It’s been over a decade since I first tasted the incredible combination of creamy, cheesy “funeral potatoes” with crispy hashbrowns. Growing up in a small Mormon community, these classic casserole potatoes were a staple at every family gathering and community potluck. I can still remember the aroma wafting through the church hall, making my mouth water in anticipation. When my Aunt Jeannie would scoop a generous helping onto my plate, I’d practically dive in, savoring the golden, crunchy topping and the rich, indulgent flavors beneath.

To this day, Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns remains one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, serve at a holiday meal, or enjoy as a hearty side on a chilly evening. The combination of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping is simply irresistible. And the best part? This recipe is easy to make, with a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 60 minutes. Let me tell you why this classic dish will become your new go-to.

Why This Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

The secret to making the best Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and textures. The foundation of the dish is the creamy, savory sauce, which is made by combining a can of cream of mushroom soup with sour cream, melted butter, and a blend of aromatic spices. This rich, velvety base serves as the perfect foil for the tender, shredded hashbrowns that are folded in.

The real magic, however, happens when the casserole is topped with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and a crunchy topping made from panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan. As the dish bakes, the cheese melts into the potatoes, creating a gooey, decadent texture, while the breadcrumb topping develops a golden-brown crust that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

The key ingredients that make this Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe truly special are:

  • 2 pounds frozen hashbrowns, thawed: The shredded potatoes provide a base of comforting, starchy texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: This creamy, savory soup forms the foundation of the dish, adding richness and depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup sour cream: The sour cream helps to balance the richness of the dish, adding a tangy creaminess that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter helps to bind the casserole together and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: These aromatic spices infuse the dish with savory, umami notes that elevate the overall flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of black pepper provides a subtle kick that enhances the other flavors.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melted cheese creates a gooey, indulgent texture that is simply irresistible.
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: This crunchy topping adds a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy, cheesy base.

Step-by-Step Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Instructions

Preparing Your Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

With a total time of just 60 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cook time), this Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe is a breeze to put together. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a 9×13-inch baking dish, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.

1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2- Spread the hashbrown mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

3- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure the topping doesn’t burn.

4- Once the Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns are golden and crispy on top, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The potatoes should be tender and the sauce should be thickened to a creamy, comforting consistency.

5- Scoop generous portions of the cheesy hashbrown casserole onto plates or into bowls, making sure to get a bit of the crunchy topping in each serving.

6- Serve the Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish with your loved ones.

Pro Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to help you achieve perfect Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns every time:

  1. Thaw the hashbrowns thoroughly before using. This will ensure they cook evenly and don’t release too much moisture in the casserole.
  2. Don’t skimp on the sour cream – it adds a tangy richness that balances the dish beautifully.
  3. Be generous with the cheese and breadcrumb topping. The crispy, golden crust is one of the best parts of this recipe.
  4. Bake the casserole until the top is deeply golden brown and the edges are crispy. This ensures the potatoes are fully cooked through.
  5. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up.
  6. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish. Spread the hashbrown mixture in an even layer to promote even cooking.

Serving and Storing Your Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Perfect Pairings for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

This Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe serves 8 hearty portions, making it the perfect side dish for a crowd. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like ham, turkey, or roast beef, and is a natural accompaniment to grilled or baked chicken. For a complete meal, serve the casserole alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.

As for beverages, this rich and comforting dish calls for something refreshing to balance the flavors. A crisp white wine, a light beer, or a pitcher of iced tea would all make excellent pairings. And don’t forget to finish the meal with a slice of apple pie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly satisfying comfort food experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead and store for later. The casserole can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

When you’re ready to enjoy the dish, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed. The baked casserole also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 375°F until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.

Leftover servings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The crunchy topping may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be just as delicious.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Creative Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Variations

While the classic version of this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on the recipe. For a seasonal twist, try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or sautéed mushrooms to the hashbrown mixture. You could also swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.

Another delicious variation is to top the casserole with a layer of crispy bacon or crumbled sausage before adding the cheese and breadcrumbs. This adds a savory, meaty element that takes the dish in a heartier direction.

Finally, for a festive holiday touch, try stirring in some diced ham or cooked crumbled bacon, and topping the casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Making Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to make this classic dish a little healthier, there are several easy substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour in the sauce for a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

To make a dairy-free or vegan version, replace the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as cashew cream or unsweetened coconut yogurt. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free shredded cheese blend. For the topping, use panko-style breadcrumbs made from gluten-free bread or crushed nuts, such as almonds or pecans.

For a low-carb or keto-friendly spin, you can use riced cauliflower instead of hashbrowns as the base. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble the texture of rice, then proceed with the recipe as directed. This version will be lower in carbs and higher in fiber and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! You can use freshly shredded potatoes in place of the frozen hashbrowns. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the fresh potatoes before adding them to the casserole.

Q: How long does it take to bake the Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns?
A: The total baking time for this recipe is 45 minutes. This ensures the hashbrowns are fully cooked through and the cheese and topping are golden brown and crispy.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this casserole can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns recipe yields 8 generous servings. It’s the perfect size for a crowd or to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week.

Q: What if my hashbrowns are still frozen when I start assembling the casserole?
A: If your hashbrowns haven’t fully thawed, you can still use them, but the baking time may need to be increased slightly. Be sure to keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Conclusion

Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns is a timeless, comforting dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its creamy, cheesy base and crunchy, golden topping, this casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just enjoying it as a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

I hope you’ll give this Classic Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns a try – I can’t wait to hear what you think! Be sure to share your photos and experiences in the comments below. Bon appétit!