Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Name: Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
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))

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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.

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!

Step-by-step photos and instructions are below. Jump to the recipe card if you wish!

A close-up of a creamy, cheesy potato casserole topped with crispy golden cornflake crumbs.

Why you’ll love this

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!

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!

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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.

FAQs

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.

Step-by-step photos and tips and tricks are below. Jump to the full recipe card instead

Close-up of a baked funeral potato casserole with a crispy cornflake topping, partially scooped out to reveal the creamy potato filling underneath, garnished with parsley.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Note: This highlights some ingredients. Full list is in the recipe card.

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.

A top-down view of labeled ingredients for funeral potatoes, including hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, onion, sour cream, butter, salt and pepper, cheddar cheese, and cornflakes.

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How to make Funeral Potatoes

This is a step-by-step photo guide. Full ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.

Jump

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.

A bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, and seasonings, with text on the image saying "Add the hash browns, chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, cheese and seasonings."

A bowl of potato mixture blended together, with text on the image saying "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.

A bowl of crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter, with text on the image saying "Mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter."

Crushed cornflake topping being sprinkled over the potato mixture in a baking dish, with text on the image saying "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.

A baking dish filled with potato casserole topped with crushed cornflakes, with text on the image saying "Cover and cook until tender."

Baked funeral potatoes with a golden cornflake topping and parsley garnish, with text on the image saying "Cover and bake 45 minutes until top is golden brown and 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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About Kylee Ayotte

I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Meet Kylee