Funeral Potatoes

Discover the best recipe for Funeral Potatoes, a classic comfort food casserole featuring creamy shredded hash browns, a rich cheddar cheese sauce, and a perfectly crunchy potato chip topping. This dish is a favorite for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners, thanks to its simple ingredients and unbeatable flavor. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these cheesy potatoes pair perfectly with ham, turkey, or chicken. Whether you’re preparing them for Easter, Christmas, or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Casserole:

• 32 oz. shredded hash browns (thawed and patted dry)
• 1 stick butter (divided)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10.75 oz. cream of chicken soup
• 16 oz. sour cream (2 cups)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 dash hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping; use a mix of mild and sharp)

Topping:

• 2 cups ridged potato chips, slightly crushed
• 1 Tablespoon butter, melted
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• Chives, diced

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.

Soften the Onions and Garlic

1. In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onions and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Assemble the Casserole

1. Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter to the saucepan and melt. Remove the pan from the heat.
2. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Mix until smooth.
3. Reserve ½ cup of cheddar cheese for the topping and stir the rest into the sauce mixture.
4. Gently fold in the shredded hash browns using a silicone spatula, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Add to Baking Dish and Top

1. Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the top with the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese.

Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, crushed potato chips, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Evenly spread this topping over the casserole.

Bake and Garnish

1. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with chopped chives, if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, holidays, or potlucks.
• Versatile: A great way to use pantry staples and elevate them into something special.

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Tips

• Hash Browns: Pat the hash browns dry to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Butter Quality: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, especially with salted chips.
• Cheese Variations: Combine mild and sharp cheddar for a balanced cheesy flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Additions: Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
• Soup Alternatives: Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a vegetarian option.
• Topping Ideas: Replace potato chips with crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or Panko breadcrumbs.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to restore the crispy topping.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.

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Serving

• Main Dish: Pair with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Side Dish: Serve alongside ham, turkey, or grilled chicken for holiday meals or gatherings.

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Suggestions

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a little heat.
• Garnish Creativity: Top with crispy bacon bits or scallions for added flavor.
• Leftover Love: Use leftovers as a filling for breakfast burritos or savory crepes.

This creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy Funeral Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort dish. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings!