🥔 Midwestern Funeral Potatoes: Pittsburgh Edition
From Southern Illinois roots to Pittsburgh flavor.
My grandma called them funeral potatoes.
My version? A bubbling pan of cubed hash browns, truffle cheddar, Morel Mushroom jack for a foraging nod, and Kellogg’s cornflakes crisped in Kerrygold butter.
A bite of grief, joy, and everything in between.
🧈🧀✨ Always made with love ✨💕
#appalachian #funeralpotatoes #Lemon8Diary #lemon8recipes @Lemon8 Food @Lemon8 US @Lemon8 Home
Ingredients:
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken with herbs
• 1 ½ cups sour cream (I use Daisy)
• ½ cup melted Kerrygold butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Giant Eagle Market District Herbs de Provence (or substitute thyme + rosemary)
• 1 cup shredded Morel Mushroom Jack Cheese
• 1 cup shredded Kerry Irish Farmhouse Cheese
• 1 cup shredded Truffle Cheddar
• 1 cup shredded Applewood Smoked Alpine Gouda
• 2 cups Kellogg’s cornflakes, lightly crushed
• 2 tbsp melted Kerrygold butter (for topping)
⸻
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13” baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream, cream of chicken with herbs, melted Kerrygold butter, onion, salt, pepper, and Herbs de Provence.
3. Add in the cubed hash browns and all cheeses. Mix until well combined.
4. Spread mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
5. In a small bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with 2 tbsp melted Kerrygold butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—and get ready for seconds.
You know, there's something truly special about dishes often served at gatherings, especially during heartfelt moments like a celebration of life. My grandma always called them 'funeral potatoes,' and while the name might sound a bit somber, the dish itself is pure comfort. It’s about more than just food; it’s about nurturing, sharing, and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere when people need it most. That's why this Pittsburgh-inspired version has become such a staple for me. What makes these particular Pittsburgh Funeral Potatoes *so good*? For starters, it's the rich, creamy base. We're talking about perfectly thawed cubed hash browns enveloped in a luscious mixture of sour cream, cream of chicken, and a generous amount of Kerrygold butter. But the real magic happens with the cheese blend. Instead of just one or two, I use a quartet of incredible flavors: a smoky Applewood Smoked Alpine Gouda, sharp Kerry Irish Farmhouse, aromatic Truffle Cheddar, and that distinctive Morel Mushroom Jack – often seen as 'Wild Morel & Leek Jack' in stores. This combination delivers an unparalleled depth of flavor that's both familiar and exciting. The Morel Mushroom Jack, in particular, adds an earthy, gourmet touch that elevates the entire dish, making it truly memorable for any special occasion. Then there’s that irresistible topping! A golden-brown, crispy cornflake crust, crisped in more Kerrygold butter, adds the perfect textural contrast to the soft, cheesy potatoes underneath. It's not just a garnish; it's an essential part of the experience, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite. The way the melted cheese bubbles up around the edges, forming those delicious, slightly browned bits – that's when you know it's ready. This recipe isn't just for somber occasions, though. It’s fantastic for potlucks, holiday dinners, or even a comforting weekend brunch. It’s a dish that travels well and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice when you want to share a homemade meal. To make it even easier, you can assemble the creamy white mixture with the hash browns and cheeses the day before, then just add the buttered cornflake topping right before baking. It’s a guaranteed crowd-placer that brings warmth and a sense of shared history to any table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you'll understand why it’s become a cherished family favorite, bringing joy and comfort with every spoonful.
