Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Funeral Potatoes are a classic comfort food casserole made with creamy, cheesy hash browns and topped with a crispy, buttery cornflake crust. This rich, crowd-pleasing side dish is often served at gatherings, holidays, and potlucks—not just funerals. It’s warm, satisfying, and irresistibly nostalgic with every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded or diced, thawed)cream of chicken soup (canned or homemade)sour creamshredded cheddar cheesebutteronion (finely chopped)salt and peppercornflakes cereal (crushed)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

In a separate bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter until well coated.

Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 40–45 minutesTotal time: 55–60 minutes

Variations

Use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option.

Add chopped ham or cooked bacon for extra protein.

Swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs.

Mix in green chilies or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.Freeze assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months; thaw before baking.

FAQs

Why are they called Funeral Potatoes?

They’re commonly served at post-funeral gatherings due to their comforting, easy-to-prepare nature and ability to feed a crowd.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to thaw the hash browns?

Yes, thawing helps them mix evenly and bake properly.

Can I use fresh potatoes?

Yes, shred or dice them and briefly parboil or soak to reduce starch.

Can I use a different topping?

Yes, try potato chips, breadcrumbs, or French fried onions.

Are they gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and toppings to adapt the recipe.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, but the texture and richness may be slightly affected.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby, Monterey Jack, or a blend also work well.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two 9×13 pans or one deep roasting pan.

Can I make it spicy?

Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the mixture.

Conclusion

Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crisp on top. Whether you’re making them for a gathering, holiday meal, or just craving something warm and hearty, this casserole delivers on all fronts. Easy to prepare and loved by all, it’s a timeless favorite that always disappears fast.