Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! A creamy, cheesy potato casserole topped with a crispy cornflake crust.
Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a little extra warmth on your plate. It’s loaded with shredded potatoes in a rich, cheesy sauce and finished off with a crunchy cornflake topping.
We love potatoes around here. Try these super flavorful Greek Lemon Potatoes, Smashed Oven Potatoes, Mississippi Mud Potatoes or these amazing Lyonnaise Potatoes.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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This is the ultimate cheesy funeral potatoes recipe! My creamy hash brown casserole features a crunchy corn flake topping, making it the perfect side dish for any gathering.
I’ve been making variations of this recipe for years, and I like to serve it at Thanksgiving and Christmas as an alternative to mashed potatoes, since this is super easy to make ahead and makes a great side dish.
This dish is all about that rich, cheesy potato goodness with a crunchy topping that everyone loves.
I call this recipe party potatoes and funeral potatoes interchangeably!
Why is it called “Funeral Potatoes”?
I know, it seems a little dark to call them that! Funeral Potatoes got their name because they’re often served at gatherings after funerals. Known for being comforting, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this cheesy potato casserole quickly became a staple dish for large gatherings. But, the name stuck, even though it’s now enjoyed at all kinds of events, from a simple family get together to holiday meals.
This is a great recipe for a crowd and a family favorite, and we hope you love this recipe!
Variations
Bacon and Chive
Add crumbled bacon and chopped chives for a savory twist.
Spicy Mix in diced green chilies or jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper to add a little heat.
Ham and Swiss
Toss in diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese for a heartier version with a different cheesy flavor.
Ranch
Stir in a packet of ranch seasoning for a creamy, herbed flavor that adds a tangy depth to the dish.
Broccoli Cheddar
Add steamed broccoli florets and extra cheddar cheese for a comforting veggie twist.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make. Simple ingredients and easy steps mean you’ll have this ready in no time! Make this recipe ahead and it is ready to bake when you are.
- Perfect for gatherings. Great for a potluck, family dinners, and holiday feasts—there’s never a bad time for this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use freshly grated potatoes. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before using.
What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?
You can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers as a substitute for cornflakes.
Can you freeze funeral potatoes?
Yes! Prep as directed but, don’t add the topping. Wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze. Bake from frozen (add the topping) then cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
Remember: this is just an overview and the why of the ingredients I choose here. The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Shredded hash browns. Provides the base for the casserole. Freshly grated potatoes can be used as well. If using frozen hashbrowns, make sure they are thawed before cooking.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup. Cream of mushroom soup, or cream of celery soup can be used as substitutes. Or use my homemade cream of chicken soup.
- Sour cream. Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative.
- Butter. Unsalted butter can be used if preferred, but adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Onion. You can use green onions for a milder taste.
- Shredded cheddar cheese. Any melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby can be used. I like sharp cheddar cheese, personally.
- Cornflakes. Panko breadcrumbs. crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers can be used as substitutes for corn flakes.
How to make Funeral Potatoes
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Thaw the hash brown potatoes. Let the potatoes thaw in the refrigerator overnight or spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes, until thawed.
Chop the onion and measure out the remaining ingredients.
Mix the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish (I use cooking spray).
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Serve
Serve hot as a side dish or main course. Enjoy!
Kylee’s Notes
If your oven runs hot, cover your potatoes with aluminum foil and bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove to finish baking and browning.
Use fresh onion. Freshly chopped onion adds more flavor and texture than dried onion.
Add some spice. For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the potato mixture.
Make it ahead. Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerator: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave.
Freezing instructions
Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight
To make ahead: Prep as directed but, don’t add the topping. Wrap, and freeze. Bake from frozen (add the topping) then cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes.
More crowd-friendly dishes:
Tuna Noodle Casserole. This old-time classic will bring you right back to childhood. It is budget-friendly and easy to double for a crowd!
- Meatball Casserole. This recipe has just FOUR ingredients and comes together fast. A super easy family dinner you can feel good about, coming right up!
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Easy, creamy, cheesy, and budget-friendly dish that comes together in minutes and is ready to serve a crowd on a busy weeknight. Made with cooked chicken, bacon, cheese, and a delicious creamy sauce, full of flavor, and yummy cracker topping this is the epitome of comfort food!
- Potatoes au Gratin (with Bacon). Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy sauce packed with garlic, cheese and bacon. Topped with cheese and baked until crispy, this is the is the perfect side dish!
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Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients
- 30 oz shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup ( )
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cornflakes (crushed)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted (for topping))
Directions
Get Prepped
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw the 30 oz shredded hash brown potatoes. Let the potatoes thaw in the refrigerator overnight or spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes, until thawed.
- Chop the onion and measure out the remaining ingredients.
Mix
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup, 2 cups sour cream, 1/2 cup butter (melted), 1/2 cup onion, 2 cups cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble
- Spread the potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the 2 cups cornflakes (crushed) with 1/4 cup butter (melted). Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Serve
- Serve hot, and enjoy!
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Notes
- Use fresh onion. Freshly chopped onion adds more flavor and texture than dried onion.
- Add some spice. For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the potato mixture.
- Make it ahead. Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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