Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate definition of classic comfort food—the inviting scent, creamy texture, and irresistible golden topping make every gathering feel extra special. Even if the name is quirky, this dish has won the hearts of potluck enthusiasts and holiday hosts alike, thanks to its melty cheese, tender hash browns, and a crispy cornflake crust that brings everyone back for seconds. With just a few humble ingredients, you’ll have a side dish that’s both crowd-pleasing and endlessly versatile!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of pantry staples and freezer favorites create such a memorable dish! Every ingredient in Funeral Potatoes plays a starring role, whether it’s for maximum creaminess, bold cheesy flavor, or that perfect bit of crunch on top.
- Frozen Shredded Hash Browns (1 bag, 30 oz): The effortless potato base means no peeling, shredding, or fuss—just thaw and go for perfect texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): The key to rich flavor and that delightful, creamy consistency throughout the casserole.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This provides the classic smooth foundation—substitute with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and luscious creaminess, balancing the richness with a little zing.
- Chopped Yellow Onion (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey perfection and gives that signature cheesy pull.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A simple seasoning that rounds out all the other flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing everything together and highlighting the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of heat and complexity—just enough to perk up each bite.
- Crushed Cornflakes (2 cups): The secret weapon for a satisfyingly crisp, golden brown topping.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted, for topping): Ensures those cornflakes bake up beautifully crunchy and flavorful.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready for a bubbly bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this will make serving and cleanup a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy base that smells downright heavenly. This step guarantees that every bite of your Funeral Potatoes is loaded with flavor.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Hash Browns
Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and thawed hash browns, folding gently until the potatoes and cheese are evenly coated. The mixture should be thick and cohesive—just what you want for that ultimate comfort casserole.
Step 4: Spread in the Baking Dish
Spoon the mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Press gently with your spatula for smooth edges; an even surface ensures an even bake and a perfect bite every time.
Step 5: Prepare the Cornflake Topping
In a separate, small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the two tablespoons of melted butter. Stir well—this guarantees every flake is glistening and ready to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture, then slide the pan into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is steamy and the top is gloriously golden brown. Let it cool for five minutes before you dig in, which sets everything just right.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of sliced green onions, fresh chives, or even a handful of extra shredded cheese just before serving really brightens up your Funeral Potatoes. For an extra touch of freshness, a little chopped parsley can make each portion pop with color.
Side Dishes
These zesty, cheesy potatoes are the ultimate partner for mains like roast chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak. They also cozy up beautifully with simple salads, roasted veggies, or a crisp fruit salad for balance, making them a natural fit for holidays or casual weeknights.
Creative Ways to Present
You can divide the potato mixture into mini ramekins for individual servings—so fun for buffet-style gatherings! Or, scoop leftover Funeral Potatoes into bell peppers, bake until bubbly, and you have a totally new twist on the classic. For potlucks, a garnish bar (think: bacon bits, jalapeños, or hot sauce) lets everyone personalize their portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve managed to save any, simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. The casserole keeps its creamy texture, and the flavors only get better overnight.
Freezing
Funeral Potatoes can be made ahead and frozen before baking—just assemble everything except the cornflake topper, wrap well, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For extra crunch, remove the foil during the last five minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works for speedy weekday lunches, too!
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Just grate peeled potatoes and soak them in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain and dry thoroughly. This extra step gives you the same soft, tender texture.
What other toppings work besides cornflakes?
If cornflakes aren’t your style, try crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even potato chips for a salty, crunchy finish on your Funeral Potatoes.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Simply swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom (or another vegetarian condensed soup) for a comforting, meatless version that everyone will love.
Can Funeral Potatoes be made ahead?
Definitely! Assemble up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the cornflake topping just before baking for the best texture.
Is it possible to make Funeral Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes—just use a certified gluten-free cream soup and substitute gluten-free cornflakes or crushed potato chips for the topping.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Funeral Potatoes, there’s just no going back—they’ll quickly become a staple at your gatherings and family dinners. Everyone deserves a scoop of this melty, crunchy, utterly comforting dish, so don’t hesitate to bake a pan soon. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Funeral Potatoes, also known as cheesy hash brown casserole, are a classic American comfort food dish perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy crust of buttery cornflakes, these potatoes are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cheese and hash browns, mix well.
- Spread mixture: Spread mixture in baking dish.
- Prepare topping: Mix cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use cream of mushroom soup.
- Add ham or bacon for a heartier dish.
- Great for holidays, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
