What’s your go-to comfort food dish for weeknight dinner? Try this easy homemade Funeral Potatoes recipe made with shredded potatoes, cheese, and sour cream, perfect as a family favorite, save for later

Funeral Potatoes

Introduction

Funeral Potatoes, a dish that’s both a comfort and a staple in many American households, especially during times of gathering and remembrance. This recipe is a testament to the power of simple, everyday ingredients coming together to create a culinary masterpiece that’s not only delicious but also easy to make and highly customizable. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and a blend of cheeses that will leave you wanting more, Funeral Potatoes are a dish that embodies warmth, love, and community. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd, provide a dish for a potluck, or simply enjoy a hearty meal with your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of potatoes, cheese, sour cream, and onions creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and comforting, using ingredients that are easily found in most grocery stores.
Ease of preparation: Despite its rich flavor, Funeral Potatoes are surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and effort, making it accessible to cooks of all levels.
Impressive results with minimal effort: This dish is perfect for those looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity belies its appeal, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or funeral receptions, where it got its name.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in Funeral Potatoes include diced potatoes, a can of condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, onions (either raw or caramelized for added depth of flavor), and crushed crackers or crispy fried onions for topping. For practical substitutions, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version, or swapping the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a more artisanal approach. Additionally, you can customize the cheese blend to your liking, adding parmesan for a salty kick or mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is warming up, peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot, add enough cold water to cover them, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, and diced onions. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the potatoes are well coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Transfer the potato mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheese and crushed crackers or crispy fried onions for added crunch. You can also sprinkle some diced herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 4: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve Funeral Potatoes hot, garnished with additional onions, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Handy Tips

For an extra creamy dish, don’t overmix the potatoes with the sauce, as this can make them gluey. Instead, fold the ingredients together gently until they’re just combined.
Consider using different types of potatoes, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, for a slightly sweet flavor and a beautiful color.
To avoid a soggy top, make sure the crackers or fried onions are evenly distributed and not overloaded, as this can prevent the casserole from heating evenly.

Heat Control

When baking Funeral Potatoes, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature to ensure the top doesn’t burn while the inside heats through properly. Keep an eye on the dish after the 20-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time to prevent overbrowning.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch factor in Funeral Potatoes can elevate the dish from good to great. The key is in the topping—using crushed crackers or crispy fried onions adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, soft potatoes. To enhance the crunch, you can also sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts or crispy bacon bits on top before baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For a shortcut, use leftover mashed or baked potatoes to reduce cooking time. Simply mix the cooked potatoes with the creamy sauce and proceed with assembling the casserole.
To make the dish more substantial, add some cooked bacon, ham, or diced chicken to the potato mixture for added protein and flavor.
Consider making individual servings of Funeral Potatoes in ramekins for a more personalized and easy-to-serve approach. This is especially useful for potlucks or when serving a large crowd.

Storage Tips

Leftover Funeral Potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole before baking. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream if the casserole seems too dry, as this will help maintain its creamy texture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting Funeral Potatoes, perhaps for a family in need or as a welcome gift, packaging is key. Transfer the cooled casserole to a disposable aluminum pan or a decorative ceramic dish. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and attach a gift tag with reheating instructions. You can also include a bag of crusty bread or a simple green salad kit to complement the dish. For a more personalized touch, add a handwritten note or a heartfelt message to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Experiment with adding different spices like paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs to the potato mixture for unique flavor profiles.
🌟 Creative toppings: Beyond the classic crushed crackers, consider using crispy fried shallots, toasted pumpkin seeds, or even a dollop of salsa for added flavor and texture.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Swap the cream of chicken soup with a can of cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option, or use different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the casserole turns out too dry, it might be due to overbaking or using too many potatoes. Conversely, if it’s too soggy, the potatoes might not have been cooked enough before mixing, or too much liquid was added.
Ingredient replacements: When substituting ingredients, keep in mind the flavor and texture they bring to the dish. For example, replacing sour cream with Greek yogurt will lighten the flavor, while using coconut cream will add a distinct taste.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. If the top is browning too quickly, cover with foil. If the potatoes seem undercooked, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes and check again.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, Funeral Potatoes can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover, and freeze. If freezing after baking, cool the casserole, cover, and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.
Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe includes cream of chicken soup, which contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the soup with a homemade gluten-free white sauce or using gluten-free cream of chicken soup alternatives.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds. Just ensure you have a large enough baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly, as larger casseroles may take longer to heat through.

Conclusion

Funeral Potatoes are a dish that embodies the spirit of community and comfort. With its easy preparation, rich flavor, and versatility, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a intimate family dinner, this dish is adaptable and always a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make it your own, and remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. So, go ahead, share this dish with those around you, and watch as it brings people together, one delicious bite at a time.

Creamy Funeral Potatoes with Crispy Onion