Funeral Potatoes Muffin Cups

There's something deeply comforting about a dish that brings people together, and these Funeral Potatoes Muffin Cups do exactly that. Born from the beloved American tradition of funeral potatoes—a creamy, cheesy casserole often served at gatherings—this recipe reimagines the classic into perfectly portioned, golden-topped muffin cups. Each bite delivers the nostalgic flavors of tender hash browns enveloped in a velvety mixture of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings, all crowned with a buttery cornflake crunch. Whether you're hosting a brunch buffet, planning a potluck, or simply craving comfort food with a convenient twist, these muffin cups make it easy to serve and enjoy this timeless favorite.

Merken

The beauty of these muffin cups lies in their versatility and ease. Unlike a traditional casserole that requires scooping and serving, these individual portions can be plated in seconds, making them perfect for casual entertaining or meal prep. The golden cornflake topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior, while the melted cheddar creates pockets of gooey richness throughout. With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you can have a crowd-pleasing side dish ready to impress without the stress of complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

• Potato Base: 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed), 1 cup sour cream, 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian), 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Topping: 1 cup crushed cornflakes, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Potato Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine hash browns, sour cream, condensed soup, cheddar cheese, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups

Evenly spoon the potato mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each to the top and pressing down gently to compact the mixture.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle evenly over each muffin cup, creating a generous layer on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the centers are set. The cornflake topping should be crispy and lightly browned.

Step 6: Cool and Remove

Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully remove each muffin cup from the tin.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped chives, if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For best results, make sure to thaw the frozen hash browns completely and drain any excess moisture by pressing them gently in a clean kitchen towel. This prevents the muffin cups from becoming watery during baking. When filling the muffin tin, use a spoon to press down the mixture firmly—this helps the cups hold their shape when removed. If you're preparing these ahead of time, you can assemble the muffin cups up to the point of adding the cornflake topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. For an extra-crispy topping, toast the cornflakes lightly in a dry skillet before mixing with butter.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream—it provides the same tangy creaminess with less fat. If you want to add protein, fold in diced cooked ham or crumbled cooked bacon to the potato mixture before baking. For a vegetarian option, ensure you use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. Those following a gluten-free diet can easily swap in gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free cornflakes without sacrificing flavor or texture. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor profile, or add pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Serviervorschläge

These Funeral Potatoes Muffin Cups shine as a side dish at brunch buffets, holiday gatherings, or potluck dinners. Pair them with fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They're excellent alongside eggs, bacon, and mimosas for a weekend brunch spread. For a heartier meal, serve them with grilled chicken, baked ham, or a savory quiche. The individual portions make them ideal for serving at outdoor gatherings or picnics where guests can easily help themselves. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Merken

These Funeral Potatoes Muffin Cups prove that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated or messy to serve. With their golden cornflake crowns and creamy, cheesy centers, they deliver all the nostalgic flavors of the classic casserole in a format that's both practical and impressive. Whether you're feeding a crowd at a special gathering or simply want an easy side dish that everyone will love, these portable portions make it effortless to share warmth and hospitality. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a timeless favorite reimagined for modern convenience.

Rezept-Fragen und Antworten

→ Welche Kartoffeln eignen sich am besten?

Gefrorene, geriebene Kartoffeln sind ideal, da sie Zeit sparen und eine gleichmäßige Konsistenz bieten.

→ Kann ich den Buttergehalt reduzieren?

Ja, der Butteranteil kann leicht verringert oder durch pflanzliche Alternativen ersetzt werden, ohne die Textur stark zu beeinträchtigen.

→ Wie wird das Topping knusprig?

Das knusprige Topping entsteht durch die Mischung aus zerdrückten Cornflakes und geschmolzener Butter, die beim Backen goldbraun werden.

→ Sind Variationen mit Fleisch möglich?

Ja, gewürfelter Schinken oder knuspriger Speck lassen sich gut ergänzen und sorgen für zusätzlichen Geschmack.

→ Wie lange sind die Muffins haltbar?

Im Kühlschrank bleiben sie bis zu 3 Tage frisch und können vor dem Servieren kurz erwärmt werden.