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Once the heartlands whisper about a gathering, be it a somber affair or a jubilant celebration, you can bet your bottom dollar that a warm, comforting dish of Funeral Potatoes will make its appearance. This casserole, steeped in tradition, gets its name from its prevalence at after-service gatherings, offering a creamy, cheesy solace in a dish. But don’t be fooled by the name—this treasured recipe isn’t reserved for the somber occasions alone; it’s perfect for potlucks, family reunions, and any time you long for a taste of home.
It is said that Funeral Potatoes traveled their way into our hearts through the Midwest, rooted deeply in church community cookbooks, carried along by love and shared mourning. But joy, too, is a fine occasion to indulge in this dish. When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to turn, it is time. Time to break out the slow cooker, to fill the kitchen with the rich aromas of a meal that’s more than sustenance—it’s a balm for the soul.
Funeral Potatoes shine bright as a standalone, but they truly sing when paired with a tender, slow-cooked meat—like a juicy roast or glazed ham. On the side, a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans provide a fresh contrast to the dish’s richness. And let’s not forget a soft, buttery dinner roll to mop up that creamy sauce.
Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
– 1 (30-ounce) bag of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
– 1 (10.75-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
– 2 cups of sour cream
– 1 cup of onions, finely chopped
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
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– 1/4 cup of melted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups of crushed cornflakes or potato chips
– 1/2 cup of butter, melted (for topping)
Directions
1. Begin by spraying your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to ease cleanup later on.
2. In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Pour the potato mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
4. In another bowl, toss together the crushed cornflakes or potato chips with the 1/2 cup of melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this crispy topping over the potato mixture.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, just until the edges are golden brown and bubbly.
6. When it’s time, ladle out generous helpings, and watch as the room fills with contented sighs and the warmth that only a dish made with love can bring.
Variations & Tips
– Add a bit of heartiness with a layer of cooked, diced ham or crumbled bacon inside the casserole.
– Make it vegetarian-friendly by using a cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
– If a crunchier top tickles your fancy, pop the casserole under the broiler for a couple of minutes before serving.
– For those with a sensitivity to dairy, use a dairy-free sour cream and cheese substitute, though the spirit of the dish will carry through still.
– Always make more than you think you’ll need. Funeral Potatoes have a way of disappearing as quickly as they arrived, and leftovers—if you’re so lucky to have them—reheat like a dream.
Now, don’t be a stranger to this dish. Let it weave its way into your collection of treasured recipes, to be pulled out in times of need or celebration, just as those before us have done. It’s the Midwestern way, through and through.
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