Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy hashbrown casserole that has become a classic comfort food at family gatherings and holiday meals. With a golden, crispy topping and a rich, cheesy base, this dish is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines tender hashbrowns, creamy sour cream, melted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese into a comforting casserole. The cornflake topping adds a crunchy contrast to the soft interior, making each bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy dinners, and can be baked in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
16 ounces frozen diced hashbrowns
10.5 ounces sour cream
1 cup cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups crushed cornflakes
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Use crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes for a different topping texture.
Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a milder, creamier flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Freezing is possible: wrap the casserole tightly with foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What are funeral potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a cheesy, creamy hashbrown casserole traditionally served at family gatherings, known for its crunchy topping and soft interior.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, peel, dice, and parboil fresh potatoes for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, cheddar is classic, but you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream of chicken or mushroom soup and gluten-free cornflakes for the topping.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well and add extra flavor and nutrients.
How long does it take to bake?
Bake for 45–50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Can I freeze funeral potatoes?
Yes, wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Why is it called funeral potatoes?
The name comes from its tradition of being served at post-funeral gatherings, though it has become a popular dish for many family events and holidays.
Conclusion
Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that is perfect for family meals and holiday gatherings. With a crunchy cornflake topping and soft, cheesy interior, this dish is easy to prepare, satisfying, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste. It’s a classic recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
