Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole with a crispy, buttery cornflake topping. Made with simple ingredients like sour cream, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup, this classic comfort food is rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make homemade funeral potatoes with simple step-by-step instructions. From preparing the creamy potato mixture to creating the golden, crunchy topping, every step is easy to follow for a delicious casserole.
1. Funeral Potatoes Recipe (Yield: 12 Servings)
Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns, diced or shredded, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup, or homemade
- 10 tablespoons butter, divided and melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal
Equipment
- 9×13-inch metal baking dish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch metal baking dish with a small amount of butter or nonstick cooking spray. This will make it easier to scoop the casserole out after baking.
If you are using frozen hash browns, make sure they are completely thawed before mixing them with the other ingredients. Excess moisture from partially frozen potatoes can make the casserole watery. Once thawed, gently drain or pat them dry with paper towels if they seem particularly wet.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons of the melted butter, salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion. Stir until everything is evenly combined and the mixture is smooth.
Add the thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are well coated and the cheese is distributed throughout. Be careful not to mash the potatoes as you mix.
Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it into an even layer and gently smooth the top with a spatula.
Place the cornflakes in a separate bowl and lightly crush them with your hands. You want smaller pieces rather than fine crumbs so that the topping retains some texture. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter and stir until the cornflakes are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the top of the potato mixture. Try to cover the entire surface so every portion gets some of the crunchy topping.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crisp.
Remove the funeral potatoes from the oven and let them rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the creamy filling to settle slightly, making the casserole easier to scoop.
2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Funeral Potatoes
Thaw the hash browns completely. This is one of the most important steps. Frozen potatoes can release extra water as they cook, which may leave the casserole too loose. Thawing them first helps create a creamier and more consistent texture.
Choose shredded or diced hash browns. Both varieties work well. Shredded potatoes create a softer, more cohesive casserole, while diced hash browns give the finished dish a little more texture. Use whichever style your family prefers.
Shred the cheese yourself when possible. Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. Sharp cheddar is especially good if you want a stronger cheesy flavor.
Do not over-crush the cornflakes. The topping is meant to add crunch and contrast to the creamy potatoes. Crushing the cereal into very fine crumbs can make the topping less interesting. Aim for small, irregular pieces.
Spread the topping evenly. An even layer of buttered cornflakes helps every serving have a crisp, golden topping. Avoid piling all of the cereal in the center of the casserole.
Watch the casserole near the end of baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking around the 40-minute mark. The casserole is ready when it is bubbling and heated through and the topping has turned golden brown.
Let it rest before cutting or scooping. Allowing the casserole to sit for several minutes after baking helps the creamy mixture firm up slightly. It also reduces the chance of burning your mouth on the very hot filling.
Use a homemade cream sauce if preferred. Cream of chicken soup provides convenience and classic flavor, but a homemade version can be used if you prefer to make the casserole completely from scratch.
Make it ahead when needed. The potato mixture can be assembled ahead of time and kept refrigerated until you are ready to bake it. Keep the cornflake topping separate until baking so it stays crisp rather than becoming soggy.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Why are funeral potatoes called funeral potatoes?
The name comes from the tradition of serving this comforting casserole at funeral luncheons and gatherings, particularly in parts of the American West. The dish became associated with these occasions because it is inexpensive, filling, easy to prepare in large quantities, and well suited to feeding a crowd.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. Cheddar is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other good melting cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar-Jack blend can give the casserole a slightly different flavor while maintaining its creamy, cheesy character.
Can I make funeral potatoes without chicken soup?
Yes. Cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade creamy sauce can be used instead. Keep in mind that changing the soup will slightly alter the flavor of the finished casserole.
Why did my casserole turn out watery?
Excess moisture is usually the main reason. Hash browns that have not been thoroughly thawed and drained can release water during baking. Sour cream and other ingredients can also contribute moisture, so making sure your potatoes are properly thawed is an important first step.
Can I freeze leftover funeral potatoes?
You can freeze them, although the texture may change slightly after thawing because dairy-based casseroles can become somewhat softer. For the best texture, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven until warmed through.
4. Nutrition Information
The following nutrition information is an estimate for one serving, based on 12 servings and the ingredients listed in the recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Calcium | 190 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
The best funeral potatoes recipe is a simple, comforting casserole that combines creamy potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a golden cornflake topping. With basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, it is an easy recipe to keep on hand whenever you need a hearty side dish for a crowd.
Whether you choose shredded or diced hash browns, the key is to thaw the potatoes thoroughly and give the casserole enough time to become hot and bubbly. Once you master this classic version, it is easy to make it part of your regular family recipe collection.
