Funeral Potatoes Recipe
There’s just something magical about creamy, cheesy potatoes baked beneath a buttery, golden cornflake topping—especially when they’re bubbling straight from the oven. That’s the magic of this classic Funeral Potatoes Recipe. Beloved at family gatherings, holidays, and potlucks, this crowd-pleasing casserole earns its cozy midwestern reputation with every gooey bite. Whether you’re bringing comfort to a friend, feeding a hungry brunch crowd, or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, these potatoes are sure to earn rave reviews at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple, but every ingredient brings something essential—rich creaminess, tang, crunch, or that irresistible gooey cheese. Fresh or pantry staples, no part is skippable if you want the full comfort experience.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 oz): The heart of the dish, offering that tender potato base without the fuss of peeling and shredding.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Adds velvety depth and classic flavor; swap with mushroom or celery for a vegetarian twist.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Provides tang and luscious creaminess, keeping the potatoes moist and decadent.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Rich flavor and smooth texture, making every bite indulgent.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The ultimate source of ooey-gooey, cheesy magic.
- Chopped yellow onion (1/2 cup): For subtle sweetness and aromatic depth; optional, but highly recommended.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Gives a gentle background warmth and savory note.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Brightens and balances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a bit of gentle bite and complexity.
- Cornflakes (2 cups, crushed): The signature crunchy topping that sets this casserole apart.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp, for topping): Makes that cornflake topping extra crisp and golden.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps with easy serving and ensures none of that delicious cheesy edge sticks to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and add the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a really good stir—you want every hash brown bit coated in that creamy, cheesy mixture. Take a moment to appreciate the mouthwatering aroma!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Scoop out the luscious hash brown mixture and spread it evenly in your prepared dish. Smooth the top with a spatula or spoon, so every bite bakes up evenly golden and gooey.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the crushed cornflakes and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. The butter makes every crumb turn extra crunchy and rich, creating that signature funeral potatoes recipe finish. Sprinkle the topping generously over the potato mixture until it’s fully covered.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake everything uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or just until you see the casserole bubbling and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. Let it rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up (and prevents burnt tongues from overeager tasters).
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top just before serving. Both add a fresh counterpoint to the rich, cheesy base and make your funeral potatoes recipe as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic comfort fare. Serve alongside baked ham, roast chicken, or turkey for a holiday feast. Or keep it simple with a crisp green salad and roasted vegetables for a weeknight treat that makes any dinner special.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace your inner host! Bake individual servings in ramekins for dinner parties, or tuck the casserole into pre-baked potato skins for a playful twist. For potlucks, consider a portable foil pan and pop on a handwritten label—people will flock straight to your dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers completely, then cover the casserole tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep happy and fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for lunchboxes or midnight snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the unbaked casserole (without the cornflake topping), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add your freshly buttered topping, and bake as usual for a just-made taste anytime.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave, or pop the whole covered casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. For an extra-crispy topping, uncover for the last 10 minutes—you’ll never know it’s leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use freshly grated potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Peel and grate about 6 cups of potatoes, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Using fresh potatoes makes the funeral potatoes recipe even more homemade, although it does add a bit of prep.
Is there a good vegetarian substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Definitely—substitute a can of cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Both options deliver creamy richness and flavor without the meat, making this funeral potatoes recipe vegetarian-friendly.
What type Side Dish
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to blend in Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a twist. As long as it melts well and has good flavor, you can make the funeral potatoes recipe your own.
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, the casserole (minus the cornflake topping) can be assembled up to a day in advance and kept covered in the fridge. Add the buttery cornflakes just before baking for ultimate crunch when you’re ready to serve.
Why are they called “Funeral Potatoes?”
The name comes from their history as a comforting dish often brought to gatherings after funerals, particularly in the Midwest and Mountain West. Over time, the irresistible flavors of this potatoes-and-cheese casserole made it a staple at celebrations of all kinds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly craveable side that brings smiles and second helpings every time, this funeral potatoes recipe has you covered. Warm, welcoming, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the dish everyone wants the recipe for—so grab your casserole dish, gather your ingredients, and bake up some comfort you can share.
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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy casserole dish perfect for gatherings or potlucks, Funeral Potatoes are a classic American side dish featuring hash browns, cheese, and a crispy cornflake topping.
Ingredients
Main Dish
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine hash browns, soup, sour cream, butter, cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread Mixture: Spread mixture in baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with ham, bacon, or green chilies.
- Vegetarian option: Use cream of mushroom or celery soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
