If you are looking for a comforting, cheesy, crispy, and downright irresistible side dish, this Funeral Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. This classic casserole combines creamy sour cream, savory cream of chicken soup, perfectly seasoned hash browns, and a crunchy cornflake topping for a soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply cozy nights in. Every bite delivers that nostalgic, warm feeling while still being incredibly easy to whip up, making it an absolute staple worth knowing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of a Funeral Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. Each item has a purpose—from the crispy cornflake topping to the rich, creamy base—making this casserole a crowd-pleaser every time.
- 2 pounds southern style hash brown potatoes (frozen): The hearty, tender potato base that carries the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons minced onions (frozen): Adds a subtle bite and lovely depth to the flavor.
- 2 cups sour cream: Brings creaminess and balances the savory elements with a slight tang.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup: Acts as a rich, flavorful binder holding all the ingredients together.
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted): Infuses the dish with richness and helps marry all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and seasonings.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
- 2 1/2 cups corn flake cereal (crushed): Provides that signature crunchy, golden topping everyone adores.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted): Mixed with cereal to ensure a crispy, buttery crust.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for that perfect bake. Meanwhile, grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and give it a good coating with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Mix Your Hash Browns and Onions
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the southern style hash brown potatoes and minced onions until they’re evenly combined. This forms the flavorful foundation for your casserole, so a good mix is key.
Step 3: Stir in Sour Cream, Soup, Butter, Salt, and Cheese
Next, add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and salt to the potato and onion mixture. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the cheesy goodness gets evenly spread throughout. Then fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt beautifully as the dish bakes.
Step 4: Transfer and Prepare the Topping
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, mix the crushed corn flakes with the remaining melted butter in a small bowl. This will create that iconic crispy, buttery topping you’re about to experience.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture over the top of the casserole. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and you can see bubbly, cheesy goodness peeking through the edges.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions over the hot casserole right before serving. A light dusting of paprika can also bring a subtle smoky kick and lovely visual contrast that elevates the dish.
Side Dishes
This Funeral Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with classic comfort staples like roasted chicken, baked ham, or even a simple green salad for a lighter touch. The creamy, cheesy texture of the casserole balances out protein-rich mains, making it an all-around harmonious addition to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress guests, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a rustic charm. You could also layer it with cooked bacon bits or diced bell peppers inside the casserole for a surprise burst of flavor and texture with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Funeral Potatoes Recipe cools to room temperature, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Leftovers are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole but don’t add the topping yet. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake as usual. For baked leftovers, let cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. If you want to retain the crunch on top, avoid covering the dish. Alternatively, individual portions reheat nicely in the microwave but lose some crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can be used, frozen southern style hash browns are recommended because they have the perfect texture and moisture balance that holds up well during baking. Fresh potatoes require extra prep and may alter the final consistency.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Funeral Potatoes Recipe?
Yes! Swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly. This provides a similar creamy base without the meat flavors, and you won’t lose any of the comfort.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free sour cream and a plant-based butter substitute. For cheese, there are several excellent vegan cheddar alternatives available that melt nicely. Just ensure the soup you pick is also dairy-free for best results.
What makes these potatoes called “Funeral Potatoes”?
The dish earned its name because it’s a popular, comforting casserole often served at gatherings after funerals, especially in parts of the Midwest and Mountain West. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste make it a staple at these community meals.
Can I add extra mix-ins to the casserole?
Definitely! Crumbled cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers work wonderfully for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of moisture content to maintain the proper consistency of the casserole.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Funeral Potatoes Recipe that brings people together over shared comfort food. The creamy, cheesy interior paired with a crispy, buttery topping is not just a side dish—it’s a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, don’t hesitate to try this beloved casserole; it might just become your next favorite go-to recipe.
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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Funeral Potatoes recipe is a comforting baked casserole featuring a creamy blend of frozen hash brown potatoes, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, topped with a buttery, crunchy cornflake crust. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this dish combines hearty flavors and a luscious texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds southern style hash brown potatoes (frozen)
- 2 tablespoons minced onions (frozen)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 4 tablespoons stick butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 2 1/2 cups corn flake cereal (crushed)
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Potatoes and Onions: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash brown potatoes and minced onions, stirring until evenly mixed.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: To the bowl, add sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix all ingredients well until fully combined.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflake cereal with melted butter until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Ensure the hash browns and onions are fully thawed or partially thawed before mixing for better texture.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor.
- For a crispier topping, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the cornflake mixture before sprinkling.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
