In the world of comfort food, few dishes are as cherished and beloved as Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Known by many names, including “party potatoes” and “potluck potatoes,” this classic casserole brings together the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes and the irresistible allure of cheese. Whether it’s gracing the table at family gatherings, potluck dinners, or making a special appearance as a side dish for a weeknight meal, Cheesy Funeral Potatoes embody warmth and nostalgia. Let’s delve into this treasured recipe and create a dish that will envelop your taste buds in a comforting embrace.
Ingredients
For the Potato Base:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups cornflakes or crispy rice cereal
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparing the Potato Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns and melted butter. Toss them together until the hash browns are evenly coated with the butter.
- In the same bowl, add the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely chopped onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. The creamy mixture should coat the hash browns evenly.
Creating the Topping:
- For the topping, crush the cornflakes or crispy rice cereal in a resealable plastic bag until they are coarsely crushed. You can use a rolling pin for this.
- In a separate small bowl, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Assembling and Baking:
- Spread the creamy potato mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes or crispy rice cereal on top of the potato mixture.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the topping.
Baking:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serving:
- Remove the Cheesy Funeral Potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations and Tips
- Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy potato mixture.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian Option: Make this dish vegetarian by using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Bacon Bliss: For a smoky twist, mix in some cooked and crumbled bacon into the potato mixture or sprinkle it on top of the casserole.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a quintessential comfort food, offering a delightful medley of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures and flavors that warm both the heart and the soul. Whether they’re gracing the table at family gatherings, potluck dinners, or simply elevating your everyday meals as a side dish, this classic casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of all who savor it. So, embrace the nostalgia and the heartwarming flavors, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite of this beloved dish.
