Rectangular glass pan with cheesy casserole topped with crushed potato chips.
Recipes,  Side Dishes

Easy Surprise Potatoes Recipe

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Who doesn’t love a surprise? In the world of culinary delights, these Surprise Potatoes are bound to be the life of the dinner table party. Combining the humble and versatile frozen hashbrowns with an array of delightful ingredients, this dish is a mouthwatering revelation that’s both easy to prepare and bound to impress. A symphony of flavors and textures awaits, with a creamy, cheesy interior hidden beneath a crispy, potato chip-laden crust.

One helping of casserole on red plate.

Frozen hashbrowns form the hearty base for this dish, creating a satisfying, no-fuss foundation for the rich, savory flavors to come. Mixed with salt, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream, these ingredients transform into a delicious medley of tastes and textures, promising a delightful surprise with every bite. And to top it all off, a generous sprinkling of crushed potato chips adds the perfect crunchy contrast to this creamy, cheesy masterpiece. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure to create these scrumptious Surprise Potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes, that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients on wooden board.
  • Hashbrowns
  • Salt
  • Green Onions
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Cream of Chicken Soup
  • Sour Cream
  • Potato Chips (optional)

Equipment You May Need

  • 9″x13″ Pan
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s Knife

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare Surprise Potatoes in advance and reheat them later? Yes, these potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave. Just be sure to cover them to retain their moisture.

What can I serve alongside Surprise Potatoes for a complete meal? These potatoes make a great side dish for various main courses. They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

What’s the best way to store any leftover Surprise Potatoes? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious leftover meal.

Can I freeze Surprise Potatoes for later use? Yes, you can freeze this dish for future consumption. After baking, let it cool completely, then tightly wrap it or store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

How can I make this dish less calorie-heavy? To reduce the calorie content, you can opt for low-fat or reduced-fat versions of sour cream, cheese, and cream of chicken soup. You can also use less cheese or skip the potato chip topping for a lighter version.

Frozen hashbrowns in green bowl.
Break apart partially frozen hashbrowns before adding other ingredients.
Hashbrowns, cheese, and other ingredients in glass dish.
Surprise potatoes before going in the oven.

Substitutions and Variations

Fresh Potatoes: Instead of frozen hashbrowns, you can use freshly grated potatoes. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes to avoid excess liquid in the dish.

Loaded Surprise Potatoes: Add cooked and crumbled bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, and chopped bell peppers for a loaded version with extra flavor and texture.

Protein Boost: Mix in cooked diced chicken, ham, or turkey to create a heartier, protein-packed version.

Crunchy Topping Alternatives: Experiment with different toppings like crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers for a unique crunch.

Spice It Up: Add some heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you like these Surprise Potatoes, you might also like my Stuffed Baked Potatoes or my Sweet Potato Puffs. Another dish you may like is these Perfectly Seasoned Roasted Potatoes.

Final Thoughts

My family thoroughly enjoyed these potatoes. Between the five of us, we went through the whole 9″x13″ pan in two meals. The kids loved them as much as my husband and I. I will be making them for our next potluck and I might make them for Thanksgiving.

Rectangular glass pan with cheesy casserole topped with crushed potato chips.

Surprise Potatoes

Heidi Bruaw
4 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Pounds Hashbrowns partially thawed
  • 1 Tablespoon Salt
  • ½ Cup Green Onions chopped
  • 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 2 Cups Sour Cream
  • 3 Cups Potato Chips crushed, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Grease 9"x13" pan and set aside.
  • Break apart the partially frozen hashbrowns before mixing in the other ingredients.
  • In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients except the optional potato chips.
  • Place the mixture into the greased 9"x13" pan.
  • Cook for 40 minutes at 350℉.
  • Remove from oven and place crushed potato chips on top.
  • Continue cooking for 20 minutes or until the center is hot.
Keyword Surprise Potatoes
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