Every time I whip up a batch of Funeral Potatoes, I am transported back to my childhood days spent in my grandmother's cozy kitchen. The aroma of creamy, cheesy goodness filled the air, wrapping around us like a warm hug. We would gather around the table, laughter and stories flowing as freely as the delicious food. I remember how Grandma would smile as we devoured every last bite, and I knew that this dish was something truly special. It's no wonder that Funeral Potatoes have become a comforting staple in my own home.
Now, you might be wondering—what exactly are Funeral Potatoes? Well, they’re a delightful casserole made with frozen diced potatoes, a smooth and creamy mixture, all topped with crunchy Cornflakes and butter. Trust me, when you take that first bite, you will feel that same warmth and comfort that I experienced all those years ago. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a potluck, or a simple family dinner, this dish brings everyone together and leaves them asking for minutes. So, grab your apron, and let's get started on making this beloved recipe!
How to make Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen diced potatoes | 32 oz |
| Sour cream | 16 oz |
| Cream of chicken soup | 10.5 oz |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Cornflakes, crushed | 2 cups |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
I remember when I first made Funeral Potatoes for my family. The look on their faces was priceless. I love adding a touch of garlic powder for an added depth of flavor. You can even sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary on top before serving for a pop of color and extra taste!
Cooking Steps
1. Preheat the Oven
First things first, you want to make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for getting that golden-brown top that is just so inviting.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen diced potatoes with the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture is what makes this dish so creamy and delectable!
3. Season to Taste
Now, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy; you want the flavors to pop! I usually go for about a teaspoon of each, but you can adjust based on your taste preferences.
4. Mix It Up
Stir everything together until it’s completely combined. You want the potatoes to be well-coated in that comforting creamy mixture. This is the part I always look forward to!
5. Pour Into Baking Dish
Next, get a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and pour your delicious potato mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare the Cornflake Topping
In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, mix in the crushed Cornflakes until they are well-coated. This will give you that crunchy texture we all love on top of the soft, creamy potatoes!
7. Top the Dish
Sprinkle the buttery Cornflake mixture evenly over the potato filling. This step is essential! It adds a crunch that balances out the creamy goodness underneath.
8. Bake It
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and crispy, and your kitchen smells incredible!
9. Let It Rest
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the mixture to settle a bit, making it easier to scoop onto your plate.
Why I Love Making This Dish
What I adore about Funeral Potatoes is not just the taste but the memories they create. This recipe is a reflection of family gatherings filled with love, laughter, and delicious food. It's comfort food at its finest. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of my grandma and the way she brought everyone together around her table. When you share this dish with your family, you're not just serving a meal; you're sharing a piece of your heart.
What You’ll Need
For this recipe, you won’t need much in the way of special tools. A large mixing bowl and a 9×13 inch baking dish are your main utensils. A spatula for mixing and a measuring cup will definitely come in handy too!
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the frozen diced potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well until fully combined.
- Pour the potato mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Melt the butter and mix it with the crushed Cornflakes.
- Sprinkle the Cornflake mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are a few tips that I've learned over the years to make my Funeral Potatoes even better:
- Make sure the potatoes are completely frozen when you start—this helps them maintain their texture during baking.
- Consider adding some cooked and crumbled bacon or sautéed onions for a flavor boost!
- If you want to make this ahead of time, you can assemble the dish and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it—just let it sit out for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Funeral Potatoes pair beautifully with so many different dishes. I love serving them alongside honey-glazed ham or roasted chicken. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the richness of the potatoes quite nicely, too. You can even serve them as a scrumptious side with your Thanksgiving turkey!
Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), storing them is a breeze. Just transfer any remaining Funeral Potatoes to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or oven until heated through. The flavors meld even more overnight!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
You absolutely can! Just make sure to cook them first until they're tender before mixing them with the other ingredients. However, the convenience of frozen potatoes makes this recipe a breeze!
Is it okay to make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything a day in advance, and simply bake it when you're ready to serve.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup, or even make your own with some chicken broth and a bit of flour or corn starch for thickness.
Conclusion
This Funeral Potatoes recipe holds a special place in my heart and my kitchen. It’s a dish that brings back cherished memories and creates new ones with every meal. I can already imagine how delighted your family will be when you serve them this comforting casserole. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is! When you hear your family asking for seconds (just like mine do every time), you'll know you've made something truly special. Happy cooking! ❤️