Midwest Funeral Potatoes Pickle Ranch (Print)

Hash browns, cheddar, sour cream, and tangy pickle ranch baked under a golden crispy topping.

# Components:

→ Potatoes & Dairy

01 - 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
02 - 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 2 cups (16 oz) sour cream
04 - 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup
05 - 1/4 cup (2 oz) unsalted butter, melted

→ Pickle Ranch Twist

06 - 1/2 cup (2.5 oz) dill pickles, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup (2 fl oz) pickle juice
08 - 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix
09 - 2 tablespoons (0.25 oz) chopped fresh dill, optional

→ Vegetables & Seasonings

10 - 1/2 cup (2.5 oz) yellow onion, finely diced
11 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Topping

14 - 3 cups (1.5 oz) cornflakes, lightly crushed
15 - 1/4 cup (2 oz) unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar, sour cream, condensed soup, 1/4 cup melted butter, chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, ranch dressing mix, diced yellow onion, garlic powder, black pepper, kosher salt, and optional fresh dill. Stir until thoroughly incorporated.
03 - Spread the potato and cheese mixture evenly in the prepared 9x13-inch dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
04 - In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter, mixing to ensure every flake is coated. Distribute the cornflake topping evenly over the potato mixture.
05 - Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the topping is deeply golden brown.
06 - Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just over an hour for easy entertaining
  • Uses simple ingredients most likely already in your pantry
  • Perfect make-ahead dish that travels well for potlucks
  • Universally loved by both kids and adults
02 -
  • Can be made up to 24 hours in advance for stress free entertaining
  • Excellent source of calcium from the cheese and dairy components
  • Feeds a crowd economically making it perfect for large gatherings
  • Versatile side dish that pairs with almost any protein
03 -
  • 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.

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