Funeral Potatoes Breakfast Hash
Utah's beloved "funeral potatoes" - that iconic cheesy, creamy, cornflake-topped casserole - reimagined as a breakfast skillet. Crispy edges, gooey cheese, crunchy topping, and runny-yolked eggs create the ultimate comfort food breakfast that'll make you forget you ever ate regular hash browns.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and squeeze out any excess moisture with paper towels - this is key for crispy results.
Make the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, diced onion, 4 tablespoons melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Start in the skillet: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potato mixture and press into an even layer. Let cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a crispy bottom.
Prepare the topping: Toss the crushed cornflakes with 4 tablespoons melted butter until evenly coated. Set aside.
Add cheese and topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar over the potatoes. Top evenly with the buttered cornflakes. Transfer the skillet to the oven.
Bake until golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Remove from oven.
Create wells for eggs: Using a spoon, make 6 wells in the hash, pushing the potato mixture aside. Crack an egg into each well. Season the eggs with salt and pepper.
Bake the eggs: Return to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny (or longer if you prefer firmer yolks).
Serve Utah style: Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve directly from the skillet with extra sour cream and hot sauce on the side. The crispy bottom, creamy middle, and crunchy top create the ultimate texture experience.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- The Utah tradition: Funeral potatoes got their name because they're a staple at LDS (Mormon) funerals and potlucks. Despite the somber name, they're a beloved comfort food throughout Utah.
- The cornflake debate: Some Utah families use crushed potato chips instead of cornflakes. Try both and pick your favorite - there's no wrong answer.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the potato mixture the night before and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake in the morning.
- Add protein: Fold in diced ham or crumbled bacon to the potato mixture for a heartier breakfast version.
- Cheese variations: While cheddar is traditional, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds nice flavor variation.
- The crispy bottom: Don't skip the stovetop step before baking - it creates a delicious crispy layer on the bottom that's unique to this breakfast version.