If you have a soft spot for cozy, cheesy casseroles that feel like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore this Funeral Potatoes Recipe. This classic American comfort food combines crispy golden hash browns, creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and a satisfyingly crunchy cornflake topping in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or simply because you crave something hearty and delicious, this recipe never fails to delight with its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so reassuring about a Funeral Potatoes Recipe built on simple, comforting ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy base to the crispy topping, to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
- Frozen diced hash brown potatoes: Thawed to ensure even baking and the perfect potato texture throughout.
- Sour cream: Adds creamy tanginess that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Provides richness and a smooth, velvety base.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings luscious flavor and helps bind ingredients; also essential for crisping the topping.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness balances the creaminess and adds satisfying gooey pockets.
- Finely chopped onion: Offers a mild bite and subtle sweetness in every forkful.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Just enough seasoning to bring out the best in every component.
- Cornflakes cereal, slightly crushed: Creates a wonderfully crunchy, golden topping that’s pure comfort food magic.
- Unsalted butter, melted (for topping): Coats the cornflakes for perfectly toasted crispiness.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. In a large mixing bowl, mix the thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, shredded cheddar, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This step ensures every bite has creamy, cheesy potato goodness.
Step 2: Spread the Mixture
Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Getting an even layer helps it bake uniformly and ensures you end up with that signature creamy yet firm texture throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with melted butter until all flakes are coated. This buttery coating is the secret to achieving that golden, crispy crust on top that makes the dish so addictive. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the potato layer.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 40 to 45 minutes or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cornflake topping turns a beautiful golden brown. When you pull it out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this helps it set and makes serving a breeze!
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Funeral Potatoes Recipe shines even brighter when finished with simple garnishes. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a handful of crispy bacon bits on top for a pop of color and extra savory flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Side Dishes
This cheesy potato casserole pairs wonderfully with classic holiday mains like roast turkey or ham but also complements simple green salads or steamed veggies. Think of it as the ultimate crowd-pleasing side that brings balance and bold comfort to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz it up? Serve individual portions in mini ramekins and top each with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs. Or, add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers into the mix for a colorful twist. This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is a canvas for your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your Funeral Potatoes Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes fantastic reheated—sometimes even better the next day when the flavors have melded further.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it’s cooked and cooled. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20–25 minutes. To maintain the delightful crunch of the cornflake topping, you can broil for a couple of minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
FAQs
Can I make this Funeral Potatoes Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the condensed cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. This small change keeps the creamy texture while making it suitable for vegetarians without sacrificing flavor.
What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?
While cornflakes are traditional and give that perfect crunch, you can use crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a tasty alternative topping.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can work, frozen diced hash browns are ideal because they’re pre-cooked and bind well with the creamy ingredients. If using fresh potatoes, be sure to parboil and dice them first for best results.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just choose a gluten-free cream soup option and use gluten-free cornflakes or another gluten-free crunchy topping. This keeps the recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I add more flavor to this Funeral Potatoes Recipe?
Try stirring in some cooked bacon, diced green chilies, or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost. You might also add extra sharp cheddar or even a little Parmesan on top before baking for a richer taste.
Final Thoughts
This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style because it’s just pure comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and guaranteed to gather everyone around the table with smiles. I hope you give it a try soon and make it one of your favorite go-to casseroles for any occasion!
Print
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Funeral Potatoes is a classic American cheesy potato casserole that combines creamy sour cream, crispy hash browns, and a crunchy cornflake topping. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or simple weeknight meals, offering a rich and satisfying flavor with melted cheddar cheese and a golden, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal, slightly crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a flat and uniform layer for even cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter, stirring until the cornflakes are well coated with butter.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the top of the potato mixture to create a crispy, golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon paprika or sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
