious crunchy topping!
5. Add the Topping:
Now, sprinkle the buttery corn flakes evenly over the top of the potato mixture. This is what will make it golden and crunchy as it bakes.
6. Bake It:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. It might be hard to wait, but trust us, it’s worth it!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to scoop out. Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious Funeral Potatoes!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! You’ll want to peel and dice them into small pieces, then parboil them for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender before mixing them with the other ingredients. Just make sure they are cool before combining them with the rest of the mix to prevent excess moisture.
Can I Make Funeral Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated all the way through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with a homemade equivalent or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. For a lighter option, mix 1/4 cup of plain yogurt with 1/4 cup of chicken broth, stirring until smooth, to mimic the creaminess without using canned soup.
