There’s a reason why Funeral Potatoes are the darling of potlucks, holiday gatherings, and, yes, even somber family events: they’re unapologetically creamy, irresistibly cheesy, and covered in a buttery, golden crunch that guests can never resist. This is comfort food at its finest, offering up layers of texture and rich flavors in every bite. Whether you’re new to this classic casserole or it’s already in your regular rotation, prepare to fall in love with Funeral Potatoes all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Funeral Potatoes is how easily a handful of pantry staples come together to make pure magic. Every ingredient plays an important part, from the creamy base to the crispy, golden topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30-ounce bag): The foundation—thawed for even mixing, they soak up all the creamy goodness and bake up tender.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds silky, savory richness and binds all the ingredients together; substitute with cream of mushroom or celery for a vegetarian version.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Ensures tanginess and that trademark creamy texture everyone loves.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): For oozy, melty, unmistakable cheesy flavor.
- Chopped yellow onion (½ cup): Brings a gently sweet sharpness and extra bite.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a gentle garlicky warmth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the classic flavors in this comforting dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For subtle, earthy depth—just the right amount.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted + 2 tablespoons melted): The secret to both a silky potato mixture and a crisp, golden cornflake crown.
- Crushed cornflakes (2 cups): Create that iconic crispy topping, which contrasts beautifully with all that creaminess below.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures nothing sticks and that your Funeral Potatoes lift out beautifully for serving.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, toss in the thawed hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and ¼ cup melted butter. Stir everything together until well blended—the goal is for every potato strand to be coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to get a smooth top, which makes it easier to pile on that irresistible cornflake topping in the next step.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, stirring until the flakes are completely coated. Sprinkle this evenly over the potato mixture, making sure you hit every corner—the contrast in textures is what makes Funeral Potatoes so dreamy!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are bubbling and the cornflake topper is deeply golden and crisp. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving—if you can resist!
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes
Garnishes
A final flourish can make Funeral Potatoes really pop on any table. Try sprinkling fresh chopped chives, parsley, or even thinly sliced green onions over the top right before serving. These bright, fresh greens give a burst of color and add just the right hint of herbal flavor to complement all that richness.
Side Dishes
This comforting casserole pairs effortlessly with roasted meats like ham or turkey, making it a staple for holiday feasts. Keep it simple with a side of steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or buttery peas to round out your meal and balance the creamy decadence of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress a crowd, portion the Funeral Potatoes into individual ramekins before baking for adorable, ready-to-serve minis. For a brunch twist, serve with eggs and bacon, or top with diced cooked ham for a heartier one-dish meal. You can even spoon leftovers into a breakfast burrito—trust me, it’s a game changer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Funeral Potatoes tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making for excellent next-day snacking or quick lunches.
Freezing
Funeral Potatoes freeze wonderfully. Once cooled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and a layer of foil, or portion into airtight containers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the cornflake topping, then sprinkle it on just before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the casserole (covered with foil to prevent excessive browning) in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. For smaller servings, a quick stint in the microwave works well. If you can, add a bit of fresh cornflake topping before reheating to restore the signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (minus the cornflake topping) up to a day in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and proceed as directed.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. This minor tweak keeps the flavor rich and satisfying while making Funeral Potatoes vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
You can! Just shred peeled russet potatoes and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and blot dry. This step removes excess starch and prevents the casserole from becoming gummy.
What is the origin of the name “Funeral Potatoes”?
The dish earned its unique name because it’s a beloved staple at community gatherings following funerals in the American Midwest and West. It’s comforting, feeds a crowd, and is a symbol of caring in times of need.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely. Diced ham, cooked bacon, or even leftover rotisserie chicken can be stirred in with the base for a heartier version of Funeral Potatoes that turns this classic side into a satisfying main.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Funeral Potatoes, you’ll understand why they’re the ultimate comfort casserole. With their creamy texture, crispy topping, and homestyle flavor, they have a way of making any gathering feel a little warmer and a lot more delicious. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your favorite people and dig in!
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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Funeral Potatoes is a classic comfort food casserole featuring creamy hash browns, cheese, and a crunchy cornflake topping. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a side for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Spread Mixture: Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, coat cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle over the potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Add diced ham or cooked bacon for additional flavor and protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
