Comforting Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Quick & Heartwarming Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes Recipe

These heavenly funeral potatoes burst with cheesy comfort that embraces you like a warm hug during life’s most challenging moments.

Midwestern roots run deep in this beloved casserole, where every creamy bite tells a story of community and connection.

Melted cheese and crispy potato edges create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Generations have passed down this soul-warming recipe, transforming simple ingredients into an emotional culinary masterpiece.

Beyond mere sustenance, these potatoes represent love, support, and unspoken understanding shared among friends and family.

Each forkful carries the weight of tradition and the lightness of collective healing.

Experience a dish that nourishes both body and spirit with its incredible, comforting magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients That Make Funeral Potatoes Special

For Base Ingredients:
  • Frozen Hash Browns: Select a high-quality brand with minimal ice crystals for better texture and crispiness.
  • Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels and enhance natural flavor profile.
  • Milk: Whole milk provides richer, creamier consistency compared to lower-fat alternatives.
For Dairy Components:
  • Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese for superior melting and smoother sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Select full-fat version for maximum richness and tangy undertone.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter to maintain precise seasoning control.
For Topping Ingredients:
  • Potato Chips, Parmesan Cheese: Select sturdy, crisp potato chips and freshly grated parmesan for maximum crunch and authentic flavor.
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for consistent sauce thickening.
  • Onions: Choose sweet or yellow onions for balanced, mild flavor complexity.
  • Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for vibrant seasoning.

Bakeware for Funeral Potato Casserole

  • Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Whisk: Ideal for smoothly combining milk, broth, and eliminating sauce lumps.
  • Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
  • Small Pan: Great for melting butter for the crispy topping.
  • Mixing Bowl: Helpful for crushing and mixing potato chips and Parmesan.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir ingredients and transfer mixture smoothly.
  • Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Assemble Funeral Potatoes Easily

How to Assemble Funeral Potatoes Easily
  • Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and slather your baking dish with butter, making sure every nook and cranny gets some love.

  • Sizzle Those Onions

Toss onions into a hot skillet with melted butter. Dance them around until they turn soft and see-through, about 3-4 minutes.

  • Create a Silky Sauce Base

Dust flour over the onions and stir like crazy. This magical step eliminates that raw flour taste. Pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking away any stubborn lumps.

  • Cheese It Up

Pull the skillet off the heat and shower it with Monterey Jack, sour cream, and cheddar. Stir until everything melts into a dreamy, creamy blend.

  • Potato Party

Dump frozen hash browns into the cheesy mixture. Toss until every potato is coated in golden, gooey goodness. Spread the entire concoction into your buttered baking dish.

  • Crispy Crunchy Topping

Crush potato chips and parmesan together. Drizzle with melted butter and mix until perfectly combined. Sprinkle this crunchy treasure over the potato landscape.

  • Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then unveil and continue baking until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and edges bubble with excitement.

  • Rest and Dig In

Let the casserole catch its breath for 15 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes serving a breeze. Cut, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Add-ins for Extra Creamy Funeral Potatoes

Add-ins for Extra Creamy Funeral Potatoes

Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, pepper jack, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its own personality to the dish.

Fold in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform the casserole into a complete meal. Protein additions create delightful texture and extra richness.

Mix in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and color. Fresh vegetables elevate the dish’s complexity and nutritional value.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or include chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick. Spice variations can turn this comfort dish into an exciting culinary adventure.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes with Meals

  • Elevate with Side Dishes: Pair this creamy hash brown casserole with roasted green beans, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.
  • Protein Pairing Power: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts, baked ham, or juicy roasted turkey to transform this side dish into a hearty dinner option.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Cut into smaller portions and feature as a delicious companion to scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a weekend morning feast.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for easy entertaining or busy family mornings.

Keeping Funeral Potatoes Warm and Fresh

  • Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Freeze Like a Pro: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Smart Portioning: Divide the casserole into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, ensuring convenient and delicious meals throughout the week.
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Comforting Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Comforting Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Comfort comes alive in this classic Pioneer Woman funeral potatoes casserole, blending creamy cheese and crispy potato textures. Home cooks can easily create this heartwarming side dish that brings families together around the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 30 oz (850 g) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
  • 1.5 cups (180 g) grated monterey jack cheese
  • 0.5 cups (60 g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cups (30 g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 8 tbsps (113 g) salted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
  • 0.25 cups (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups (60 g) kettle-cooked potato chips
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  2. Onion Foundation: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Sauce Creation: Dust flour over softened onions, stirring to integrate. Cook briefly to eliminate raw flour taste, then gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until a smooth, creamy sauce develops. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the mixture to thicken and become velvety.
  4. Cheese Incorporation: Remove from heat and blend Monterey Jack, sour cream, and sharp Cheddar into the sauce until uniformly mixed. Gently fold frozen hash brown potatoes throughout the creamy mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Topping Preparation: Crush potato chips and Parmesan cheese together, then drizzle with melted butter. Toss until evenly coated and crisp.
  6. Assembly and Baking: Transfer potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Scatter the buttery chip and Parmesan topping across the surface. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until the top turns golden and edges become bubbly.
  7. Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and the dish to set before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk milk and broth slowly and consistently to achieve a silky, smooth sauce without unwanted clumps.
  • Control Onion Cooking: Sauté onions just until translucent to maintain their delicate flavor and prevent burning or excessive browning.
  • Master Cheese Incorporation: Fold cheeses gently into the warm sauce off the heat to create a creamy, well-blended mixture without separation.
  • Crispy Topping Technique: Crush potato chips finely and mix thoroughly with Parmesan for a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crunchy layer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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