You know a dish is legendary when it gets served at potlucks, holidays, and, yes—even funerals. But don’t let the name fool you—Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, buttery, and topped with a golden crunchy crust that’ll make you swoon. One bite and you’ll understand why people request these again and again.
Why You’ll Love Funeral Potatoes
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re celebrating, reminiscing, or just trying to survive a chaotic Tuesday. It’s warm, familiar, and ridiculously easy to make with minimal prep and maximum payoff. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one!
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Want to nail this dish on your very first try? Here are some insider secrets:
- Let the hash browns thaw slightly so they’re easier to mix.
- Use sharp cheddar for that rich, cheesy bite.
- Bake uncovered so the topping gets irresistibly crispy and golden.
- Want a deeper flavor? Add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped green onions.
Ingredients
1. 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
2. 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
3. 2 cups sour cream
4. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
5. 1/2 cup melted butter
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
7. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8. 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
9. 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold in the thawed hash browns until everything’s evenly coated.
4. Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter.
6. Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until hot and golden brown on top.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The beauty of this recipe lies in its texture—crispy where it should be, creamy where it matters. The crunchy cornflake topping gives a buttery contrast to the velvety, cheesy center. Every bite is a mouthful of warmth, with just the right hit of salt and tang from the sour cream. It’s simple, but it so works.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes
This dish pairs wonderfully with baked ham, roast chicken, or holiday turkey. But don’t stop there—it’s just as at home next to grilled veggies or even on its own with a simple green salad. And let’s be honest… you will be sneaking spoonfuls straight from the dish.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Don’t let leftovers go to waste! You can:
- Scoop leftovers into muffin tins, top with a little extra cheese, and bake for individual potato bites.
- Add cooked bacon or sausage and turn it into a next-day breakfast casserole.
- Reheat and stuff into quesadillas with extra cheese and chopped onions.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to level-up your Funeral Potatoes:
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
- Add a handful of diced ham or rotisserie chicken to make it a main dish.
- Want a spicy twist? Add chopped green chiles or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Make It a Showstopper (Presentation Ideas)
Want to wow your guests? Serve it in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm, and sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color. You can even swap the cornflakes for panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers if you want a gourmet upgrade. Fancy or cozy—it’s your call!
FAQ’s
1. Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish (without the topping) up to a day in advance. Add the topping just before baking.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly before baking and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
3. What can I use instead of cornflakes?
Try panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even crushed potato chips for fun crunch.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute cream of chicken with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
5. How long do leftovers last?
About 3–4 days in the fridge, tightly covered.
6. Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Totally—add diced ham, cooked chicken, or crumbled sausage.
7. What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a swap, but the flavor will be slightly tangier.
8. How do I reheat Funeral Potatoes?
Pop it in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
9. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but you’ll need to shred and parboil them first for a similar texture.
10. Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure your soup and cornflakes (or topping of choice) are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Funeral Potatoes are more than a comfort food—they’re a tradition, a warm hug in a dish, and a reliable side that never disappoints. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, potluck, or just because you need some carb-loaded joy, this dish always hits the spot. Now go on and make a batch—you’re going to fall hard for these cheesy, crispy, comforting potatoes.
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Funeral Potatoes
Description
These Creamy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish! Made with tender hash browns, melty cheese, and a crunchy buttery topping, this beloved casserole is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you need a warm, cozy classic on your plate. Easy to make and impossible to resist. #FuneralPotatoes #CheesyCasserole #ComfortFoodSide
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion, 1/4 cup melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the thawed hash browns until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup to make it vegetarian.
- Try adding diced ham or cooked bacon for a heartier twist.
- Swap cornflakes with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different topping.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.