Here’s the full recipe for Funeral Potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen hash browns
- 1 large can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 large tub of sour cream
- 1.5 bags of sharp cheddar cheese
- Diced white onion (optional)
- 1 stick melted butter
- Garlic powder, Tony’s seasoning, dash of salt, and pepper
- Corn flakes or Ritz crackers for topping (toasted with melted butter)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced white onion (if using), melted butter, and seasonings (garlic powder, Tony’s seasoning, salt, and pepper). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish if baking in the oven or a greased crockpot if using a slow cooker.
- If baking in the oven, bake at 350°F for approximately one hour or until the potatoes are cooked through and the top is golden brown.
- If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 5-6 hours, ensuring that the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
- In the last few minutes of cooking (or before serving), prepare the crunchy topping. Toast corn flakes or crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the funeral potatoes.
- Serve warm and enjoy your classic funeral potatoes!
This dish is a comfort food favorite at gatherings. The addition of the crunchy topping adds a delightful texture to the creamy potato mixture.
Most popular questions and their answers related to Funeral Potatoes
Q: Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time? A: Yes, funeral potatoes can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight. Just add the crunchy topping before baking.
Q: Can I freeze funeral potatoes? A: Funeral potatoes can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? A: Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but they need to be shredded or diced finely to achieve a similar texture. Precook the fresh potatoes slightly before mixing them with other ingredients.
Q: What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup? A: You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor. For a homemade alternative, consider making a white sauce with chicken broth, butter, and flour.
Q: How can I make funeral potatoes vegetarian? A: Simply omit the chicken soup and use a vegetarian or mushroom-based soup. Ensure other ingredients are free of animal products.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? A: Yes, Greek yogurt can be a substitute for sour cream, providing a tangy and creamy flavor.
Q: How do I reheat funeral potatoes? A: To reheat funeral potatoes, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Q: Can I customize funeral potatoes with additional ingredients? A: Yes, you can add ingredients like diced ham, bacon, or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Q: What size baking dish should I use? A: A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is commonly used for funeral potatoes, but you can adjust based on your preference.
Q: Can I make funeral potatoes without the crunchy topping? A: Yes, the crunchy topping is optional. If you prefer a softer casserole, you can skip the topping.