If you’ve never met a side dish that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, the Funeral Potatoes Recipe will be your new best friend. This creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crunchy casserole delivers comfort on a plate, blending tender hash browns with rich cheese and a crispy golden cornflake topping. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering or simply craving something heartwarming on a chilly night, this dish is a must-try that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The image shows a clear glass rectangular baking dish filled with a two-layer dish. The bottom layer is smooth and creamy white, covering the whole base evenly. On top, there is a thick, uneven layer of bright orange crushed cornflakes spread all over, giving a crunchy texture. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Funeral Potatoes Recipe begins with simple, straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy base to the crispy topping, every element plays a role in creating a dish that’s equal parts cozy and delightful.

½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the casserole, helping bind everything together.
14.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: The creamy, savory foundation that lends depth and smoothness.
1 ½ cups sour cream: Provides tang and extra creaminess for that perfect comfort food mouthfeel.
8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Boosts the creamy texture and adds a subtle richness that’s simply irresistible.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle kick that wakes up the dish.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a hint of savory warmth without overpowering.
¾ cup yellow onion (grated): Offers subtle sweetness and a delicate crunch that melds beautifully into the mix.
2 cups cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and full of character, this cheese is the heart of the casserole.
32 ounces frozen shredded or cubed hash browns (thawed): The star ingredient, providing a tender, starchy base full of comforting flavor.
2 ½ cups corn flakes (crushed): Creates the signature crispy and golden crust that crowns this classic dish.
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Mixed into the cornflakes to ensure a perfectly crispy, buttery topping.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Hash Browns

Start by thawing the hash browns in the refrigerator overnight. This step ensures they’ll cook evenly and absorb all those wonderful flavors from the creamy mixture.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Set your oven to 350℉ and lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple preparation will make cleanup a breeze and keep your casserole coming out perfectly.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and grated onion. This velvety mixture is what makes the casserole incredibly moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Hash Browns and Cheese

Add the thawed hash browns and cheddar cheese to the creamy base, folding everything until well incorporated. The cheese adds a sharp kick that complements the tender potatoes perfectly.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornflake Topping

Crush the cornflakes in a large freezer bag until they’re broken down but still have texture. Toss them with the melted butter until every flake is coated, which will help create that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has two main layers. The top layer is a thick, crunchy crust made of golden-brown crushed cornflakes, covering the entire surface. Beneath the crust is a smooth, creamy layer of white mixture that looks soft and cheesy. A portion has been scooped out of the bottom right corner, revealing the creamy inside and some crushed cornflakes from the top layer falling into the empty space. Next to the baking dish, a white plate with dark blue rim holds a single square serving of the casserole, showcasing the two visible layers clearly: the crunchy golden cornflake topping and the creamy white base. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the richness beautifully. For a bit of extra flair, a dollop of sour cream on the side is always a welcome touch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to lighten up the meal, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans for added texture and nutrition. It also complements roasted meats or ham perfectly for cozy holiday dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow guests? Serve the Funeral Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for personal servings with a delicate cornflake crust. Alternatively, try layering it in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the beautiful layers of cheese and potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish tastes just as good warmed up, making it perfect for easy meals during the week.

Freezing

Funeral Potatoes freeze beautifully. Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it, then wrap securely and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as usual for a convenient, make-ahead comfort food.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350℉ oven until warmed through and the topping regains its crispiness. If using a microwave, cover loosely to keep moisture but expect the topping to lose some crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery soup, and you’re all set for a delicious vegetarian version of Funeral Potatoes Recipe.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic here for its meltability and flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for a different twist.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

While frozen hash browns are convenient and consistent, you can shred fresh potatoes and follow the same steps, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure your cream of chicken soup and corn flakes are gluten-free varieties, as many standard options contain gluten.

What can I do to make the topping extra crispy?

Using melted butter to coat the cornflakes is key, and baking uncovered helps the cornflake topping get that golden crunch everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

Trying the Funeral Potatoes Recipe is like inviting a little bit of comfort and joy right onto your dinner table. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it has that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy topping that you and your loved ones will adore. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make this soulful casserole a regular on your menu. I promise it will become one of your favorites as quickly as it did for me!

Funeral Potatoes Recipe