Growing up, I can still vividly remember the aroma of my grandma’s “funeral potatoes” wafting through the house. It was a dish she’d bring to every family gathering, whether it was a birthday celebration or a somber funeral. There was just something so comforting and familiar about those creamy, cheesy potatoes that always brought a sense of warmth and togetherness.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself craving that nostalgic flavor more and more. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my tried-and-true recipe for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns. This dish is the perfect blend of classic comfort and modern convenience, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Why This Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
What sets this Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe apart is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy elements. The key is in the combination of tender cubed potatoes, rich and flavorful cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. The addition of frozen hashbrowns also provides a delightful textural contrast, with their golden-brown crispness complementing the velvety casserole.
But the real secret is in the way these ingredients come together seamlessly. By melting the butter and carefully incorporating it into the mixture, you end up with a dish that’s both decadent and remarkably easy to prepare. The end result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The foundation of this dish, these potatoes provide the perfect canvas for all the other flavors. Russets have a lovely fluffy texture that becomes delightfully creamy when baked.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This ingredient adds a rich, savory note that ties the entire dish together. Its creaminess helps bind the casserole and ensures a luxurious texture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Tangy and cool, the sour cream balances out the other flavors and lends a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A must-have for any good funeral potatoes recipe, the cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets of cheesy goodness throughout.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Crucial for achieving that signature creamy, comforting texture, the melted butter helps everything come together seamlessly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.
- 2 cups frozen hashbrowns: The addition of these crispy, golden-brown shredded potatoes adds a wonderful textural contrast to the casserole, making each bite a delightful experience.
Step-by-Step Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Instructions
Preparing Your Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
With a total prep and cook time of 60 minutes, this Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe is a breeze to whip up. All you’ll need is a large mixing bowl, a baking dish, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, peel and cube the 2 pounds of russet potatoes, making sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well-incorporated and the potatoes are fully coated.
3- Next, season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4- Gently fold in the 2 cups of frozen hashbrowns, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
5- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6- Bake the Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness!
Pro Tips for Success
1- For an extra-crispy topping, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese or crushed cornflakes over the top of the casserole before baking.
2- If you prefer a more pronounced potato flavor, use a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for a blend of textures.
3- Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
4- Add diced ham, cooked bacon, or sautéed onions and peppers for a heartier, more substantial dish.
5- Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
Serving and Storing Your Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
Perfect Pairings for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
This Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, serving 6 people generously. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham for a complete and satisfying meal. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli.
As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea would be the perfect accompaniment to balance out the rich, creamy flavors of the casserole.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a baking dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed in the recipe. This makes it an excellent option for potlucks, family gatherings, or busy weeknights when you want a comforting, homemade meal with minimal effort.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
Creative Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Variations
- Loaded Funeral Potatoes: Top the casserole with cooked, crumbled bacon, diced green onions, and additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Southwestern Funeral Potatoes: Stir in diced green chilies, cumin, and a pinch of chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Mushroom Funeral Potatoes: Sauté sliced mushrooms and mix them into the casserole for an earthy, umami-rich flavor.
- Harvest Funeral Potatoes: Incorporate diced butternut squash or roasted Brussels sprouts for a seasonal spin on the classic.
Making Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that your hashbrowns are also gluten-free.
To make it dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut milk yogurt or cashew-based sour cream. Replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free shredded cheese blend.
For a low-carb adaptation, swap the cubed potatoes for riced cauliflower and use a low-carb cream of chicken soup. Top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato instead of russets?
A: Absolutely! While russet potatoes are the traditional choice, you can use Yukon Gold or even a blend of potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Q: How long does it take to prepare this Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe?
A: The total prep and cook time for this recipe is 60 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of baking time.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can! The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated, unbaked, for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe yields 6 generous servings.
Q: What if the top of the casserole isn’t getting crispy enough?
A: If you’d like a crispier top, try sprinkling some additional shredded cheddar cheese or crushed cornflakes over the casserole before baking.
Conclusion
Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns is a beloved dish that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals. This recipe is a true testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a truly satisfying and craveable casserole.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, I’m confident that this Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe will become a cherished staple in your repertoire. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you.
