Funeral potatoes, despite their somber name, are a dish that bursts with life and flavor—like a cheesy embrace for your taste buds. I first encountered this creamy, golden delight at a potluck, where its crispy, cheesy top was gleaming under the fluorescent lights. Since then, it’s become my go-to comfort dish, perfect for sharing during family gatherings or just indulging in a bit of culinary nostalgia.
Steps
- Thaw the potatoes overnight in the refrigerator or spread them on a baking sheet to warm in a 200°F oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, pepper, and dried onion. Stir in the potatoes and shredded cheese until well combined, then spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place cornflakes in a large ziplock bag and crush them gently using your hands or a rolling pin. Mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the potato dish.
- Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and thoroughly heated.
Ingredients
- 10 small potatoes, parboiled and diced (or use frozen cubed hash browns)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 10 tablespoons melted butter, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried onion
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 2 cups cornflakes
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3360kcal | Carbohydrates: 170g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 260g | Saturated Fat: 160g | Cholesterol: 710mg | Sodium: 6660mg | Potassium: 2570mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 9050IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 1910mg | Iron: 24mg
FAQ
- Why are these potatoes called funeral potatoes?
- Funeral potatoes derive their name from being a comforting dish often served at post-funeral gatherings, particularly within the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Despite the somber name, the dish is well-loved for its comforting and delicious qualities, making it a staple at various gatherings and meals.
- Can I prepare funeral potatoes in advance or freeze them?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the cornflake topping, then store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Before baking, add the topping. If the dish is cold from the fridge, extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes. To freeze, assemble the casserole without the topping, cover it well, and store it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the topping and baking.
- What are some suitable pairings for funeral potatoes?
- Funeral potatoes pair well with a variety of main dishes. They complement baked ham, oven-roasted turkey, flank steak, and ham asparagus rolls, making them versatile for different meals and occasions.
- How should I thaw frozen potatoes for this recipe?
- To thaw frozen potatoes, you can allow them to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until they are thawed.
Tips
- For a quicker preparation, consider using frozen cubed hash browns instead of fresh potatoes. If you prefer using fresh potatoes, ensure they are parboiled and diced before combining them with other ingredients.
- To achieve an evenly crispy cornflake topping, place the cornflakes in a large ziplock bag and gently crush them using your hands or a rolling pin. Mix well with melted butter before sprinkling over the casserole.
- If you plan to prepare the dish in advance, assemble it without the cornflake topping and store it in the refrigerator for up to one day. Add the topping just before baking, and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
- For freezing, assemble the dish without the cornflake topping and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish – Essential for baking the casserole.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Used to combine the sauce and other ingredients.
- Rolling Pin – Useful for crushing cornflakes. Alternatively, a heavy object could be used if you don’t have a rolling pin.
- Ziplock Bags – To crush and mix the cornflakes with melted butter.
- Oven Thermometer – Optional, but can be useful to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
