Pioneer Woman’s Funeral Potatoes are a rich and comforting side dish featuring shredded hash browns enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with a crispy, buttery crust. This casserole is a staple at gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to please any crowd.Belles Best Bites+1The Pioneer Woman+1
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy, cheesy interior combined with a crunchy topping makes for the ultimate comfort food.
- Easy to Prepare: Utilizing frozen hash browns simplifies preparation, making this dish accessible for cooks of all levels.TikTok+5The Pioneer Woman+5Food.com+5
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, potluck, or family dinner, this casserole fits seamlessly into any menu.Southern Living+3Allrecipes+3The Pioneer Woman+3
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various add-ins or substitutions to suit dietary preferences or to use what’s on hand.Southern Living+1Belles Best Bites+1
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen shredded hash brown potatoesSimply Recipes+5The Pioneer Woman+5Food Network+5
- Salted butter
- Medium onion, finely dicedSimply Recipes+4Food Network+4Our RV Adventures+4
- All-purpose flourOur RV Adventures
- MilkFood.com+3Food Network+3Our RV Adventures+3
- Low-sodium chicken brothTikTok+2Food Network+2Our RV Adventures+2
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepperOur RV Adventures+1Food Network+1
- Monterey Jack cheese, gratedSimply Recipes+5Our RV Adventures+5Food Network+5
- Sour creamFood Network+3Our RV Adventures+3Food.com+3
- Sharp Cheddar cheese, gratedFood Network+1Our RV Adventures+1
- Kettle-cooked potato chipsAllrecipes+2Our RV Adventures+2Food Network+2
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter.Our RV Adventures
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté finely diced onions until softened. Sprinkle flour over the onions, stir to combine, and cook briefly. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper.Food Network+1Our RV Adventures+1
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and grated sharp Cheddar cheese until smooth. Add the frozen hash brown potatoes to the mixture, ensuring they are well coated.Food Network
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Topping: In a bowl, combine crushed kettle-cooked potato chips with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.Allrecipes+2Food Network+2Our RV Adventures+2
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.Our RV Adventures
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving to set properly.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 25 minutes.Food Network
- Cooking Time: Approximately 35 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 1 hour, including resting time.Food Network
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate cooked, diced ham or crispy bacon bits into the potato mixture for added flavor and heartiness.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.Belles Best Bites+1Food.com+1
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy twist.Belles Best Bites
- Alternative Toppings: Replace potato chips with crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or French fried onions for a different texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.Belles Best Bites+1Our RV Adventures+1
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 20-25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
FAQs
What are funeral potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole traditionally served at gatherings, particularly after funerals, due to their comforting nature and ease of serving a crowd.Allrecipes
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it unbaked, then add the topping and bake just before serving.
Is it necessary to thaw the hash browns before using?
It’s recommended to thaw the hash browns to ensure even cooking and proper texture in the finished dish.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and grate them, then soak in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain and dry thoroughly before using.Belles Best Bites
What can I substitute for kettle-cooked potato chips in the topping?
Crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed Ritz crackers can be used as alternative toppings.Belles Best Bites
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and ensure all other ingredients, such as the broth and toppings, are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can enhance the nutritional value and add flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy?
PrintPioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cheesy, creamy, crunchy-topped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! A classic side dish for holidays, potlucks, or any meal where you want something hearty and satisfying. Pioneer Woman’s take on funeral potatoes uses frozen hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cornflake topping for that irresistible texture and flavor.
Ingredients
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1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups crushed cornflakes
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2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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In a large bowl, mix together the cooked onions, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper.
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Fold in the thawed hash browns until evenly combined.
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Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is hot and bubbly.
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Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
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You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
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Add diced ham or cooked bacon for extra protein.
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For a spicier version, mix in chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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