funeral potatoes

Yummy note: The name of this dish, is well, really horrible. Funeral potatoes, really? I can't tell you how many times I've heard people call them this. I guess it isn't even a local Midwest thing, as I did a bit of googling on the name "funeral potatoes" and found this:  http://saltlakecity.about.com/od/lifestyles/a/FuneralPotatoes.htm   - wow, who knew. I mean, it totally makes sense to have this as a staple for big gatherings, especially when this casserole is so loved. So back to the point, yes, this is an ultimate comfort food dish, the cheesy, gooey, wonderfully crispy outside really takes the cake with this potato dish. I love this recipe, so I'm happy to share this with you all as well. I wish I could remember where I originally got this recipe, or who even gave it to me, but it has been one of those in my cookbook for years now... 

Funeral Potatoes

(aka Really Good Hash Brown Casserole)

Ingredients:
2 lb bag of hash brown chunks (or you can use a bag of potatoes o'brien)
3 oz cream cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or you can use cheddar cheese, potato, or celery soup)
1/2 can of milk
1/2 stick of butter
1-2 cups shredded cheese
1-2 tsp. onion flakes
*optional - top with additional butter and crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or potato chips for added crunch

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Mix soup, butter, cream cheese, and milk in a bowl and heat in the microwave until creamed (slightly melted) together. Put hash brown chunks into your 9 x 13 pan and pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes. Stir until mixed together. Add in onion flakes and half of the shredded cheese. After about 15-20 minutes into the bake time, stir mixture and add the rest of the cheese (and optional crumbs) on top. Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes begin to get tender and cheese begins to brown.  Bake until until all cheese has melted and is a bubbly golden brown. Enjoy.

Before - All mixed up ready for oven. 

After - The crunchy, cheesy, gooey yummy potatoes revealed. 

Yummy note: You can decrease cooking time if you thaw hash brown chunks before hand. Also, if you put aluminum foil over the casserole while it is cooking, it also can help speed up some of the cook time. This recipe can easily be half-sized if you wish, but with a 9 x 13 pan, it is perfect for sharing with others.


This recipe is linked up to these great parties. This Chick Cooks, Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday, It's a Keeper, A little Nosh: Tastetastic Thursday and The Lady Behind the Curtain Cast Party. Thanks!