If you are craving a warm, cheesy, and wonderfully crispy comfort food that feels like a big, cozy hug, you need to try this classic Funeral Potatoes Recipe. This casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser with its perfectly creamy inside and irresistible crunchy cornflake topping. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, cherished especially at family gatherings and holiday tables. Every bite is pure comfort with a satisfying blend of tender shredded hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of savory onion and garlic that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but vital to capturing the true soul of this dish. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture, making this Funeral Potatoes Recipe both simple and incredibly satisfying.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: The heart of the dish, delivering a tender potato base that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy, savory sauce that binds everything perfectly.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to enhance the overall richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and gooey meltiness that makes this casserole irresistible.
- Chopped yellow onion (optional): Provides a mild sweetness and a subtle crunch for more depth.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm and aromatic note to elevate the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and boost the overall taste.
- Melted butter (for mixing): Adds richness and helps create a luscious texture.
- Cornflakes, crushed (for topping): The secret to that golden, crispy crust everyone adores.
- Melted butter (for topping): Ensures the cornflakes turn perfectly crunchy and beautifully browned.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and won’t stick to the pan, so you get those perfect edges with minimal cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir everything together until it’s beautifully combined, making sure every shredded potato strand is coated with that creamy cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Spread and Top
Evenly spread your potato mixture into the greased baking dish so that it’s nice and level. Then, mix the crushed cornflakes with ¼ cup melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this buttery, crunchy topping over the potatoes, covering the surface completely to guarantee a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. When it’s bubbling around the edges and the cornflake topping is golden brown, you know it’s ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so those layers settle perfectly.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the flavor and presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving. The bright green not only adds a lovely pop of color but also introduces a fresh contrast to the rich, comforting casserole.
Side Dishes
Funeral Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Classic roast chicken or ham both balance the creamy richness well, while steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad provide a fresh, light counterpart that keeps the meal harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to give each guest their own personal cheesy potato delight. Alternatively, layering this dish in a trifle dish for potluck-style serving creates a stunning visual and makes serving a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your cooked Funeral Potatoes cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and you’ll be rewarded with the same comforting flavors when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well! Prepare as usual but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen—just add extra time to your baking to ensure it heats through perfectly.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the whole casserole in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. This method keeps the crispy topping intact better than microwaving, which can soften the crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this Funeral Potatoes Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup. It will keep all the creaminess and flavor without the meat, making it perfect for vegetarian guests.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
You can, but frozen shredded hash browns are recommended for convenience and consistent texture. If using fresh potatoes, peel and shred them finely, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
What can I do to make the topping extra crispy?
Mixing your cornflakes with melted butter is the key to a perfect crust, but you can add a pinch of paprika or a little grated Parmesan cheese to the topping mix for an extra kick of flavor and crunch.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely! You can assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking. This helps the flavors meld and saves you time on a busy day.
Can I use reduced-fat cheese or sour cream?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat options to lighten up the dish slightly, but keep in mind it may affect the creaminess and richness slightly. The flavor and comfort will still be there!
Final Thoughts
This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring warmth and smiles to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some nostalgic comfort food, this casserole delivers cheesy, crispy, and creamy perfection with every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that fills kitchens with love and full bellies with happiness.
Print
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Funeral Potatoes is a comforting and cheesy hash brown casserole that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family dinners. This classic American side dish features creamy shredded hash browns mixed with soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, topped with buttery crushed cornflakes baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for mixing)
Topping
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped yellow onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared hash brown mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, smoothing out the top for even cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with ¼ cup of melted butter until the flakes are well coated with butter.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery crushed cornflakes evenly over the top of the hash brown mixture, creating a crispy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian version.
- Great for potlucks, holidays, or comforting family dinners.
- If you want a lighter option, use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Feel free to omit the onion if you prefer a milder flavor.
