Introduction
If there’s one dish that embodies creamy comfort food, it’s Funeral Potatoes. Known for their cheesy, golden, and crunchy topping, this casserole is a staple at gatherings, holidays, and yes—even funerals (hence the name). Despite the somber title, this dish is all about warmth, love, and sharing. It’s quick to prepare, feeds a crowd, and delivers that irresistible balance of creamy potato goodness with a buttery, crispy finish.
Let’s walk through the complete recipe so you can recreate this timeless favorite at home.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen diced hash browns (thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed (or Ritz crackers for variation)
Optional Substitutions:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for added flavor.
- Add chopped green chiles or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
This casserole is ready in about an hour—making it 20% quicker than most traditional potato casseroles thanks to using frozen hash browns instead of peeling and boiling fresh potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- cream of chicken soup,
- sour cream,
- chopped onion,
- shredded cheddar cheese,
- 1/4 cup melted butter,
- garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Fold in the thawed hash browns, making sure every piece is coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix until coated.
Sprinkle this topping evenly over the potato mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy that creamy, crunchy contrast in every bite!
Nutrition Information (per serving, 10 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
(Values may vary based on substitutions and cheese choice.)
Tips for Success
- Drain excess liquid from thawed hash browns to avoid a watery casserole.
- Cheese choice matters—sharp cheddar provides the most flavor depth.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
- Freeze for later: Wrap tightly before baking and freeze up to 2 months.
Healthier Alternatives
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for added protein.
- Use reduced-fat cheese to cut calories.
- Try baked potato cubes instead of hash browns for a rustic version.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach to sneak in veggies.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roast chicken, ham, or turkey for holidays.
- Serve as a hearty brunch side with scrambled eggs and bacon.
- Add a fresh green salad for balance.
- Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or cozy Sunday dinners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not thawing potatoes fully—frozen chunks won’t bake evenly.
- Skipping the crunchy topping—it’s the signature of funeral potatoes!
- Overbaking—this can dry out the creamy filling. Stick to 40–45 minutes.
- Using too much butter in topping—this can make it greasy instead of crisp.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked leftovers for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
- Meal prep: Divide into single-serving containers for easy lunch or dinner reheats.
Conclusion
Funeral Potatoes are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort and crispy crunch. Quick to assemble, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser—this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
👉 Try this recipe, share it with friends and family, and let us know your favorite twist in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious comfort food recipes!
FAQs
Q1: Why are they called Funeral Potatoes?
They’re often served at gatherings after funerals, especially in the Midwest and among LDS communities, because they’re comforting and feed a crowd easily.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
Q3: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Prepare in two 9×13-inch pans for a crowd.
Q4: Can I make this without cornflakes?
Yes—Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips make great alternatives.
Q5: How do I reheat funeral potatoes?
Reheat covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until warmed through.
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