Hey everyone, and welcome back to scooks.com! Let’s talk about true, unadulterated comfort food. I’m talking about the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, that disappears in minutes at a potluck, and that your family will ask for again and again. For me, that dish is this incredible Funeral Potatoes Recipe.
Now, don’t let the name fool you! While these cheesy potatoes are a staple at gatherings of all kinds, their legendary status comes from just how ridiculously delicious they are. We’re talking about a dreamy, creamy base of shredded potatoes, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. And the best part? That signature topping! A buttery, shatteringly crisp layer of corn flakes provides the most satisfying crunch in every single bite. It’s a classic for a reason, and I can’t wait to share my tried-and-true version with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Ultimate Comfort Food
Honestly, does it get any better than this? Creamy, cheesy, and so satisfyingly rich, this casserole is pure happiness in a baking dish. It’s my go-to whenever I need a little pick-me-up or want to bring something guaranteed to make people smile.
Incredibly Easy to Make
You are going to love how simple this is. With easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have, this is the definition of a “dump-and-bake” recipe. It comes together in just a few minutes of active prep time, and then the oven does all the hard work!
Perfect for a Crowd
This is a potluck superstar! This Funeral Potatoes Recipe easily doubles (or triples!) to feed a big group and travels beautifully. Trust me when I say, you will never bring home leftovers. It’s always the first dish to go!
Make-Ahead Champion
Hosting a holiday or a big get-together? This is your secret weapon for a stress-free day. You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, pop it in the fridge or freezer, and then just bake it when you’re ready. Check out our storage section below for all the details.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the store.
For the Potato Casserole:
- 30 oz Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: Note: Thawing is key! Seriously, don’t skip this. See our Pro Tips below. Diced hash browns (potatoes O’Brien style) also work well if you like a chunkier texture.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can Cream of Chicken Soup: Substitution: For a different flavor, feel free to use cream of mushroom or cream of celery. For a from-scratch version, you can use a homemade cream soup base.
- 2 cups Full-Fat Sour Cream: Substitution: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt can be used in a pinch for a similar tang and creaminess.
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted:
- 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided: Substitution: Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a fancy Gruyère blend are absolutely delicious alternatives.
- 1 small Yellow Onion, finely diced: Substitution: If you have picky eaters or just want a smoother texture, 1 teaspoon of onion powder can be used instead.
- 1 tsp Salt & ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper:
For the Crunchy Cornflake Topping:
- 2 cups Corn Flakes Cereal: Substitution: Don’t have corn flakes? Crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips make a great crunchy topping.
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make the best casserole of your life? Let’s do this!
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Go ahead and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar (we’re saving some for the top!), the ½ cup of melted butter for the casserole, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly incorporated and looking creamy.
- Assemble: Pour that glorious potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into a nice, even layer. Now, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese all over the top.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate, smaller bowl, gently crush the corn flakes with your hands. You want some nice, textured pieces, not a fine dust! Pour the ¼ cup of melted butter for the topping over the corn flakes and give it a little toss to make sure every piece is coated in that buttery goodness.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered corn flakes evenly over the cheese layer. Pop the dish into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is a beautiful golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: This might be the hardest part! Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This little rest allows it to set up, which makes it so much easier to scoop and serve those perfect portions.
Baker’s Tips for Success
Don’t Skip Thawing the Potatoes
I’m going to say it one more time because it’s the most important step! Thawing your frozen hash browns prevents a watery casserole and ensures everything cooks evenly. The easiest way is to just leave the bag in the fridge overnight. In a pinch? Spread them on a baking sheet on the counter for about an hour.
Grate Your Own Cheese
For the absolute smoothest, creamiest, meltiest cheese, please do yourself a favor and buy a block of cheddar to grate yourself. Those bags of pre-shredded cheese contain anti-caking agents that can sometimes result in a slightly grainy texture. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference!
Sauté the Onions
If you prefer a milder, sweeter onion flavor (or if you’re sensitive to raw onion), you can quickly sauté the diced onions in a little butter for 3-5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent before adding them to the mixture. Yum!
Customize It!
Feel free to make this Funeral Potatoes Recipe your own! It’s a fantastic base for additions. Try adding in a cup of diced ham, cooked and crumbled bacon, or even a can of drained green chiles for a delicious spicy kick.
Storage Instructions
To Store Leftovers:
- Let the casserole cool completely first. Then, you can either cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To get that topping crispy again, I recommend reheating it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
To Make Ahead (Freeze):
- This is a game-changer for holiday planning! Assemble the potato casserole mixture in a freezer-safe baking dish, but do not add the topping. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- To bake, remove the plastic wrap but keep the foil on. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil, add the freshly prepared cornflake topping, and bake for another 30-40 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are they called “Funeral Potatoes”?
It’s a bit of a somber name for such a happy dish, right? This comforting and easy-to-serve casserole became a staple at post-funeral luncheons and community potlucks, particularly within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community in the American Intermountain West. The name just kind of stuck, but I promise this dish is beloved for all occasions!
Can I make Funeral Potatoes without canned soup?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of canned soup, you can create a simple homemade cream sauce. Just melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make a roux, and cook for one minute. Then, slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of milk or half-and-half until it’s smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder, and use it in place of the canned soup.
My casserole turned out watery. What went wrong?
Oh no! This is almost always caused by one thing: using hash browns that were still frozen or not fully thawed. When they bake, the excess water from the ice crystals is released, leading to a soupy result. For this recipe to work, you have to be sure to thaw them completely and even pat them dry with a paper towel if they seem overly wet.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! This is a great option to free up oven space. Just mix all the casserole ingredients as directed and place them in a greased slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. To keep the topping crunchy, add the buttered corn flakes during the last 15 minutes of cooking and leave the lid slightly ajar.
Conclusion
Whether you call them Funeral Potatoes, Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, or simply Party Potatoes, this dish is a timeless American classic for a reason. It’s the perfect side for your Easter or Christmas table, the undeniable star of any potluck, and the cozy, comforting meal your family will crave on a chilly night. We truly hope you love this Funeral Potatoes Recipe as much as we do here at scooks.com!
If you make it, please don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment below to let us know how it turned out!
I am a passionate recipe developer and food enthusiast specializing in heart-warming traditional dishes and simple, everyday meals. My goal is to inspire you to find joy and confidence in the kitchen through my easy-to-follow recipes.