Unbelievably Easy Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Recipe

Okay, let’s talk comfort food! Is there anything better than a warm, cheesy casserole at a family get-together? For me, it’s gotta be funeral potatoes with hashbrowns. This recipe is seriously the easiest thing EVER, even easier than boxed mac and cheese, trust me! The secret? Hash browns! They make it so simple. My first time trying funeral potatoes was at my Aunt Carol’s after, well, you know. Even though everyone was sad, that casserole was like a warm hug. She’s been making them since she got the recipe during her Home Ec class 40 years ago, and told me the key is using real butter. Now, I make it for every potluck, and it’s always a hit. Always.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Seriously, you NEED this recipe in your life! Here’s why:

• Super easy – even if you can barely boil water, you can make these!
• Crazy comforting – cheesy, potato-y goodness in every bite.
• Everyone loves them – picky eaters? No problem! This is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Make-ahead magic – prep it the day before, then just pop it in the oven. Easy peasy!
• Simple ingredients – stuff you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.
• Perfect for potlucks – guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to disappear!

Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need. Don’t skimp on the cheese, okay? We’re not making diet food here!

• 30 oz frozen hash browns, thawed (I use the shredded kind)
• 10.75 oz condensed cream of chicken soup (or mushroom, if you’re feeling wild!)
• 16 oz sour cream (full-fat, please!)
• 1/2 cup melted butter (real butter, always!)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (one for the mix, one for the top!)
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes (gives it that perfect crunch!)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for the cornflake topping – gotta have it!)

How to Make Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, pay attention now! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, it’s easier than folding laundry, promise!

1. First things first: Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). You don’t want to put these babies in a cold oven! And grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use butter, but non-stick spray works too!
2. Grab a HUGE bowl. Seriously, you’ll need it. Dump in your thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and the 1/2 cup of melted butter.
3. Now, the fun part! Mix everything together until it’s all combined like one united front. Then, stir in ONE cup of that shredded cheddar cheese. Save the other cup for later, trust me. Don’t overmix, just get it all good and coated.
4. Pour that potato mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. We want every bite to be perfect!
5. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and the 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix it with your hands! It’s the best way, honestly.
6. Sprinkle that buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture. This is what gives it that amazing crunch!
7. Now, sprinkle that remaining cup of cheddar cheese *over* the cornflakes. You want a cheesy, crunchy topping, right? Of course, you do!
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want it golden brown and bubbly. If the topping starts to get *too* brown, just tent it with foil.
9. Once it’s golden brown and bubbly perfection, take it out of the oven. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving…if you can wait that long!
10. Serve it up alongside your other favorite dishes. This is seriously the perfect side for just about anything! Enjoy your funeral potatoes with hashbrowns!

Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Want your funeral potatoes with hashbrowns to be legendary? Here’s the inside scoop!

• **Don’t skip thawing the hash browns!** Seriously, if they’re still frozen, they’ll release too much water and your casserole will be soupier than you want. Nobody wants soggy potatoes.
• **Cheese, cheese, and MORE cheese!** Okay, cheddar is classic, but experiment! Gruyere? Monterey Jack? Go wild! Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese for the best texture.
• **Get that golden-brown topping!** Keep an eye on your casserole. If the topping is browning too fast, just loosely tent with foil so it doesn’t burn before the inside is heated through. A little broiler action at the very end (watch it CLOSELY!) can also work wonders!
• **Spice it up, baby!** A dash of garlic powder or onion powder takes this from good to GREAT. I sometimes even add a *tiny* pinch of cayenne for a little kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Variations for Your Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Okay, so you’ve mastered the classic. Now, wanna get a little fancy? Here are a few ways to jazz up your funeral potatoes with hashbrowns. Get creative! You really can’t mess this up.

• **Soup Swap!** Cream of chicken is the go-to, sure. But cream of mushroom? Cream of celery? Even cream of cheddar? Don’t be shy! Each gives a totally different vibe.
• **Veggie Power!** Stir in some steamed broccoli florets, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms before baking. Adds a little somethin’ somethin’ extra. My family loves it when I add some green onions.
• **Cheesy Does It!** Cheddar is classic, but a mix of cheddar and Gruyere? Or pepper jack for a little kick? Ooh, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top! Don’t overthink it; any cheese is good cheese.
• **Topping Time!** Cornflakes are great, but try crushed potato chips (seriously!), Ritz crackers, or even seasoned breadcrumbs for a different crunch. Just mix ’em with that melted butter, and you’re good to go.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Want to get ahead of the game? You totally can! You can assemble the whole casserole (before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and stick it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time). Leftovers? Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing isn’t my *favorite* because the texture can change a bit, but if you gotta, you gotta! Just wrap it well and thaw completely before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about these funeral potatoes with hashbrowns. Don’t be shy – ask away if you have more!

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Technically, yeah, you *could*. But honestly, why would you want to? The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity! Frozen hash browns are the key to super easy prep. But if you’re feeling ambitious, you’ll need to peel, boil, and shred about 3 pounds of russet potatoes first. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible, or your casserole will be watery. Frozen really is so much easier though!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do. Just assemble everything (don’t bake it!), cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for busy days!

What can I serve with funeral potatoes?

Funeral potatoes make a great side for practically anything! Think ham, roast chicken, or even a simple grilled steak. They’re also a potluck superstar! Honestly, they go with just about any main course and are always a hit!

Can I freeze funeral potatoes?

Freezing cooked potatoes can be a little tricky. The texture might change a bit – sometimes they get a little grainy. But if you really want to, make sure you cool the casserole completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Okay, so here’s the lowdown! Each slice of these funeral potatoes with hashbrowns clocks in around 350 calories. We’re also talkin’ roughly 20g fat, 7g protein, 30g carbs, 5g sugar, and 400mg sodium. But remember, this is just an estimate! It can all vary based on the brands you use and how big you cut your slices!

Enjoy Your Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns!

Alright, go forth and make some funeral potatoes with hashbrowns! I’m betting everyone will ask you for the recipe. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Bonus points for pictures! Share this recipe with your friends – they’ll thank you for it!

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