Lightened-Up Funeral Potatoes

There's something undeniably comforting about a casserole that brings people together, and Lightened-Up Funeral Potatoes with Greek Yogurt Sauce does exactly that. This beloved American side dish combines tender shredded hash browns with melted cheddar cheese and a creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce, all crowned with a golden, buttery cornflake topping. Traditional funeral potatoes get a healthier makeover here, swapping heavy cream for protein-rich Greek yogurt without sacrificing any of the rich, indulgent flavor. Whether you're serving it at a potluck, family gathering, or alongside your weeknight roast chicken, this vegetarian casserole delivers all the nostalgic comfort you crave in just over an hour.

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The beauty of this lightened-up version lies in its clever use of Greek yogurt, which provides the same creamy richness as sour cream or condensed soup while adding a protein boost and reducing overall fat. The combination of sautéed onions and garlic builds a flavorful base, while the broth-thickened sauce ensures every bite is perfectly moist. As it bakes, the cheddar melts into pockets of gooey goodness, and the buttery cornflakes turn gloriously golden and crisp. The result is a casserole that tastes indulgent but leaves you feeling just a bit lighter—a win-win for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 (28 oz / 800 g) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ cups (375 g) plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups (50 g) cornflakes, lightly crushed
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth until smooth and thickened, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and combined.

Step 6

In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, and the yogurt sauce. Stir until well mixed.

Step 7

Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, toss crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 10

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and well-drained to prevent a watery casserole. Pat them dry with paper towels if needed. When making the sauce, whisk the broth into the flour mixture gradually to avoid lumps, and let it thicken properly before adding the Greek yogurt off the heat—this prevents curdling. The cornflake topping should be lightly crushed, not pulverized, to maintain that satisfying crunch. If you're preparing this ahead, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cornflake topping just before baking, and you may need to extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes if starting from cold.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free cornflakes. If you want to add more vegetables, fold in ½ cup chopped green onions, diced bell peppers, or even steamed broccoli florets into the potato mixture. For extra richness, use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of reduced-fat. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan to the cornflake topping. For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt, vegan cheese, and plant-based butter, and be sure to use vegetable broth.

Serviervorschläge

Lightened-Up Funeral Potatoes shine as a side dish alongside roasted or grilled meats like roast chicken, baked ham, or grilled pork chops. They're equally delicious next to a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve them with sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. This casserole is a potluck favorite and holds up well on a buffet table. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, making them perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners throughout the week.

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With its golden cornflake crust, creamy Greek yogurt sauce, and cheesy potato filling, this Lightened-Up Funeral Potatoes recipe proves that comfort food can be both satisfying and a little bit healthier. It's a dish that brings warmth to any table, whether you're celebrating with loved ones or simply enjoying a cozy weeknight meal. The simple preparation and everyday ingredients make it accessible for cooks of all levels, while the delicious results guarantee it will become a regular in your recipe rotation. Serve it with pride, knowing you've created a dish that honors tradition while embracing a lighter, modern approach to classic American comfort food.

Kitchen Q&A

→ What type of cheese is best for this dish?

Reduced-fat shredded cheddar works perfectly to add flavor and creaminess while keeping the dish lighter.

→ Can Greek yogurt be substituted?

Plain Greek yogurt adds tang and moisture; however, sour cream or a non-dairy yogurt alternative can be used if preferred.

→ How do I achieve a crispy topping?

Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter before sprinkling over the casserole, then bake until golden brown.

→ Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, using vegetable broth and the listed ingredients keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly.

→ Can I add extra vegetables to the potato base?

Chopped green onions or diced bell peppers can be stirred in to boost flavor and texture.