There’s a reason Funeral Potatoes show up at just about every potluck, Sunday dinner, and family gathering—this crowd-pleasing classic is the ultimate comfort food. Picture forkfuls of creamy, cheesy potatoes under a blanket of buttery, crunchy golden cornflakes; it’s rich, hearty, and always the first dish gone at the table. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of home, these Funeral Potatoes are guaranteed to bring warm memories and happy bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Funeral Potatoes is in their simplicity; each ingredient is carefully chosen to create bold flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of nostalgia. Gather these essentials and let each element shine in your casserole.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (1 30 oz bag, thawed): These make the base of the casserole—quick and easy, no need to peel or grate!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted, divided): Butter adds rich flavor and helps crisp up that irresistible topping.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 10.5 oz can): Delivers creaminess and a subtle savory depth—use cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist!
- Sour cream (2 cups): This gives the potatoes their signature tang and creamy consistency.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a mellow, savory boost that blends seamlessly into the mixture.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle onion flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the yummy flavors in the casserole.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little heat to balance the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melty, gooey cheese is non-negotiable for the ultimate Funeral Potatoes!
- Crushed cornflakes (1 1/2 cups): The golden, crunchy layer that makes everyone go back for seconds.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s plenty hot by the time you’re ready to bake. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coat of butter or nonstick spray—this prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the melted butter (that’s about 1/4 cup), plus the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is perfectly smooth and combined, setting the stage for flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Stir in Potatoes and Cheese
Fold in the thawed hash browns and the freshly grated cheddar cheese right into your creamy mixture. Gently stir until all those potatoes are well-coated and the cheese is nicely distributed. This is where the magic starts to happen—cheesy, creamy goodness in every spoonful!
Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into your greased baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Try to get an even layer so it bakes up perfectly and everyone gets their fair share of potato-to-topping ratio.
Step 5: Make and Add the Cornflake Topping
In a separate small bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter until every crumb is glossy and golden. Scatter this over the top of your casserole, making sure you’ve covered every inch—the crispy topping is everyone’s favorite part!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish on the center rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know the Funeral Potatoes are ready when the top is deeply golden and the edges are bubbling with creamy, cheesy goodness. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so everything sets up and is easier to scoop.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes
Garnishes
If you want to impress, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions right before serving for a dash of color and freshness. You could even add a light sprinkle of extra cheese for a melty top layer, or some cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky crunch.
Side Dishes
Funeral Potatoes are best served alongside simple proteins like roasted chicken or honey-baked ham. For a fresh contrast, add a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to lighten things up. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads with eggs and fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Swap out your standard casserole dish for individual ramekins or bake the potato mixture in muffin tins for mini servings. For a family-style vibe, serve straight from the baking dish, or impress guests by garnishing the casserole with edible flowers or herbs for a colorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Funeral Potatoes to room temperature, then cover tightly and keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld and the texture stays creamy, so leftovers are just as irresistible as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it (without the cornflake topping) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed. You can also freeze leftover portions for up to two months—just be sure to use freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the Funeral Potatoes with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, a quick stint in the microwave works too. If the topping seems less crispy, pop under the broiler for a minute or two to restore its crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Simply assemble the casserole (without the cornflake topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just before baking, add the buttery cornflake topping and bake as usual—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can grate fresh russet potatoes for this recipe. Just be sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before stirring them into the creamy base, so your Funeral Potatoes don’t get soggy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Funeral Potatoes gluten-free, use a gluten-free condensed soup and swap regular cornflakes for a certified gluten-free brand. Double-check every ingredient to be sure!
What other cheeses work well in this casserole?
Classic cheddar is always a win, but you can try Monterey Jack for extra meltiness or a smoky gouda for a more complex flavor. Mixing in a handful of parmesan or pepper jack can add fun twists, too.
Can I add protein to turn this into a main dish?
Absolutely! Stir in some cooked diced chicken, ham, or crumbled bacon before baking for a heartier, main-dish version of Funeral Potatoes. You’ll have a complete meal in just one pan.
Final Thoughts
Whether you grew up on these casseroles or you’re discovering them for the first time, give Funeral Potatoes a try and you’ll see why they’re cherished by so many. This dish brings friends and families together, offering warmth, nostalgia, and so much cheesy comfort—and you just might find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Funeral Potatoes, also known as cheesy hash brown casserole, are a classic comfort food dish perfect for gatherings or potlucks. Creamy and cheesy with a crunchy topping, this potato casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add hash browns and cheddar cheese, mix well, and spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix crushed cornflakes with remaining melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup diced onions or chopped cooked bacon.
- To make it vegetarian, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
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