Funeral potatoes have earned their place as one of the most comforting dishes in American home cooking, and once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why families have been making it for generations.
This creamy, cheesy casserole combines tender hash browns with a rich sour cream sauce, topped with a buttery cornflake crust that adds the perfect crunch. I first tasted this Funeral Potatoes Recipe at a church potluck in Utah, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
The name might sound somber, but there’s absolutely nothing sad about this dish. It got its name because it’s traditionally served at gatherings after funerals, bringing comfort and warmth when people need it most.
But don’t wait for a somber occasion to make these. I’ve served them at holiday dinners, Sunday brunches, and casual weeknight meals, and they disappear every single time.
The best part? You can prep everything ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that feeds a bunch without requiring you to stand over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Funeral Potatoes Recipe
This dish hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers and busy cooks alike. The creamy texture combined with that crispy topping creates a contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special cooking skills to pull this off. Everything comes together in one baking dish, which means minimal cleanup after dinner.
Here’s what makes this recipe a keeper:
- Incredibly easy to prepare – Just mix, top, and bake with no complicated steps
- Perfect make-ahead dish – Assemble it the night before and bake when needed
- Feeds a crowd – One pan serves 10-12 people generously
- Customizable – Add bacon, change up the cheese, or adjust the toppings to your taste
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples and freezer ingredients
- Reheats beautifully – Tastes just as good the next day
This cheesy potatoes recipe has become my go-to whenever I need to bring something to a potluck.
Ingredients
You’ll be amazed at how simple the ingredient list is for something that tastes this indulgent. Most of these items are probably already sitting in your pantry or fridge right now.
- 2 pounds frozen hash browns (shredded or cubed), thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier to throw together. Nothing on this list is fancy or hard to find.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Recommended Products for This Recipe
I’ve tested this recipe with dozens of different products over the years, and these are the ones that consistently deliver the best results. Investing in quality ingredients and tools makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.
1. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Baking Dish
This baking dish distributes heat so evenly that you’ll never have cold spots or burnt edges on your funeral potatoes. The enameled surface makes cleanup ridiculously easy, even with all that baked-on cheese. I’ve had mine for over five years and it still looks brand new.
2. Tillamook Sharp Cheddar Cheese
The quality of your cheese makes or breaks this dish, and Tillamook delivers incredible flavor without being greasy. It melts beautifully and adds that sharp, tangy bite that balances the richness of the sour cream. Pre-shredded works, but I recommend buying a block and shredding it yourself for maximum meltability.
3. Ore-Ida Shredded Hash Browns
Not all frozen hash browns are created equal, and Ore-Ida consistently gives you fluffy, tender potatoes that don’t turn mushy in the casserole. The shreds are the perfect size for even distribution throughout the dish. Make sure you thaw them completely before mixing for the best texture.
4. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes
The topping is what sets funeral potatoes apart from ordinary potato casseroles, and fresh cornflakes create that addictive golden crust. Stale cereal won’t give you the same crunch. I always keep an extra box in my pantry just for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Taking your time with each step ensures you’ll end up with perfectly creamy potatoes and that signature crunchy topping. Even if you’re new to casseroles, these instructions will guide you through every detail.
1. Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, making sure to get into all the corners
- Set the prepared dish aside while you mix the filling
2. Combine the Creamy Base
- In your large mixing bowl, add the sour cream and cream of chicken soup
- Stir them together with a wooden spoon until completely smooth with no lumps remaining
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the creamy base
- The mixture should look thick and luxurious at this point
3. Add the Potatoes and Onions
- Make sure your hash browns are completely thawed and drained of any excess moisture (pat them dry with paper towels if needed)
- Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl with your creamy mixture
- Toss in the diced onion
- Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring every piece of potato gets coated with the creamy sauce
- Use your hands if needed to make sure everything is evenly combined
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish
- Spread it out evenly with a spatula, pressing gently to eliminate any air pockets
- Smooth the top so it’s level, which helps the casserole bake evenly
- Drizzle ¼ cup of the melted butter evenly over the top of the potato mixture
5. Prepare the Cornflake Topping
- In your medium mixing bowl, add the crushed cornflakes
- Pour the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter over the cornflakes
- Toss with a fork until all the cornflakes are coated with butter
- The cornflakes should glisten but not be soggy
6. Add the Topping and Bake
- Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the entire surface of the casserole
- Don’t pack them down – just let them sit naturally on top for maximum crispiness
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil
- Bake covered for 30 minutes
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling
- The casserole is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out hot and the topping is crispy
7. Rest and Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving
- This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier
- Cut into squares and serve while still hot
You might also enjoy: Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Tips for Success
These little tricks have saved me from casserole disasters more times than I can count. Pay attention to these details and you’ll nail it every time.
