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Cozy Funeral Potatoes Summer Version Recipe with Crispy Topping Easy and Delicious

funeral potatoes summer version - featured image

A lighter, fresher twist on classic funeral potatoes featuring a crispy panko and herb topping, perfect for summer potlucks and cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded or cubed)
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or summer savory
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and diced red bell pepper if using. Season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  4. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, chopped parsley, dried thyme, and garlic powder until well combined.
  5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the potato base.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the potato base to keep texture fluffy. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast. Assemble the night before and refrigerate to save time, adding 10-15 minutes to baking time when baking from cold. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and vegan cheese substitutes. Fresh potatoes can be used if shredded and excess moisture squeezed out.

Nutrition

Keywords: funeral potatoes, summer casserole, crispy topping, comfort food, easy recipe, potluck dish, cheesy potatoes, panko topping