This funeral potatoes recipe is a creamy, cheesy casserole made with frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, all topped with buttery crushed cornflakes for the perfect crunch.
This comforting cheesy potato casserole is a classic dish often served at family gatherings, holiday dinners, Sunday dinner, and potlucks. The combination of creamy potatoes and a crunchy topping makes it one of those family favorite side dishes that always disappears quickly.
Whether you are making it for Christmas dinner, Easter dinner, or a casual family meal, these cheesy funeral potatoes are simple to prepare and packed with comforting flavor.
If you enjoy hearty casseroles, you may also like this comforting Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots, another easy family meal with a crispy potato topping.
This classic funeral potatoes recipe has been a staple at family gatherings and holiday meals for generations.
What Are Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a traditional cheesy hashbrown casserole made with potatoes, sour cream, soup, and cheese topped with buttery cornflakes.
The dish became popular in the Midwest and parts of the western United States where it was often served at community gatherings and after-funeral luncheons, which is how it got its name. Today, it is a staple comforting dish served at holiday dinners, potlucks, and family celebrations.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy cheesy potatoes with a crispy topping
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, and special occasions
- A classic comfort food side dish
- Can be prepared ahead of time
Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup melted butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2¼ cups corn flakes cereal
Optional substitute
You can swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
- Allow the frozen hash browns to thaw in the refrigerator overnight so they mix evenly and cook properly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ¾ cup of the melted butter, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
- Add the thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese, then mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish in an even layer.
- Add the corn flakes to a large zip top bag and gently crush them, leaving some larger pieces for texture.
- Transfer the crushed cornflakes to a bowl and mix with the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden brown, crispy topping.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
- Thaw the hash browns first - If the potatoes are still frozen, the casserole may need extra baking time.
- Do not crush the cornflakes too finely - Leaving some larger flakes creates the classic buttery cornflake topping with the perfect crunch.
- Use freshly shredded cheese - Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts more smoothly and improves the overall texture of the casserole.
Variations
Potato Chip Topping - Some families like to replace the cornflake topping with crushed potato chips for a salty, crispy finish.
Extra Flavor - For additional seasoning you can add a small amount of:
- garlic powder
- onion flakes
Make Ahead Instructions
This cheesy casserole is perfect for holiday dinners and special occasions.
- Assemble the casserole without the topping.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Add the buttery cornflake topping just before baking.
Let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
How to Store Funeral Potatoes
Leftover funeral potatoes store really well, which makes this a great make-ahead or next-day dish.
Cover the casserole dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days.
To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, or place the casserole back in the oven and heat until warmed through. If you want to bring back some of that crispy texture on top, reheating in the oven works best.
Can You Make Funeral Potatoes in a Slow Cooker?
Yes. Prepare the casserole mixture as directed and cook it in a slow cooker on low for about 4 hours.
Add the buttery topping during the last 20 minutes so it stays crisp.
What to Serve With Funeral Potatoes
This cheesy potato casserole pairs well with many main dishes including:
- baked ham
- roast chicken
- pork chops
- turkey
It is one of those classic side dishes that works well for family dinners, holiday meals, and potlucks.
If you are looking for more comforting meals, browse the Popular Recipes casserole collection for more hearty baked dishes.
Funeral Potatoes Recipe FAQs
Yes, but they need to be peeled and grated first. Frozen hash browns save time and produce a consistent texture.
The casserole became popular at community meals and after-funeral luncheons, especially in the Midwest and Utah, because it is easy to make in large batches.
Yes. Assemble the casserole without the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze. Add the topping before baking.
📖 Recipe
Funeral Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns - thawed, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup butter - melted and divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 ¼ cups corn flakes cereal
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Mix sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ¾ cup melted butter, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl.
- Add hash browns and cheddar cheese, then stir to combine.
- Spread mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Crush cornflakes and mix with remaining butter.
- Mix crushed cornflakes with remaining ¼ cup melted butter.
- Sprinkle topping over casserole.
- Bake 40 to 50 minutes until hot and golden brown.
- Let rest before serving.
Notes
- Thaw hash browns completely for even cooking
- Do not over crush the cornflakes for best texture
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
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Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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