Introduction
Funeral Potatoes, also known as Amish or Mormon Funeral Potatoes, are a beloved American comfort food that’s budget-friendly, super easy to make, and delicious. This dish is perfect for almost any meal, and it shines particularly well at potlucks, family reunions, and holiday gatherings. The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with a crispy cornflake topping makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this classic side dish, along with some tips and variations to make it your own.
Budget-Friendly, Super Easy, and Delicious Funeral Potatoes
Course
Side
Cuisine
American
Keyword
Amish Funeral Potatoes, Can You Make Funeral Potatoes Ahead of Time, Funeral Potatoes Recipe, How to Make Funeral Potatoes, Mormon Funeral Potatoes, What Are Funeral Potatoes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
10 servings
Calories
575 kcal
Author
Beth Pierce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 32 ounces frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed for 30-40 minutes
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip it.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the thawed hash brown potatoes, sautéed onion, 1/2 cup melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Ensure everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter and the crushed cornflakes. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the potatoes.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy delight with your family and friends.
Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes
Thawing Hash Browns
I recommend taking the frozen hash browns out of the freezer and letting them sit on the counter for about 1 hour before starting the recipe. This allows them to thaw slightly, making it easier to mix them with the other ingredients.
Sautéing Onions
While you can skip sautéing the onions if you’re short on time, doing so adds more depth and flavor to the dish and is well worth the extra 5 minutes.
Make-Ahead Option
This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and wait to mix the cornflakes with butter until right before baking.
Variations
- Soup Substitutes: You can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Potato Options: While the recipe calls for frozen hash brown potatoes, any frozen potato or parboiled potato will work. Shredded hash browns are a family favorite.
Ingredient Choices
For the best flavor, avoid using low-fat sour cream or low-fat cheese. These ingredients don’t taste as good in this casserole. You can balance out the indulgence with a low-calorie meal later in the week.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
FAQs
Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the cornflake topping until right before baking.
What can I use instead of hash brown potatoes?
Any frozen potato or parboiled potato will work. Shredded hash browns are a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other types.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are traditional choices, you can use other cheeses like Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to sauté the onions?
Sautéing the onions adds extra flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I use low-fat sour cream and cheese?
It’s best to use full-fat sour cream and cheese for this recipe as they provide the best flavor and texture. Low-fat versions can be used, but they may not taste as rich and creamy.
Funeral Potatoes are a classic, comforting side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With these tips and variations, you can make them your own and enjoy them with family and friends.