Description
Funeral Potatoes is a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring shredded hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a crunchy potato chip topping. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh chives.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 32 oz. bag shredded hash browns (thawed and patted dry)
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (diced)
- 10.75 oz. cream of chicken soup
- 16 oz. sour cream (equal to 2 cups)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 dash hot sauce
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (separated into 1.5 cups + 0.5 cups; half mild, half sharp)
Topping Ingredients
- 2 cups ridged potato chips (slightly crushed)
- 1 Tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Chives (diced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Soften Onions and Garlic: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Add the diced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to release their aromas.
- Prepare Casserole Mixture: Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter to the saucepan and melt completely. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce until fully combined.
- Add Cheese and Potatoes: Reserve half a cup of cheddar cheese and stir the remaining 1.5 cups into the saucepan mixture. Then, using a silicone spatula, fold in the shredded hash browns until everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the potato mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved half cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted tablespoon of butter, crushed potato chips, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
- Apply Topping: Spread the potato chip topping evenly over the cheesy potato layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly diced chives if desired for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the hash browns are fully thawed and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor variation.
- Adjust the quantity of hot sauce to your preferred spice level, or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Using a mix of mild and sharp cheddar provides a balanced cheesy flavor.
- This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: funeral potatoes, cheesy casserole, hash browns casserole, comfort food, potato chip topping
