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When you want something creamy and cheesy with a crispy top, these small batch funeral potatoes hit the spot. Everything you love about the classic in a size that's just right for a couple friends or a quiet night in.
I dropped these off for my neighbor after she’d had a rough week and she asked how to make them on the spot. Now, I always bring some for potlucks or holiday meals when I don’t need a huge pan.
Ingredients
- Frozen cubed potatoes: grab the kind that’s diced, not shredded, and let them get completely thawed so they cook up right
- Canned cream of chicken soup: brings all the flavor and holds everything together—choose a tasty brand for extra yum
- Sour cream: adds zip and a creamy feel—pick full fat if you want it super rich
- Shredded cheddar: melts smoothly and adds a bold cheesy taste—fresh grated makes it extra gooey
- Garlic powder: warms everything up—double check yours isn’t stale
- Salt: ties the tastes together—kosher salt lets you easily manage the saltiness
- Corn flakes cereal: gives that awesome crispy layer—make sure they’re fresh and crunchy, not soft
- Butter: makes the topping extra golden and tasty—melt it all the way so it coats nicely
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cool and Serve:
- Wait five minutes before digging in so everything sets up and you don’t burn your tongue
- Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle the buttery corn flake mix right on top in a thick layer Pop it in the oven uncovered for thirty-five minutes ‘til the edges bubble and the top’s crisp
- Crush and Butter the Cereal:
- Break up the corn flakes in a zip bag, then toss the bits in a bowl with melted butter—make sure they all get shiny
- Spread Into the Dish:
- Dump the potato mix into your greased baking dish and smooth it so it’s even for baking
- Mix the Potato Filling:
- Stir together thawed potatoes, soup, sour cream, cheese, garlic powder, and salt in a big bowl—mix until everything’s coated
- Prep the Baking Dish:
- Give your baking dish a good spray with nonstick so nothing sticks or tears when you serve
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Corn flakes make these crazy crunchy, and I always double them like my grandma. Every time I crush the cereal, I remember her loud laugh in the kitchen—makes this dish extra special.
Storage Tips
You can stash leftovers covered in the fridge for three days. For best crunch, reheat in the oven with foil on top for about twenty minutes. Skip the microwave if you want the topping to stay crispy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Want to mix it up? Go for cream of mushroom soup if you’re skipping meat. No sour cream? No problem—plain greek yogurt works too. Any cheese that melts smoothly is great—Colby Jack or Monterey Jack are favorites.
Serving Suggestions
Dive in while it’s hot, straight from the pan. Serve with ham or throw together a green salad. It’s brunch perfection next to scrambled eggs or a hearty pick for dinner with some roasted veggies.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Funeral potatoes show up all over American tables, especially out West and through the Midwest. The name stuck because folks often bring them to group meals after tough times or losses. They taste like comfort and caring from people you love.
Recipe FAQs
- → Is it ok to swap frozen potatoes with fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just peel fresh potatoes, chop them into half-inch cubes, and give them a quick boil so they’re almost soft. Then use them like you would the frozen kind.
- → What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries—you could try cream of mushroom or celery soup instead. Or, you can make your own by mixing butter and flour together, pour in chicken broth, splash in a little milk, and cook until it thickens.
- → How do I keep the corn flake topping crisp?
Make sure all your corn flakes get coated with melted butter and leave the dish uncovered in the oven. That way, your topping stays nice and crunchy.
- → Can I prep this dish the day before?
You sure can. Mix the potato part, pop it in the fridge, and save the topping for later. Add the corn flakes right before baking so they’re extra crispy.
- → Can I toss in other stuff with the potatoes?
Yep! Try throwing in things like cooked diced ham, green onions, or maybe some bell pepper for more flavor and a different twist.