Save This hearty Midwest Classic Funeral Potatoes casserole has been my go-to comfort food for family gatherings for years. The addition of pickle ranch flavoring takes this traditional potluck staple to a whole new level of deliciousness while maintaining its soul-warming appeal.
I first made these funeral potatoes for a neighborhood gathering during a particularly harsh winter, and they disappeared within minutes. Now they're requested at every holiday meal and family reunion without fail.
Ingredients
- Frozen shredded hash browns: the backbone of this dish providing perfect texture without the work of shredding potatoes
- Sharp cheddar cheese: use a quality aged cheddar for the best flavor and melting properties
- Sour cream: creates the creamy base that makes this dish so comforting
- Condensed cream soup: binds everything together while adding richness
- Dill pickles: the secret ingredient that adds unexpected brightness to cut through the richness
- Pickle juice: amplifies the tangy flavor throughout the casserole
- Ranch dressing mix: provides the perfect seasoning blend without measuring multiple spices
- Yellow onion: adds subtle savory flavor that complements the creamy components
- Cornflakes: creates the signature crispy topping that makes this dish irresistible
- Butter: enriches both the potato mixture and topping for maximum flavor
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13 baking dish making sure to get into the corners to prevent sticking. This ensures easy serving and cleanup later.
- Mix The Creamy Base:
- In a large bowl combine your thawed hash browns with the cheddar cheese sour cream and condensed soup. Mix gently but thoroughly ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated without breaking them down too much. The thawed hash browns will absorb flavors better than frozen ones.
- Add The Pickle Ranch Twist:
- Fold in the finely chopped pickles pickle juice ranch mix and diced onion. Make sure the pickle pieces are distributed evenly throughout the mixture. This is where the magic happens adding bright tangy notes that balance the richness perfectly.
- Season Properly:
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder black pepper and salt mixing to incorporate. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed. Remember that the ranch mix already contains salt so go easy at first.
- Transfer To Baking Dish:
- Spread the potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish pressing lightly to create a level surface. Take your time here as an even layer ensures consistent cooking throughout.
- Create The Crunchy Topping:
- In a separate bowl toss the cornflakes with melted butter until every flake is lightly coated. The butter helps the cornflakes brown beautifully and adds rich flavor to the topping.
- Top And Bake:
- Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture covering it completely. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping turns golden brown. The contrast between the crispy top and creamy interior is what makes this dish special.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set making it easier to portion and serve while still remaining perfectly hot.
Save The pickle ranch twist is my favorite innovation to this classic recipe. My grandmother always made traditional funeral potatoes for Sunday dinners, but when I introduced this version with the tangy pickle flavor, even the most traditional family members were converted. There's something about that subtle brightness that makes everyone ask for the recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
Funeral potatoes are the ultimate make ahead dish. You can prepare the entire potato mixture and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply wait to add the cornflake topping until just before baking to maintain maximum crispness. If baking directly from the refrigerator, add about 10 minutes to your cooking time to ensure the center gets hot and bubbly.
Ingredient Substitutions
While traditional funeral potatoes have a specific flavor profile, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream. No cornflakes? Try crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even french fried onions for the topping. Vegetarians can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of chicken. For a gluten free version, ensure your cream soup and cornflakes are certified gluten free.
Serving Suggestions
Funeral potatoes traditionally accompany ham at holiday meals, but they're versatile enough to serve with almost anything. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, especially barbecue. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green vegetable like roasted asparagus or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. These potatoes also make an excellent potluck contribution as they stay warm for a long time and are universally loved.
Cultural Context
Funeral potatoes earned their somewhat somber name because they were traditionally served at post funeral luncheons in Midwestern and Mountain West communities, particularly among Mormon congregations. The dish perfectly embodies the concept of comfort food during difficult times easy to make in large quantities, universally appealing, and filling. Today, they've transcended their origins to become a beloved potluck and holiday staple across America, appearing at joyful gatherings as often as somber ones.
Seasonal Adaptations
Winter Version Add diced ham and frozen peas for a heartier one dish meal Summer Picnic Style Mix in roasted corn kernels and top with crumbled bacon Holiday Special Fold in a handful of dried cranberries and chopped pecans
Save The true secret to exceptional funeral potatoes lies in the details. Allow your hash browns to fully thaw before mixing for better texture and more even cooking. When adding the pickle component, chop the pickles finely rather than in chunks for better distribution of flavor throughout the dish. For the crispiest topping, wait until just before baking to add the cornflake mixture, and don't cover the dish during baking. These small touches make the difference between good funeral potatoes and great ones that will have everyone asking for your recipe.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of potatoes works best here?
Frozen shredded hash browns work well, saving time and giving the desired texture in this dish.
- → Can I make it gluten free?
Yes, check labels on soup and cornflakes; use gluten-free versions to ensure the whole dish is gluten-free.
- → How do I add more tangy flavor?
Increase dill pickle juice or add a little mustard for extra tang. Fresh dill also brightens flavor nicely.
- → What could I use instead of cornflakes?
Panko breadcrumbs provide a different crunchy texture. Toss with melted butter before topping.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble and chill up to 24 hours ahead. Add the topping just before baking to keep it crisp.