Small adjustments can take your funeral potatoes from good to absolutely amazing. Here’s what I’ve learned after making this dish countless times:
- Thaw hash browns completely – Frozen potatoes release too much water and make the casserole watery
- Don’t skip the resting time – Those 10 minutes after baking help the sauce set up perfectly
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Crush cornflakes to medium-sized pieces – Too fine and they get soggy, too large and they don’t create an even crust
- Let the casserole bubble at the edges – This tells you the center is heated through
- Make it ahead – Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, add the topping just before baking
Serving Suggestions
This casserole plays well with just about any protein and pairs beautifully with both casual and elegant meals. The rich, creamy texture balances out lighter dishes perfectly.
Funeral potatoes shine brightest alongside hearty main courses and fresh vegetables. I’ve served them at everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, and they always complement the meal beautifully.
Here are my favorite ways to round out the plate:
- Roasted or grilled chicken with herbs
- Baked ham with a brown sugar glaze
- Air Fryer Bacon for breakfast or brunch
- Green beans with almonds
- Simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Dinner rolls or biscuits to soak up the creamy sauce
- Slow cooker pot roast
- Glazed carrots
Another favorite: Twice Baked Potato Recipe
Variations to Try
Once you master the basic recipe, experimenting with different flavors keeps things interesting. I’ve tried all these variations and they’re all winners.
The beauty of funeral potatoes is how easily they adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative twists I love:
- Bacon lover’s version – Stir in 1 cup of crumbled crispy bacon to the potato mixture
- Spicy kick – Add 1 diced jalapeño and a dash of cayenne pepper to the creamy base
- Ranch style – Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom and add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning
- Loaded potato style – Top with extra cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions before the final bake
- Healthier option – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the butter by half
- Different cheese – Swap cheddar for Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
- Crispy potato chip topping – Replace cornflakes with crushed kettle-cooked potato chips
Read Also: Baked Potato Recipe
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage keeps your leftovers tasting fresh and that topping crispy. I actually think these taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
Follow these guidelines to maintain the best quality:
- Refrigerator storage – Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container; keeps for 3-4 days
- Freezing – Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheating in the oven – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through
- Reheating in the microwave – Heat individual portions for 2-3 minutes, though the topping won’t be as crispy
- Reviving the crunch – Finish reheated portions under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the topping
- Make-ahead tip – Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight; add 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the fridge
Nutritional Facts
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
- Sodium: 625mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While funeral potatoes aren’t exactly health food, several ingredients do offer nutritional value. Understanding what each component brings to the table helps you make informed choices about when and how to enjoy this dish.
Even comfort food can provide some nutritional benefits, and this casserole contains ingredients that contribute to a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation:
- Potatoes – Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6; the fiber in potatoes supports digestive health
- Cheddar cheese – Excellent source of calcium for bone health and protein for muscle maintenance
- Sour cream – Contains probiotics that support gut health and provides calcium and vitamin B12
- Onions – Packed with antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health and immune function
- Garlic – Known for anti-inflammatory properties and potential cardiovascular benefits
Another crowd-pleaser: Potato Casserole Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, absolutely! Peel and shred 2 pounds of russet potatoes, then rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before mixing with the other ingredients. Fresh potatoes give you a slightly different texture but work beautifully in this recipe.
2. Why are they called funeral potatoes?
The name comes from the Mormon tradition of serving this casserole at post-funeral gatherings and potluck dinners. It’s easy to make in large quantities, travels well, and provides comfort during difficult times. Despite the name, they’re enjoyed at all kinds of celebrations and family gatherings.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can create a dairy-free version by using dairy-free sour cream, cashew cream soup, and plant-based cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that creamy, comforting result. Use vegan butter or olive oil for the topping as well.
4. How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
The key is thoroughly thawing and draining your frozen hash browns before mixing them in. Squeeze out any excess moisture using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Also, make sure not to add any extra liquid beyond what’s called for in the recipe.
5. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Definitely! Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of potato soup work wonderfully as substitutes. For a homemade version, make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken or vegetable broth. Each variation brings its own subtle flavor to the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Funeral Potatoes Recipe has everything you want in comfort food – it’s rich, satisfying, and brings people together around the table. The combination of creamy potatoes and that irresistible crunchy topping creates a dish that feels both familiar and special every single time you make it.
I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine. Give it a try for your next family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering, and watch how quickly the pan empties.
Drop a comment below and let me know how yours turned out, or share your favorite variations! I love hearing from fellow potato lovers.
Recommended:
- Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
- Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
- Twice Baked Potato Recipe
- Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- Baked Potato Recipe
- Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Chicken Casserole Recipe
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