Jalapeño Cheddar Funeral Potatoes

Jalapeño Cheddar Funeral Potatoes bring a spicy twist to the classic comfort casserole that has graced potluck tables and family gatherings for generations. This creamy, cheesy side dish combines tender hash brown potatoes with sharp cheddar, sour cream, and a kick of fresh jalapeños, all crowned with a golden, buttery cornflake topping. Whether you're feeding a crowd at a church supper or simply craving something rich and satisfying, this easy-to-make casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and just the right amount of heat in every bite.

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The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. While traditional funeral potatoes are beloved for their creamy, comforting nature, the addition of jalapeños and sharp cheddar elevates this version into something truly special. The heat from the peppers cuts through the richness, while the buttery cornflake crust provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender potatoes beneath. Best of all, it comes together in just over an hour and feeds a crowd of eight with ease.

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz / 900 g) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (add more or less to taste)
• 1/2 cup (60 g) yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (60 g) cornflakes, lightly crushed
• 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, melted

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the oven and baking dish

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the potato base

In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, condensed soup, 1/2 cup melted butter, milk, diced jalapeños, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to baking dish

Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the cornflake topping

In a separate bowl, toss crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter until evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the topping

Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture.

Step 6: Bake

Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, make sure your frozen hash browns are fully thawed before mixing—excess moisture can make the casserole watery. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or spread them on a clean kitchen towel and press gently to remove extra liquid. When preparing the jalapeños, seeding them removes most of the heat; if you prefer a spicier dish, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. The cornflake topping should be lightly crushed, not pulverized—you want visible flakes that will crisp up beautifully in the oven. Toss them thoroughly with melted butter to ensure even browning.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken and verify that your cheese is made with vegetarian rennet. If you're looking for a different texture on top, swap the cornflakes for panko breadcrumbs or even crushed Ritz crackers. To dial up the heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, or add diced poblano or serrano peppers alongside the jalapeños. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, though the dish will be slightly less rich. You can also prepare this casserole a day ahead—assemble everything except the cornflake topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking, and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Serviervorschläge

Jalapeño Cheddar Funeral Potatoes shine as a side dish alongside roasted meats, baked ham, grilled chicken, or barbecue ribs. They're substantial enough to anchor a brunch buffet alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit, and they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. This casserole is a potluck superstar—transport it in the baking dish and reheat at your destination, or keep it warm in an insulated carrier. Leftovers reheat well in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, and they even make a hearty breakfast when topped with a fried egg.

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With its creamy interior, spicy kick, and irresistibly crunchy topping, Jalapeño Cheddar Funeral Potatoes are destined to become a go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for hearty comfort food. The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños transforms a beloved classic into something exciting and memorable, while the simple preparation means you can focus on enjoying time with family and friends. Whether you're a funeral potato purist or a spice enthusiast, this dish strikes the perfect balance between tradition and bold flavor.

Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.

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Recipe FAQ Section

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom and verify the cheddar cheese is free of animal rennet.

→ What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?

Panko breadcrumbs make a great crunchy alternative to cornflakes for the topping.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The diced jalapeños add mild to medium heat, which can be adjusted by including seeds or adding cayenne pepper.

→ What are some good dishes to serve alongside this casserole?

This creamy and cheesy potato dish pairs well with roasted meats, ham, or a fresh green salad.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, prepare all components ahead, assemble before baking, then refrigerate and bake when ready.