Name: Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30 ounces frozen hash browns, diced or shredded, thawed; 2 cups sour cream; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 10 tablespoons butter, melted and divided; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried minced onion; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups cornflakes cereal

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Why You’ll Love Funeral Potatoes Recipe

There’s a reason Funeral Potatoes have remained such a popular comfort-food casserole. They combine familiar, simple ingredients into a side dish that feels extra indulgent without requiring complicated preparation.

The creamy potato filling is loaded with cheddar cheese and balanced with savory onion, while the crushed cornflake topping adds a buttery crunch to every serving. Frozen hash browns also make preparation especially convenient since there’s no need to peel and chop a large batch of potatoes.

This casserole is also an excellent choice when cooking for a crowd. It makes a generous 9×13-inch dish, pairs well with many different main courses, and can be assembled ahead of time when you’re preparing for a busy holiday or gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

30 ounces frozen hash browns, diced or shredded, thawed
2 cups sour cream
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
10 tablespoons butter, melted and divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cornflakes cereal

You can use either diced or shredded frozen hash browns depending on the texture you prefer. If you would rather use fresh potatoes, parboiled and diced potatoes can also work well in this casserole.

Directions

Thaw the frozen hash browns completely before assembling the casserole. They can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator for the easiest preparation.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons of the melted butter, salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Add the thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it into an even layer.
Place the cornflakes in a resealable bag and gently crush them using your hands or a rolling pin. You want smaller pieces while still keeping enough texture for a crunchy topping.
Combine the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss until the cereal is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the topping is crisp and golden.
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm alongside your favorite main course.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)

For the best results, remember that frozen hash browns need to be thawed before preparation. If you thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, this does not add any active preparation time to the recipe.

Variations

Different Potatoes: Both shredded and diced frozen hash browns work beautifully. For a more homemade version, use approximately 10 small potatoes that have been parboiled and diced.

Extra Cheesy: Add another handful of shredded cheddar over the potato mixture before adding the cornflake topping. Sharp cheddar is particularly good when you want a stronger cheese flavor.

Different Cheese: Replace some or all of the cheddar with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Potatoes O’Brien: Thawed frozen potatoes with diced onions and peppers can be used for extra color and flavor. If using them, consider reducing or omitting the dried minced onion.

Vegetarian Version: Substitute cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or another suitable creamy vegetable soup for the cream of chicken soup.

Alternative Topping: Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs can replace the cornflakes. Toss your chosen topping with melted butter before sprinkling it over the casserole.

Add Fresh Onion: Replace dried minced onion with finely diced yellow or sweet onion. Sautéing the onion briefly before adding it will give the casserole a softer, sweeter onion flavor.

Add a Little Heat: Mix in a small amount of diced jalapeño, green chiles, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper for a spicy variation.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerating: Allow leftover Funeral Potatoes to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.

Reheating in the Oven: Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through. Removing the foil for the final few minutes can help restore some crunch to the topping.

Reheating in the Microwave: Individual portions can be microwaved until thoroughly heated. The potatoes will remain creamy, although the cornflake topping will be softer than when reheated in the oven.

Making Ahead: Assemble the potato mixture and spread it into the baking dish, but leave off the cornflake topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Add the freshly prepared cornflake topping immediately before baking. A refrigerated casserole may need approximately 5 to 10 additional minutes in the oven.

Freezing: Assemble the casserole without adding the cornflake topping. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, prepare and add the cornflake topping, and then bake until hot and bubbling throughout.

FAQs

Why are they called Funeral Potatoes?

The name comes from the casserole’s tradition as a comforting, crowd-friendly side dish commonly served at gatherings following funerals, particularly in parts of the western United States. Despite the unusual name, the dish is also extremely popular at holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.

Do I have to thaw frozen hash browns first?

Yes. Thawing the potatoes helps them cook evenly and makes it easier to combine them with the creamy sauce. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for convenient preparation.

Can I use shredded hash browns instead of diced hash browns?

Yes. Either style works. Diced hash browns give the casserole chunkier pieces of potato, while shredded hash browns create a softer, more cohesive texture.

Can I make Funeral Potatoes with fresh potatoes?

Yes. Parboil fresh potatoes until partially tender, then dice them before adding them to the casserole. Approximately 10 small potatoes can replace the frozen hash browns.

Can Funeral Potatoes be prepared the night before?

Yes. Prepare the creamy potato mixture and place it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Keep the cornflake topping separate and add it immediately before baking so it stays crunchy.

Can I freeze Funeral Potatoes?

Yes. Assemble the casserole without the cornflake topping and freeze it tightly covered for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and add the buttery cornflake topping before baking.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are easy alternatives. A homemade creamy condensed-style soup can also be used if you prefer to make the sauce from scratch.

What can I use instead of cornflakes?

Crushed buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or another crisp cereal can work as alternatives. Mixing the replacement topping with melted butter helps it become golden and crunchy during baking.

What should I serve with Funeral Potatoes?

This casserole pairs especially well with baked ham, roasted turkey, chicken, steak, or other roasted meats. For a balanced meal, add vegetables, a fresh salad, or another lighter side dish.

How do I know when Funeral Potatoes are done?

The casserole is ready when the filling is thoroughly hot and bubbling around the edges and the topping has become crisp and lightly golden. At 350°F, this generally takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

Conclusion

Funeral Potatoes are the kind of classic comfort-food side dish that works just as well for a holiday feast as it does for a casual family gathering. Creamy potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, savory seasonings, and a crisp buttery cornflake topping create a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

The recipe is also practical for entertaining because it serves a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time or frozen for later. Whether you pair it with ham, turkey, chicken, or your favorite main course, this warm and cheesy potato casserole is an easy addition to almost any comforting meal.