# Funeral Potatoes: A Heartwarming Casserole Tradition
Funeral potatoes are a cherished dish that hails from the Midwest, frequently enjoyed at post-funeral meals. This baked hashbrown casserole is celebrated for its indulgent, cheesy sauce and crispy crust, rendering it a comforting and crowd-favorite choice for any occasion.
## What Are Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a luscious, cheesy casserole primarily composed of hash browns, cheese, and a savory sauce. The dish is generally prepped in advance, facilitating easy serving during sizable gatherings. Its straightforwardness and robustness make it a preferred comfort food.
## Simple Ingredients
Making funeral potatoes requires just a few basic ingredients:
– **Potatoes:** Diced frozen hash browns are typically used, but any frozen or pre-cooked potatoes can suffice.
– **Cheese:** Sharp cheddar cheese delivers a zesty flavor, but you’re welcome to use any cheese available. Grating cheese from a block provides the best outcome, though pre-shredded cheese can be convenient.
– **Sauce:** The sauce is made up of melted butter, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. For a vegetarian alternative, you can replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
– **Topping:** A blend of crushed cornflakes and butter forms a crispy topping. Other options include crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or breadcrumbs.
### Ingredient Replacement
If opting for fresh potatoes, chop them into ½-inch pieces and boil in salted water for approximately 7 minutes until soft. Allow to cool slightly before continuing with the recipe.
## How to Prepare Funeral Potatoes
1. **Prepare the Topping:** Crush the cornflakes and mix them with melted butter. Set aside.
2. **Make the Sauce:** Sauté onion in butter until soft. Combine with sour cream, soup, and a portion of the cheese.
3. **Assemble the Casserole:** Mix in the potatoes and distribute the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
4. **Bake:** Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and the cornflake mixture. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until hot and golden brown.
## Storing Warm Casseroles
– **Storing:** Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
– **Reheating:** Microwave thawed portions for a few minutes or bake in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
– **Make Ahead & Freeze:** Omit the topping, freeze the casserole until firm, then wrap tightly and store in a zip bag. To reheat, bake frozen, covered with foil, at 350°F for 50-60 minutes. Add the topping and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated throughout.
## Conclusion
Funeral potatoes are not only a regular feature at gatherings but also a dish that provides warmth and comfort to any meal. Their creamy consistency, cheesy taste, and crunchy topping make them a wonderful addition to any dining experience. Whether serving them at a buffet or relishing them during family dinner, funeral potatoes are guaranteed to delight!