Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30 oz package of traditional frozen hash browns (thawed for 20 mins); ½ large yellow onion, chopped; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; 2 cups sour cream; 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 3 cups corn flakes, crushed

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 13 reviews

There’s just something magical about Funeral Potatoes—they’re the sort of warm, cheesy, comfort-filled casserole that calls for second helpings at every gathering. The creamy base, crispy golden topping, and hearty potato filling create the ultimate side dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck with friends, these beloved potatoes are as easy to prepare as they are to devour. Let me share exactly why this dish has become a favorite in my kitchen—and why you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every cozy, comforting occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Funeral Potatoes come together with a handful of simple, powerhouse ingredients—each adding its own little spark of flavor, texture, or comfort to the casserole. This medley is what delivers that unbeatable cheesy, creamy, crunchy bite every single time.

Frozen Hash Browns: The backbone of the dish. Pre-shredded hash browns save time and soak up all that cheesy, creamy goodness, so be sure to let them thaw a bit for easy mixing.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; sautéed in butter, it mellows and flavors every bite.
Butter: Used to sauté the onion, it infuses richness and a hint of decadence.
Salt, Black Pepper, and Garlic Powder: This trio seasons the casserole perfectly; don’t skip the garlic powder—it amps up that comfort food flavor.
Sour Cream: The secret to a luxuriously creamy, tangy filling; use full-fat if you can for the best results.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, binding everything together and creating that irresistible cheese pull.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Makes the base ultra-creamy and savory; if you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom or even homemade condensed soup.
Corn Flakes: Crushed and sprinkled over the top, this is the magic touch for crunch and visual appeal; some swaps include crushed French onions or even Doritos for fun.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by heating one tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until it’s soft and fragrant, about five minutes. This simple step unlocks a mellow sweetness in the onion, which melts into the casserole and adds that perfect homey flavor.

Step 2: Mix Up the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and your just-cooked onions. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed—don’t worry if it takes a little muscle! Mixing well ensures that every forkful is loaded with cheesy, creamy potato goodness.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the potato mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, then carefully take it out and give the casserole a really thorough stir. This helps keep the texture creamy and prevents any dry spots.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling

After stirring, pop the casserole back in the oven and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until you see it bubbling around the edges and right in the middle. Bubbling is your cue that everything is melting together in cheesy harmony, and your Funeral Potatoes are almost ready to devour!

Step 5: Top and Finish

Take the casserole out once more and evenly sprinkle the crushed corn flakes over the hot surface. Return it to the oven for just five minutes—watching closely—so the topping turns golden and crunchy without burning. This crispy layer is absolute comfort food perfection.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove your casserole from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before scooping out generous portions. These Funeral Potatoes are best enjoyed piping hot, with that freshly crisped topping still crackling.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chopped chives or green onions over the top is a classic garnish for Funeral Potatoes, offering a pop of color and a little zingy freshness to balance the richness. You could also add a sprinkle of paprika, or even a light drizzle of hot sauce for a touch of heat!

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair beautifully with everything from classic barbecue brisket to roast chicken or ham at holiday feasts. I love them alongside a simple green salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted veggies for some balance and crunch on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Funeral Potatoes family-style in the original casserole dish, or spoon them into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation at a dinner party. For a potluck, try baking them in a disposable foil pan (easy clean-up!), or topping half with jalapeños or diced ham for a fun flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Funeral Potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. They hold up well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making them a meal prep favorite. The texture stays creamy, and the flavor just gets better as the ingredients mingle.

Freezing

You can freeze Funeral Potatoes either before baking (just skip the cornflake topping until ready to bake) or after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. To bake from frozen, add the topping and bake covered until hot, then uncover to crisp the top in the final minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and the topping regains its crunch—about 20 minutes, covered in foil for the first half to prevent drying. You can also microwave individual portions, though the topping won’t be quite as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken, and double-check your other ingredients for any hidden meat products. The casserole stays just as creamy, rich, and delicious.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can, but you’ll want to peel and grate your potatoes, then soak and drain them to remove excess starch and moisture. This keeps the casserole from getting soggy. Frozen hash browns are a great shortcut that ensures reliability, but fresh works in a pinch.

Do Funeral Potatoes have to include corn flakes?

Not at all! While the crispy cornflake topping is a signature touch, you can use crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, French fried onions, or even crumbled potato chips for equally tasty results. Each option adds its own unique crunch and flavor.

Can I prep Funeral Potatoes a day in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole (just wait to add the corn flake topping), cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add the crushed topping right before popping it into the oven, and maybe tack on a few extra minutes of baking time to heat through.

What’s the story behind the name ‘Funeral Potatoes’?

This iconic casserole earned its name from its presence at gatherings after funerals, especially in the American Midwest and Mountain West. It’s beloved comfort food, easy to make in big batches and always appreciated at potlucks and family dinners alike.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, there’s nothing quite like the cheesy, crispy, creamy goodness of Funeral Potatoes. Whether you’re sharing them at a family table or bringing them to a gathering, these potatoes are a guaranteed hit every single time. Don’t wait for an excuse—add this recipe to your rotation, and watch it disappear!