Funeral Potatoes, a comforting and classic dish, hold a special place in the hearts of many. This Cheesy Potato Casserole is the epitome of home-cooked goodness, with its creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying flavor. While its name may not invoke the most cheerful imagery, the taste is nothing short of heavenly. Funeral Potatoes are a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and, yes, even funerals. In this comprehensive blog post, we’re going to explore the art of crafting this classic dish, step by step. We’ll delve into the ingredients, the cooking process, cooking notes, and even explore keto and low-carb versions to accommodate different dietary preferences. Get ready to discover why Funeral Potatoes are a beloved comfort food that’s bound to become a regular on your family’s table.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for your Funeral Potatoes:
- 1 package (30 ounces) of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups of sour cream
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 2 cups of cornflakes cereal, crushed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your Funeral Potatoes bake to perfection.
2. Mix the Potatoes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, melted butter, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, crush the cornflakes cereal into small pieces. You can use a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
4. Layer and Bake:
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the potato mixture evenly. Top the mixture with the crushed cornflakes to create a crispy topping.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Serve Warm:
- Remove the Funeral Potatoes from the oven, and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These potatoes are best enjoyed warm.
Cooking Notes
- Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile. Feel free to add extras like diced ham, crumbled bacon, or green onions to take them to the next level.
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare it as instructed but refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven.
Variations
- Customize your Funeral Potatoes with exciting variations:
- Loaded Funeral Potatoes: Add crumbled bacon, diced green onions, and extra cheese to create a loaded version.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Keto Version
- To make a keto-friendly version of Funeral Potatoes, use cauliflower or turnip instead of potatoes and replace the condensed cream of chicken soup with a keto-friendly alternative. Additionally, make sure to select low-carb cereal or a crushed pork rind topping.
Low-Carb Version For a low-carb adaptation, use cauliflower or turnip as a potato substitute, and opt for a low-carb cream of chicken soup or make a homemade low-carb cream sauce. Ensure the cereal topping is low in carbs or consider using crushed pork rinds.
Funeral Potatoes, or Cheesy Potato Casserole, are a beloved comfort food that holds a special place in many hearts. With their creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy topping, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether served at gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, this classic dish is always a hit. By exploring variations and accommodating keto and low-carb dietary preferences, you can enjoy Funeral Potatoes in various delicious ways. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional version or prefer a modified variation, one thing is certain: these heavenly potatoes are a taste of home and comfort that transcends their somewhat somber name. Enjoy making and savoring this classic dish with your loved ones.
