Smoked Sausage Funeral Potato Casserole with Crispy Topping Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you prefer a more intense cheese flavor, you can sprinkle a small amount of extra shredded cheddar cheese between the potato and sausage layers. However, ensure the sauce remains the primary binder. For an extra touch of richness, consider using a high-fat butter for the cornflake topping, which enhances the golden color and provides a more decadent mouthfeel to the finished dish.

To keep the cornflake topping from browning too rapidly, keep a piece of aluminum foil nearby to loosely cover the dish if you notice the edges darkening prematurely.

This allows the center of the casserole to reach the required temperature while keeping the topping perfectly crisp. Always use a clear, ceramic baking dish to monitor the bubbling of the sauce from the sides, which is a key indicator of readiness.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Version: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheddar sauce for a subtle kick that cuts through the richness of the potatoes.
• Herb-Infused Topping: Incorporate a tablespoon of dried thyme or rosemary into the cornflakes to add an aromatic, earthy dimension to the crust.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again, approximately 20 minutes.

Allow the casserole to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring it to the refrigerator. Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Properly stored, the casserole will retain its flavor and texture for up to three days in the refrigerator, provided it is kept in a cold, consistent environment away from strong odors.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can assemble the casserole entirely, including the cornflake topping, up to 24 hours before baking. Cover the dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas

Serve this casserole warm, ideally accompanied by a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the potatoes and cheddar. Use a sturdy spatula to lift neat squares from the dish, ensuring that each portion includes a generous amount of the crispy cornflake topping.

The contrast between the crunchy top and the soft, creamy interior makes for an inviting presentation that is suitable for both casual family meals and larger gatherings.

For a more formal presentation, garnish the plates with a light sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley to add a pop of color. Since this dish is quite hearty, serving it in moderate portions is recommended.

If you are serving it as part of a larger buffet, consider keeping the casserole in the baking dish and placing it on a heat-safe trivet to maintain its temperature for as long as possible while guests serve themselves.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Smoked Sausage Funeral Potato Casserole with Crispy Topping

Prep 15 minCook 45 minRest 10 minTotal 1 h 10 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 32 oz frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into coins
• 2 cups creamy cheddar sauce, prepared
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread the thawed shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom. Layer the sliced smoked sausage coins over the potatoes, ensuring they are distributed throughout the dish for consistent flavor in every serving.
2. Pour the creamy cheddar sauce over the potato and sausage mixture, using a spatula to gently spread it so it covers the ingredients thoroughly. Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes evenly over the top of the casserole.
3. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cornflake topping is deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to confirm the sausage is properly heated through.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

14.5 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.