If you’ve never experienced the cozy, comforting goodness of a Funeral Potatoes Recipe, you’re truly in for a treat. This classic casserole is the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and creamy all rolled into one warm, satisfying dish that feels like a big comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, a family gathering, or simply because you want to make your dinner a little more special, these potatoes bring everyone together with their savory charm and irresistible texture. The layers of tender hash browns, rich sour cream, and gooey cheddar topped with buttery, crunchy corn flakes make this dish a beloved favorite that’s easy to love and even easier to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Funeral Potatoes Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together perfectly to create a creamy, cheesy, and crispy delight. Each one adds a unique flavor or texture that transforms basic potatoes into something indulgent and memorable.
- Frozen diced hash browns: The hearty base of the dish, providing a tender potato texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Cream of chicken soup: Acts as a savory binder that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Melted butter: Brings a rich depth and helps everything stay luscious and smooth; plus, it crisps up the crunchy topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for that gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone craves.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Essential seasonings that enhance and highlight the dish’s flavors.
- Crushed corn flakes: Provide the irresistible golden crunch that tops off the casserole beautifully.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by giving your 9×13 baking dish a good spray with non-stick cooking spray, so nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit — this temperature works perfectly to cook the casserole gently and ensure it’s baked through without drying out.
Step 2: Mix All the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen diced hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and the first stick (half a cup) of melted butter. Stir in those beautiful shredded cheddar cheese shreds and sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for that perfect seasoning. Mix it all together until the ingredients are well-incorporated and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble Into Your Dish
Pour your cheesy potato mixture right into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. You want a nice, even layer of goodness that will bake up consistently throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Take about 2 cups of corn flakes and crush them roughly with your hands or a rolling pin—don’t make them too powdery, you want to keep some texture! Sprinkle this crunchy layer evenly over the top of the potato mixture. Then drizzle 6 tablespoons of melted butter over the corn flakes—it’s this butter that will give you that perfect golden crunch as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into that preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 75 minutes. You’ll want the casserole to be bubbling on the sides, the potatoes to be tender throughout, and the corn flake topping to be browned and crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbake and dry out—this dish rewards patience with incredible texture and flavor.
Step 6: Optional Smoker Method
If you want to add an extra smoky twist to this Funeral Potatoes Recipe, mix all your ingredients as before, but transfer the casserole to a smoker-safe pan. Smoke it at 350 degrees for about an hour. The smoke infuses the casserole with a subtle, mouthwatering flavor, and the top still crisps up beautifully, giving you a whole new way to enjoy this comforting classic.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and fresh flavor, or for a special touch, scatter a few crispy bacon bits over the top for smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. These garnishes make the dish look as good as it tastes and add an extra layer of texture.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, so lighter sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness beautifully. Serve alongside steamed green beans, a tangy coleslaw, or even some crisp apple slices to bring brightness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this into individual servings by baking portions in ramekins or muffin tins, perfect for potlucks or meal prepping. You can also top the casserole with different cheeses like pepper jack for a little heat, or add a handful of caramelized onions into the mix for extra savory sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. These casserole leftovers taste just as amazing the next day and make great reheated side dishes or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This Funeral Potatoes Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it first—wrap the covered dish tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if it’s still chilly inside.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick fix, or warm the whole dish in a 350-degree oven until heated through and the topping crisps back up, about 20-30 minutes. A little extra butter on top before reheating can revive that golden crunch perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While you certainly can, using frozen diced hash browns is easier and ensures consistent texture. Fresh potatoes may require pre-cooking to avoid excess moisture and to achieve the creamy yet sturdy texture this dish is famous for.
Is cream of chicken soup necessary?
Cream of chicken soup adds both moisture and savory flavor that helps bind the ingredients. If you prefer, cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce can be substituted, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use a vegetarian cream soup alternative (like cream of mushroom), and skip any meat toppings. The dish is already rich and flavorful enough to shine on its own.
How do I get the topping extra crispy?
Drizzling melted butter evenly over the crushed corn flakes before baking is the secret to that perfect crispy topping. You can also broil for a minute or two at the end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Can I add other mix-ins like onions or peppers?
Definitely! Diced onions, green peppers, or even jalapeños can add layers of flavor and a little kick. Just sauté them first to soften before mixing them in to keep the perfect casserole texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Funeral Potatoes Recipe inspires you to bring a little extra warmth and joy to your table. It’s proof that simple comfort food, made with love and just the right touch of cheesy, creamy, and crunchy, becomes an instant classic everyone will ask for again and again. So grab those hash browns and get ready to enjoy one of the most heartwarming dishes ever created!
Print
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Funeral Potatoes is a comforting, cheesy casserole made with simple ingredients like hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy cornflake topping. This classic side dish is baked until golden and bubbly, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holidays.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb bag of frozen southern style/diced hash browns
- 16 oz of sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) of melted butter
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
Topping
- 2 cups of crushed corn flakes
- 6 tablespoons of melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the main ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter (1 stick), shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out smoothly.
- Add the topping: Crush about 2 cups of corn flakes and evenly spread them over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Apply melted butter to topping: Drizzle or pour 6 tablespoons of melted butter over the crushed corn flakes, ensuring the topping will crisp and brown during baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through, tender, and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Optional smoking method: For a smoky flavor, prepare the potato mixture as above and transfer it to a smoker-safe dish. Smoke at 350°F for about 1 hour, or until the casserole is tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven or smoker, let cool slightly, then serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian alternative and use vegetable broth based options.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences; adding onion powder or cayenne pepper can add extra flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- The smoked version gives the dish a unique, rich flavor ideal for backyard cookouts or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
