Few side dishes stir up as much nostalgia and comfort as Funeral Potatoes, a creamy, cheesy casserole brimming with tender hash browns, tangy sour cream, and a golden, buttery cornflake topping. This dish is a beloved staple at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings—earned for its luscious flavor and irresistible crunch. Whether you know it by this memorable name or simply call it cheesy hash brown casserole, each bite feels like a warm hug from home. Let’s dive into every crispy, gooey detail of this celebration-worthy classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Funeral Potatoes truly special isn’t just the flavors, but the ease and brilliance of each ingredient. Simple pantry staples unite here to make magic: from frozen hash browns to that signature crunchy topping, every element ensures maximum flavor, melty texture, and plenty of Southern-style soul.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (32 oz, thawed): The classic base—these soak up all the creamy goodness and bake up tender but never mushy.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): This shortcut one-can wonder creates a rich, savory backbone—feel free to swap in cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Adds creamy tang that balances the richness and keeps every bite velvety-smooth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The gooey, irresistible star—sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor, but use your favorite for a twist.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted, divided): Half enriches the potatoes, the rest turns cornflakes crisp and golden. Don’t skimp on it!
- Chopped onion (½ cup): Delivers a gentle savory note and subtle crunch, but never dominates the dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives that little lift of flavor and warmth without the bite of fresh garlic.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to enhance everything else—taste as you go for your perfect balance.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just enough subtle heat to perk up each forkful.
- Cornflakes (2 cups, crushed): The iconic crunchy crown; lightly crush for big, shattering bites of texture.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is quick but makes a big difference, helping the potatoes cook evenly and keeping the casserole from sticking when you serve those first eager scoops.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, ¼ cup melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the hash browns are evenly coated and the mix looks perfectly rich and creamy—don’t worry if it seems thick, it will become luscious in the oven!
Step 3: Fill Your Baking Dish
Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so every corner is loaded with that creamy, cheesy goodness. This uniform layer helps the casserole bake evenly and makes for a beautiful reveal when you “crack” through the topping later.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter. Stir until all the flakes are coated and glossy—this ensures each bite of Funeral Potatoes gets that signature buttery crunch that everyone loves.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the potato layer, reaching all the way to the edges. Slide your casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is deeply golden and the edges are bubbly—a sure sign you’re minutes away from comfort food bliss.
Step 6: Rest, Then Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Funeral Potatoes sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This little pause lets the cheesy base set up slightly—making it easier to serve tidy squares, all without losing the creamy magic inside.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes
Garnishes
Funeral Potatoes are already a show-stopper, but garnishing with a sprinkle of sliced scallions, chopped fresh parsley, or even a dusting of paprika adds a pop of color and freshness. A few extra shreds of melting cheddar on top just out of the oven don’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
These potatoes are custom-built for a potluck spread, Easter brunch, or holiday dinner. They pair beautifully with baked ham, roasted turkey, barbecued chicken, or as a hearty partner for a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables. Don’t be surprised if people come back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Funeral Potatoes up a notch by baking them in mini ramekins for individual servings, or add diced ham or crumbled cooked bacon for an extra-hearty dish. This casserole also doubles as a craveable brunch centerpiece—simply serve with eggs and fruit on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra Funeral Potatoes? Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days—just make sure to let them cool slightly before storing to preserve that irresistible crunch.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully if you want to prep ahead for busy weeks or future family gatherings. Assemble the casserole (leave off the cornflake topping until you’re ready to bake), wrap well in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the topping and bake straight from the freezer—just add 5-10 extra minutes to your baking time.
Reheating
To bring back the oven-fresh magic, reheat leftover Funeral Potatoes covered with foil at 350°F until hot throughout (about 20-25 minutes). For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but that cornflake crunch is best from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything except the cornflake topping, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping just before baking to keep it crispy, and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom (or your favorite vegetarian cream soup) to make vegetarian-friendly Funeral Potatoes without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
If you’re feeling adventurous, grate peeled russet potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture before using. The texture will change slightly, but you’ll still get that signature creamy casserole—just watch for extra moisture, which can affect baking time.
What other toppings work well besides cornflakes?
While classic cornflakes are hard to beat, you can switch things up with crushed buttery crackers, potato chips, or even panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter. Each lends its own delightfully crunchy finish!
Can I add meat or veggies for a heartier meal?
Of course! Stir in diced cooked ham, cooked bacon, or even sautéed bell peppers or broccoli before baking for a more substantial version. Funeral Potatoes are endlessly customizable to suit your cravings or what’s in your fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Funeral Potatoes have stood the test of time—they’re delightfully creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying every single time. Whether you make them for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, don’t be surprised if they become your new most-requested side. Give this irresistible classic a try, and you’ll soon understand why it’s a table favorite across generations!
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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Funeral Potatoes, also known as cheesy hash brown casserole, are a classic comfort food side dish perfect for holidays or potlucks. Creamy and indulgent, this potato bake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
Main Dish:
Topping:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, ¼ cup melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture in the baking dish.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix cornflakes with remaining melted butter. Sprinkle over the potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until hot and bubbly with golden brown topping. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option.
- Enhance with chopped ham or cooked bacon for a heartier dish.
- Perfect as a side for holidays, potlucks, or comforting family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
