Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed; 2 cups sour cream; 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups cornflakes, crushed; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, crispy, and utterly irresistible. This classic American casserole hails from potluck tables and family gatherings for good reason. Whether it’s the melty cheddar, the rich and tangy sour cream, or that signature crunchy cornflake topping, each scoop is guaranteed to bring big smiles and multiple requests for seconds. If you’re looking for a dish that delivers both nostalgia and knock-out taste, this is the one you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Funeral Potatoes come together with humble, classic ingredients anyone can find, but each one makes an important impact on the final casserole—think luscious creaminess, golden crispiness, and that heartwarming, cheesy pull.

Frozen shredded hash browns (32 ounces): These form the starchy, fluffy base and make prep a breeze; be sure they’re fully thawed for the best texture.
Sour cream (2 cups): Adds tanginess and that rich, creamy body everyone craves in a good casserole.
Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Gives depth and velvety smoothness—swap for cream of mushroom to keep it vegetarian.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into pockets of savory goodness throughout every bite, and sharp cheddar gives maximum flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Guarantees a silky, decadent casserole base while helping all the flavors meld together.
Chopped yellow onion (1/2 cup): Adds a hint of sweetness and that classic savory note that rounds everything out.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Simple but key—brings all the flavors into focus.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little warmth and balance for the casserole’s richness.
Cornflakes, crushed (2 cups): The crowning glory—turns incredibly crunchy and golden after baking.
Unsalted butter, melted for topping (1/4 cup): Coats the cornflakes, so the top stays perfectly crisp and buttery.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by getting your oven hot and ready at 350°F (175°C)—this consistent heat is perfect for baking everything evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to get those corners, so nothing sticks and you get easy, tidy servings later.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Potato Filling

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until all those magical ingredients are evenly blended. Don’t be tempted to skimp on the mixing—getting every bite creamy and flavorful is worth the effort!

Step 3: Layer It Into the Baking Dish

Spread the fabulous potato mixture into your prepared dish, using a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. This helps the casserole bake up with nice, uniform edges and ensures the crispy topping will cover each scoop.

Step 4: Make the Crunchy Cornflake Topping

Now for my favorite part: in a medium bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter until every crumb is shiny and coated. This step is what gives Funeral Potatoes their signature crunch and irresistible golden color.

Step 5: Sprinkle and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture generously over the potato layer, spreading it right to the edges. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until hot, bubbling, and gloriously golden brown on top. Give it a five-minute rest after baking so everything settles perfectly—then get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a flattering burst of color and a gentle herbal note that livens up each plate. For a little extra kick, try scattering sliced green onions or a touch of smoked paprika across the top before serving.

Side Dishes

Funeral Potatoes make a cozy companion for glazed ham, roasted chicken, or savory meatloaf, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser at vegetarian spreads. Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad, sweet roasted carrots, or buttery dinner rolls to round out your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, spoon portions into ramekins for adorable single servings, or lay out a toppings bar—think bacon crumbles, jalapeño slices, or extra cheese—so guests can jazz up their own plates. And don’t underestimate the fun of serving leftovers alongside breakfast eggs for a delicious next-day surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better! Be sure to store the casserole as soon as it cools to preserve that perfect combination of creaminess and crunch.

Freezing

Funeral Potatoes freeze surprisingly well—assemble the casserole (but hold off on the cornflake topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the buttery cornflakes, and bake as usual for a super-convenient, crowd-pleasing side.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes), then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the topping again. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven delivers that irresistible crunch!

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Just peel and shred about 2 pounds of potatoes, then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel to avoid excess moisture. The texture will be slightly less uniform but still delicious.

What makes Funeral Potatoes different from regular potato casseroles?

The classic blend of creamy soupy base, tangy sour cream, gooey cheese, and a buttery cornflake crunch sets this dish apart from others. The name, and the nostalgia it brings, also make it a true potluck staple!

Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole (minus the cornflake topping) up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Add the topping just before baking for the freshest crunch.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or another vegetarian condensed soup option—no other changes needed! The result is every bit as creamy and satisfying.

What other toppings work if I don’t have cornflakes?

Try using crushed buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even potato chips for a different kind of crunch. Just mix each with melted butter as you would with cornflakes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as cozy and crowd-pleasing as it gets, give these Funeral Potatoes a try. The blend of flavors, the golden crunch, and the soul-warming creaminess make it a classic you’ll want to serve at every gathering—big or small. Don’t be surprised if this becomes the most-requested side dish in your kitchen!

Funeral Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Funeral Potatoes, also known as cheesy hash brown casserole, is a comforting and hearty side dish that’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy layer of buttery cornflakes, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Dish:

1 bag (32 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
2 cups sour cream
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

2 cups cornflakes, crushed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, melted butter, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Spread Mixture: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle over the potato mixture.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.