Funeral potatoes, also known as cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, or cheesy hash browns, are a delicious and comforting dish that is popular in the United States, particularly in the Intermountain West and Midwest. The dish is typically served as a side dish at potlucks, social gatherings, and, as the name suggests, funeral luncheons.
History of Funeral Potatoes
The exact origins of funeral potatoes are unknown, but it is believed that the dish was first developed in the early 20th century. The dish is thought to have been popularized by the Relief Society, a women’s organization within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Relief Society was responsible for providing meals to bereaved families, and funeral potatoes were a popular dish to serve because they were easy to make and could be transported easily.
Cultural Significance:
Funeral potatoes are more than just a delicious and comforting dish; they also have a significant cultural impact. The dish is a symbol of community and support, and it is often served at times of grief and loss. Funeral potatoes are also a popular dish at potlucks and social gatherings, and they are often used as a way to welcome newcomers and show appreciation for others.
Funeral potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served at a variety of occasions. The dish is typically served as a side dish at potlucks, social gatherings, and holiday dinners. However, funeral potatoes can also be served as a main course or breakfast dish.
Recipes:
1. Frozen Hash Browns (1 pound), thawed and drained:
Embrace the convenience of frozen hash browns, providing a hearty and satisfying base for the dish. Ensure they are thawed and drained for optimal texture and flavor absorption.
2. Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can – 10.75 ounces):
Elevate the creaminess of the dish with the richness of cream of chicken soup. Its velvety texture binds the ingredients together, adding depth and flavor to every bite.
3. Sour Cream (1 cup):
Infuse a tangy twist into the mix with the addition of sour cream. Its creamy acidity balances the richness of the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
4. Butter (1/2 cup), melted:
Indulge in the rich and buttery goodness that adds a comforting touch to the funeral potatoes. Melted butter coats the ingredients, ensuring a decadent and flavorful result.
5. Salt (1/2 teaspoon), Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon):
Season the dish to perfection with a precise balance of salt and black pepper. These essential elements enhance the flavors, ensuring each bite is savory and satisfying.
6. Dried Onion Flakes (1/4 cup):
Introduce a subtle hint of savory sweetness with dried onion flakes. Their aromatic essence infuses the dish, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
7. Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup):
Delight in the gooey goodness of shredded cheddar cheese, a classic addition to funeral potatoes. Its melty texture forms a golden crust, adding richness and depth to the dish.
8. Crushed Cornflakes (1 cup):
Add a delightful crunch to the dish with crushed cornflakes. Their crispy texture contrasts with the creamy potato mixture, creating a satisfying textural element.
Variations:
There are many different ways to vary the funeral potato recipe. Here are a few ideas:
Add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the potato mixture.
Add chopped onion, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the potato mixture.
Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Swiss cheese.
Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or paprika for a bit of spice.
Top the casserole with a layer of breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions:
Funeral potatoes are typically served as a side dish at potlucks, social gatherings, and holiday dinners. However, funeral potatoes can also be served as a main course or breakfast dish.
Here are a few ideas for main courses to serve with funeral potatoes:
Oven-roasted turkey
Flank steak
Ham asparagus rolls
Chicken parmesan
Salmon
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 ounces 850 grams frozen hash browns, diced or shredded, thawed
- 2 cups 480 grams sour cream
- 10.5 ounces 300 grams cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 10 tablespoons 142 grams butter, divided, melted
- 1 teaspoon 6 grams salt
- 1/4 teaspoon 0.6 grams freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon 3 grams dried minced onion
- 2 cups 480 grams shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups 100 grams cornflake cereal
Instructions
- Preparation
- Thaw the hash browns. You can do this overnight in the fridge, or by spreading them on a baking sheet and warming them in the oven at 200 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make the cheese sauce. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, pepper, and dried onion. Mix well.
- Add the potatoes and cheese. Stir in the thawed hash browns and shredded cheese until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole. Spoon the potato mixture into a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the cornflake topping. Crush the cornflakes with your hands or a rolling pin in a large ziplock bag. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter and stir well. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the potato mixture.
Bake the casserole
- Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 40-50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cornflake topping is golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy! Funeral potatoes are typically served with baked ham, oven-roasted turkey, or flank steak.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade cream of chicken soup.
- If you don’t have cornflakes, you can use crushed potato chips or bread crumbs instead.
- To freeze funeral potatoes, make them as directed, but do not add the cornflake topping. Cover and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight. Add cornflake topping before baking.
Tips:
For a richer flavor, use homemade cream of chicken soup.
To make the cornflake topping crispier, crush the cornflakes into smaller pieces.
For a variation, add other ingredients to the potato mixture, such as cooked bacon, chopped onion, or diced bell peppers.
Funeral potatoes can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed, but do not add the cornflake topping. Cover and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Add the cornflake topping and bake as directed.
Conclusion:
Funeral potatoes are a delicious, comforting, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. The dish is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, be sure to give funeral potatoes a try.
And if you are still looking for something delicious, try our easy custard recipe, it does not disappoint.
