Comforting Funeral Potatoes Hash Brown Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Funeral potatoes, also known as cheesy potatoes or party potatoes, are a classic comfort food dish often served at gatherings and potlucks, especially in the Intermountain West of the United States. Their creamy, cheesy goodness makes them a crowd-pleaser, and this hash brown casserole version takes the convenience factor to a whole new level. Using frozen hash browns simplifies the preparation process, allowing you to whip up this comforting dish quickly and easily. Whether you’re looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, a comforting side for a holiday meal, or simply a delicious and easy weeknight dinner addition, this Funeral Potatoes Hash Brown Casserole is sure to be a hit.
This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Funeral Potatoes Hash Brown Casserole, ensuring a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful outcome every time. We will explore ingredient selection, preparation techniques, baking instructions, and tips for customization to help you tailor the dish to your preferences. Get ready to create a comforting and unforgettable dish that will leave everyone wanting more!
## What are Funeral Potatoes?
The name “Funeral Potatoes” might seem a bit morbid, but it simply refers to the dish’s popularity as a comforting and easy-to-transport dish often brought to gatherings following funerals. The casserole’s comforting flavors and ability to feed a crowd make it a practical and thoughtful choice during difficult times. However, don’t let the name fool you; funeral potatoes are equally welcome at celebrations, holidays, and casual weeknight dinners. Their versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make them a staple in many households.
The key components of traditional funeral potatoes include potatoes (often cubed or shredded), cheese (typically cheddar), a creamy sauce (usually made with cream of mushroom soup or sour cream), butter, and a crispy topping (often crushed cornflakes or potato chips). Variations abound, with some recipes incorporating additions like onions, ham, or other cheeses.
## Why Use Hash Browns?
While traditional funeral potato recipes often call for cubed or shredded potatoes, using frozen hash browns offers several advantages:
* **Convenience:** Frozen hash browns eliminate the need for peeling, cooking, and shredding potatoes, saving significant time and effort.
* **Consistency:** Frozen hash browns provide a consistent texture, ensuring even cooking and a uniform casserole.
* **Availability:** Frozen hash browns are readily available in most grocery stores, making this recipe accessible year-round.
Using hash browns doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture; in fact, many people prefer the slightly crispier texture that hash browns provide compared to traditionally prepared potatoes. The hash browns soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying casserole.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **30 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed:** Thawing the hash browns is crucial to ensure even cooking and prevent a soggy casserole. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave on a defrost setting.
* **1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup:** Cream of mushroom soup forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and flavor. You can substitute cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **16 ounces sour cream:** Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cheese and soup. You can use full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream, depending on your preference. Greek yogurt can also be used as a substitute, but it may result in a slightly tangier flavor.
* **1/2 cup butter, melted:** Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole and helps create a crispy topping. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt added to the casserole.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice to the casserole.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Garlic powder adds a savory flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon onion powder:** Onion powder adds a subtle onion flavor.
* **2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided:** Cheddar cheese provides a classic cheesy flavor and melts beautifully in the casserole. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese, depending on your preference. Other cheeses, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses, can also be used.
* **1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes:** Crushed cornflakes create a crispy and golden-brown topping. You can use plain or lightly sweetened cornflakes. Potato chips, crushed crackers, or breadcrumbs can also be used as alternatives.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch baking dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish is the standard size for this casserole. You can use a glass, ceramic, or metal baking dish.
* **Large mixing bowl:** A large mixing bowl is needed to combine the ingredients.
* **Small mixing bowl:** A small mixing bowl is needed to prepare the topping.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** Measuring cups and spoons are needed to accurately measure the ingredients.
* **Spatula or spoon:** A spatula or spoon is needed to mix the ingredients and spread the casserole in the baking dish.
* **Microwave-safe bowl (optional):** If you choose to melt the butter in the microwave.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have gathered your ingredients and equipment, let’s get started!
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts properly.
**Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns**
If your hash browns are not already thawed, thaw them according to the package instructions. Once thawed, gently squeeze out any excess moisture. This will prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure the hash browns are well coated with the creamy mixture.
**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish. Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. You want the surface to be relatively smooth for even topping distribution.
**Step 5: Prepare the Topping**
In a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
**Step 6: Sprinkle the Topping**
Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the hash brown mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the entire surface is covered for a crispy and golden-brown topping.
**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned.
**Step 8: Let it Rest**
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
**Step 9: Serve and Enjoy**
Serve the Funeral Potatoes Hash Brown Casserole warm. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course. Enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:
* **Add Diced Onion:** For added flavor, sauté 1/2 cup of diced onion in butter until softened before adding it to the hash brown mixture.
* **Include Ham or Bacon:** Add cooked and crumbled ham or bacon to the hash brown mixture for a heartier casserole. About 1 cup of cooked ham or 1/2 cup of cooked bacon is a good amount.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. You can also use a combination of cheddar cheese and another cheese for a more complex flavor.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the hash brown mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Try Different Toppings:** Instead of cornflakes, try crushed potato chips, crushed crackers, or breadcrumbs for a different topping texture and flavor. You can also add melted butter to the topping for extra richness.
* **Add Vegetables:** Consider adding other vegetables such as green beans, peas, or broccoli florets for a more balanced and nutritious meal.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
* **Freeze it:** Baked casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating. Sprinkle with additional cheese before reheating for best results.
* **Cream Cheese:** Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese for a tangier, creamier texture.
## Serving Suggestions
Funeral Potatoes Hash Brown Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish alongside ham, roasted chicken, beef, or pork.
* **Main Course:** Serve it as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring it to a potluck or gathering as a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.
* **Holiday Meal:** Include it as part of your holiday meal spread.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve it as part of a breakfast or brunch buffet.
## Nutritional Information
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving
* Protein: 10-15 grams per serving
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Not thawing the hash browns:** Failing to thaw the hash browns properly can result in a soggy casserole.
* **Using too much liquid:** Squeezing out excess moisture from the thawed hash browns is essential to prevent a watery casserole.
* **Overbaking:** Overbaking can dry out the casserole and burn the topping. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven when the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
* **Not greasing the baking dish:** Failing to grease the baking dish can cause the casserole to stick and make it difficult to serve.
* **Adding too much salt:** Be mindful of the salt content in the butter and cheese and adjust the amount of salt added accordingly.
## Conclusion
This Funeral Potatoes Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you are looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, a comforting side for a holiday meal, or simply a delicious and easy weeknight dinner addition, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy this delightful casserole with your family and friends!
Enjoy this comforting classic, and don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make it your own signature dish. Happy cooking!