If you have a craving for a comforting, cheesy, and slightly crispy casserole that feels like a warm hug from your favorite relative, you’re in the right place. This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is a beloved classic that combines creamy sour cream, tender hash browns, gooey melted cheddar, and a perfectly crunchy cornflake topping. It’s the kind of dish that sneaks into family gatherings and holiday tables, winning hearts with every bite. Whether you’re new to this casserole or a seasoned fan, get ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and your plate disappear fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Funeral Potatoes Recipe is as simple as it is essential. Each one brings its own magic to the table—from creamy tanginess to that irresistible crunch that ties the whole dish together. Trust me, every single element plays a part in the ultimate flavor and texture combination.

2 pounds southern style hash brown potatoes (frozen): The hearty base that gives the dish its tender potato goodness, perfect for soaking up all the creamy flavors.
2 tablespoons minced onions (frozen): Adds a subtle savory note without overwhelming the dish; frozen is convenient and just as tasty.
2 cups sour cream: Gives the potatoes a luscious creaminess and a slight tang that brightens every bite.
10.5 oz cream of chicken soup: Acts as the rich, velvety binder that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
4 tablespoons stick butter (melted): Brings buttery richness that seeps into every forkful.
1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the other ingredients’ natural flavors.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, sharp cheese that turns this casserole into a cheesy dream.
2 1/2 cups corn flake cereal (crushed): Creates the signature crunchy topping that contrasts so nicely with the creamy potatoes.
1/2 cup butter (melted): Mixed with the cereal for a golden, crispy finish that’s ultra-satisfying.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F. Preparing the environment early means everything moves along smoothly once your ingredients are ready. Grab a 9×13 casserole dish and give it a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray—that way, your casserole lifts out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Potatoes and Onions

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the frozen hash browns and minced onions. These two simple ingredients form the backbone of the recipe, setting the stage for all the creamy, cheesy goodness that follows.

Step 3: Mix in the Creamy Components

Add sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to your potato mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so the flavors meld perfectly and every bite promises that rich, indulgent taste we all love.

Step 4: Transfer and Top

Pour your combined ingredients into the prepared casserole dish and spread them evenly. In a smaller bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with the remaining melted butter, then sprinkle this buttery, crunchy topping all over the casserole for that iconic crisp finish.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. During this time, the casserole will bubble, the cheese will melt flawlessly, and the topping will bake to a golden, irresistible crunch that signals it’s ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

While the casserole is fantastic on its own, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley before serving adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbaceous touch that complements the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Funeral potatoes are fantastic paired with simple sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables. These lighter accompaniments balance out the richness and make your meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of fun, try serving this Funeral Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions or layer it with cooked bacon or diced ham in the casserole for an extra savory twist. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to make your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep deliciously for up to 3 days and tastes amazing reheated.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it well with foil and a layer of plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This way, you’ve got a comforting meal ready whenever you want!

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. Adding a few extra minutes can help bring back that crispy topping—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

While frozen southern style hash browns deliver the best convenience and texture, you can use fresh potatoes if you grate and drain them well to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Funeral Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.

What can I do to make the topping extra crispy?

Using crushed corn flakes combined with melted butter is key, but for extra crunch, you can add a handful of panko breadcrumbs or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The traditional Funeral Potatoes Recipe uses corn flakes, which are often gluten-free, but be sure to check the brand you buy. Also, confirm that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free, or opt for a homemade or certified gluten-free version to be safe.

Final Thoughts

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is truly a beloved comfort food experience that brings people together with its creamy, cheesy texture and that unforgettable crispy topping. It’s perfect for family meals, holidays, or whenever you want a dish that feels like a warm, cheesy hug. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it part of your kitchen traditions.

Funeral Potatoes Recipe

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4.2 from 71 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Funeral Potatoes recipe is a comforting casserole featuring crispy hash browns baked in a creamy mixture of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery cornflake crust for added crunch. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy dinners, this dish is both hearty and easy to prepare, delivering delicious home-cooked flavors in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 pounds southern style hash brown potatoes (frozen)
2 tablespoons minced onions (frozen)
2 cups sour cream
10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
4 tablespoons stick butter (melted)
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

2 1/2 cups corn flake cereal (crushed)
1/2 cup butter (melted)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct baking temperature before cooking the casserole.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Combine Potatoes and Onions: In a large mixing bowl, place the frozen southern style hash brown potatoes and frozen minced onions and gently mix to combine the two ingredients evenly.
Mix Creamy Base: Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the potato and onion mixture. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, well-blended base.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared 9×13 casserole dish and spread evenly.
Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflake cereal with the melted butter until well combined and crumbly.
Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust once baked.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
Ensure the hash browns and onions are not thawed before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor intensity.
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving.
You can add cooked diced ham or bacon for added protein and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American