Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided); 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cups crushed cornflakes

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If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Funeral Potatoes. This rich, cheesy casserole is a beloved classic at potlucks, family gatherings, and holidays—basically anytime you want to bring folks together with warm, nostalgic flavors. Each bite is a cozy celebration of creamy potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a buttery, crispy cornflake topping. Whether you know them as “potato casserole” or “cheesy hash brown bake,” there’s no denying the irresistible allure of Funeral Potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can assemble a dish that’s loaded with flavor and texture. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to maximize taste, creaminess, and that crave-worthy golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Frozen shredded hash browns (1, 30 oz bag, thawed): These save loads of prep time and create a soft, hearty base—just be sure they’re fully thawed for the creamiest result.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted, divided): Butter adds luscious richness and binds the topping; use half in the casserole, half with the topping.
Cream of chicken soup (1, 10.5 oz can): This gives the dish its signature creamy texture and savory backbone—easy, classic, and full of comfort.
Sour cream (1 cup): Sour cream brings tangy depth and helps make the sauce smooth and velvety.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory note that enhances every forkful.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a sweet, aromatic roundness that pairs beautifully with the fresh onion.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and intensifies all the flavors throughout the casserole.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of gentle heat—totally essential for balance.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melty, sharp, and completely irresistible—this is the secret to stretching every potato bite into cheesy bliss.
Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Layers in freshness and just a hint of crunch beneath the creamy layers.
Crushed cornflakes (2 cups): The secret weapon! Their buttery crunch provides the ultimate contrast to the soft, cheesy potatoes below.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a dab of butter to make sure those glorious potatoes slide out easily later. This first step is a little moment of zen before the magic happens.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base

Grab a nice big bowl and combine the thawed hash browns, half of your melted butter (that’s 1/4 cup), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped onion. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly mixed and coated in that dreamy, creamy blend. This is what gives Funeral Potatoes their signature richness.

Step 3: Layer and Smooth in the Dish

Spoon the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly from edge to edge, filling every corner so your finished casserole bakes up with beautifully crisped edges that everybody fights over.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Cornflake Topping

In a smaller bowl, toss together the crushed cornflakes and the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Mixing until every flake is coated will guarantee they turn out golden, crisp, and just a little decadent.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Scatter that buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is deeply golden and the edges are bubbly. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking—if you can resist—so the layers have time to set and every serving stays picture-perfect.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

For that final flourish, consider sprinkles of chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a dusting of paprika. These touches add lively color and a spark of extra flavor, making your Funeral Potatoes look as special as they taste.

Side Dishes

Funeral Potatoes truly shine alongside roasted meats (like ham or turkey), but they’re just as delicious on a brunch buffet next to eggs and fresh fruit. Pair with a crisp salad to cut through the richness for perfect balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping individual portions into ramekins for an elevated dinner party twist, or spoon the hot, bubbly casserole right from the baking dish at a casual potluck. If you’re hosting breakfast, serve Funeral Potatoes with fried eggs or crumbled cooked bacon on top for a morning feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Funeral Potatoes tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat surprisingly well, and the flavors continue to meld, often making the next-day servings even better.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled, unbaked Funeral Potatoes (just wait to add the cornflake topping until baking day for best texture). Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking with the topping added fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20–25 minutes. For leftovers, individual scoops microwave beautifully too, but the oven keeps the crunchiest topping.

FAQs

Can I make Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in a can of cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken, and you’ve created a meatless version with all the creamy comfort and flavor.

Why are they called “Funeral Potatoes”?

The dish earned its name because it’s a popular comforting side to bring to post-funeral gatherings, especially in the American Midwest and Mountain West. These potatoes have comfort written all over them, no matter the occasion.

Can I assemble Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything except the cornflake topping a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add the topping and bake as directed.

What are some mix-in ideas for extra flavor?

Feel free to add cooked bacon, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or green chiles for new flavor twists. Funeral Potatoes are endlessly customizable!

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, simply halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch pan. You’ll still get all the flavor and crispy topping, just in a more petite casserole perfect for smaller groups.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t experienced the magic of Funeral Potatoes yet, now’s your moment to join the club. There’s something irresistibly homey and festive about these layers of cheesy, crunchy, creamy potatoes, whether you’re making them for a big celebration or just to warm up a chilly evening. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they disappear in a flash!

Funeral Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Funeral Potatoes, also known as cheesy hash brown casserole, is a classic American comfort food dish perfect for potlucks and gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy cornflake layer, these potatoes are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Dish:

1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion

Cornflake Topping:

2 cups crushed cornflakes

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, 1/4 cup melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, spices, cheddar cheese, and onion. Mix well.
Spread Mixture: Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
Prepare Topping: Mix crushed cornflakes with remaining melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.