I can still remember the first time I had Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns. It was at my Aunt Bea’s house, just a few weeks after my grandmother had passed away. The whole family had gathered to mourn and celebrate her life, and Aunt Bea had prepared this dish as the centerpiece of our potluck spread. As soon as I took that first bite, it was like a hug for my soul. The rich, creamy texture, the salty-savory flavors, and the comforting aroma – it was the perfect dish to bring us all together in our grief. From that day on, Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns have become a staple at our family gatherings, a way to honor our loved ones and find solace in the familiar.
Why This Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
What makes this recipe for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns so special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The key is in the combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy elements that come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. By starting with a base of frozen hash browns, you get a crisp, golden-brown foundation that provides a delightful contrast to the velvety smooth sauce. And the addition of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted cheddar cheese takes the whole thing to the next level, resulting in a dish that’s indulgent, yet still feels like a hug from Grandma.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this classic dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen hash browns – The foundation of the dish, providing a crispy, potato-y base.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – This creamy, savory element binds everything together and adds a comforting flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream – Tangy sour cream balances the richness and adds a delightful creaminess.
- 1/2 cup milk – Helps to thin out the sauce and create the perfect consistency.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The melty, gooey cheese is the star of the show, making this dish seriously indulgent.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion – Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – Enriches the sauce and helps to bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of warmth and complexity to the dish.
Step-by-Step Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Instructions
Preparing Your Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
It takes just 15 minutes to prep this dish, and then it bakes for 45 minutes, for a total time of 60 minutes. You’ll need a 9×13 baking dish and a few mixing bowls to get started.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2- In a large bowl, combine the 2 pounds of frozen hash browns, the 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3- Transfer the hash brown mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4- Bake the Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
5- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
6- Scoop out generous portions of the creamy, cheesy, potato goodness and enjoy! This recipe serves 6 people, making it the perfect comfort food dish for a crowd.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use high-quality frozen hash browns for the best texture – avoid any that are shredded too finely.
- Don’t skimp on the sour cream – it’s what gives the sauce its signature tang and creaminess.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top for the last 10 minutes of baking so it gets nice and melty.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the hash brown mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Top with crushed crackers or French-fried onions for a crunchy topping.
Serving and Storing Your Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
Perfect Pairings for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
This dish of Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns serves 6 people, making it the perfect comfort food centerpiece for a family gathering or potluck. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, ham, or meatloaf, and would also be delicious alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For drinks, a crisp, cold lager or a rich, bold red wine would complement the flavors perfectly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns are super easy to make ahead and store. Once baked, you can keep the dish in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
You can also freeze this dish for longer-term storage. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
Creative Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Variations
While the classic version of this dish is truly hard to beat, there are a few fun ways you can mix things up:
- Add diced ham or crumbled bacon for a heartier, protein-packed version.
- Swap in different cheese varieties, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a spicier kick.
- Stir in a can of diced green chiles or jalapeños for a Southwestern flair.
- Top with a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping for extra texture.
- Use sweet potato hash browns instead of regular for a colorful twist.
Making Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Diet-Friendly
To make this dish a little more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions:
- Use reduced-fat or low-fat versions of the cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
- Opt for a low-fat or reduced-fat shredded cheese.
- Replace the butter with a heart-healthy oil like olive or avocado oil.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and make sure your hash browns are certified gluten-free.
- To make it vegan, swap the dairy products for plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk and vegan sour cream or cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh, grated potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: Absolutely! You can use 2 pounds of freshly grated potatoes instead of frozen hash browns. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.
Q: How long should I bake the Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns?
A: This dish takes a total of 60 minutes to make – 15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of baking time at 350°F.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead! You can store the baked potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns serves 6 people, making it a great option for a crowd or for meal prepping throughout the week.
Q: What should I do if the potatoes come out too dry or too soggy?
A: If the potatoes seem too dry, try adding a bit more milk or sour cream to the mixture. If they’re too soggy, you may have used hash browns that were cut too finely – try using a coarser shred next time. Baking time can also affect the texture, so adjust as needed.
Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible, these classic funeral potatoes with hashbrowns are the ultimate comfort food side dish. This easy-to-make casserole features tender hash browns, a rich and flavorful cheese sauce, and a crispy topping that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds frozen hash browns
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, onion, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
6. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This classic funeral potatoes with hashbrowns recipe can be easily customized by adding diced ham, crumbled bacon, or different types of cheese. For a crispy topping, you can sprinkle crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Sides
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns is truly a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy elements makes it utterly irresistible, and it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering, a potluck, or just serving it up for a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear all about your experience with this classic comfort food.
