Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups sour cream; 1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1 (30-oz.) pkg. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed; 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 8 oz.); 3/4 cup finely chopped white onion; 2 heaping cups cornflake cereal, coarsely crushed (2 1/2 oz.); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you are looking for a hearty, soul-warming dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Funeral Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic potato casserole combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy cornflake topping that creates the perfect balance of textures. It’s easy to whip up, incredibly satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser, making it one of those timeless comfort foods that you’ll want to serve again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of several small bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. In the center, a clear glass bowl is filled with shredded white potatoes. Below it, a white bowl is filled with crushed cornflakes that are golden yellow. To the left, another white bowl holds shredded bright orange cheddar cheese. Above the cheese, a white bowl is filled with a smooth white creamy substance. Next to this, two clear glass bowls hold diced white onions and melted butter, respectively. On the right side, a small clear bowl contains smooth yellow mustard, and two tiny bowls hold salt and pepper, and garlic powder. The ingredients are neatly placed and well-lit, showing different textures and vibrant colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one is essential for bringing out the creamy, savory, and delightfully crispy layers that make this casserole unforgettable. From sour cream’s tangy richness to cheddar’s melt-in-your-mouth sharpness, these staples come together in perfect harmony.

2 cups sour cream: Adds creamy tang and moisture to keep the casserole luscious.
1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of chicken soup: Creates a smooth, flavorful base that binds everything nicely.
1/2 tsp. kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper: Gives a subtle sharpness that brightens the dish.
1/4 tsp. garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlic aroma that complements the other ingredients.
1 (30-oz.) pkg. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed: The main ingredient, offering tender, soft bites of potato throughout.
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 8 oz.): Brings gooey, cheesy richness with a depth of flavor.
3/4 cup finely chopped white onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture to wake up the palate.
2 heaping cups cornflake cereal, coarsely crushed (2 1/2 oz.): The secret to that irresistible crispy, golden topping.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Coats the cornflakes to produce a buttery crunch that crowns the casserole beautifully.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9- x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later. A little butter or nonstick spray does the trick perfectly.

Step 2: Make Potato Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. This blend forms the flavorful sauce that brings everything together. Gently fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, and finely chopped white onion, being careful not to overmix—you want a hearty texture in every bite.

Step 3: Add Casserole Mixture to Baking Dish

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures uniform baking and that every portion has a good balance of sauce, cheese, and potatoes.

Step 4: Make Cornflake Topping

Combine the coarsely crushed cornflake cereal with the melted unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir gently until every cornflake is coated, which creates that signature golden, buttery crunch once baked. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface of your casserole.

Step 5: Bake Casserole

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is beautifully crispy and golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a rectangular blue baking dish filled with a baked casserole. The dish has three layers visible: a creamy white base layer, a middle layer of mixed ingredients blending into the base, and a top layer covered with golden-brown crispy crumbs. The casserole is partially scooped out from one corner, revealing the inside layers. The dish sits on a small wooden board on a white marbled surface. Around the dish, there are a purple cloth, a glass of water with a purple tint, and gold-toned cutlery nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little fresh garnish gives this classic dish a fresh pop. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a vibrant touch and a mild oniony bite that complements the richness. A dollop of sour cream on the side is also a lovely addition if you want to amp up the creaminess.

Side Dishes

Funeral potatoes are wonderfully versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. They make a fantastic accompaniment to roast chicken, glazed ham, or even a hearty serving of meatloaf. For a lighter balance, serve with steamed green beans or a crisp salad to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins or mini skillets for personal servings. You can also transform leftovers into loaded potato cakes by shaping scoops of the casserole into patties and pan-frying them until crispy for a fun twist on the traditional Funeral Potatoes Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Funeral Potatoes keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers into an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the crispy topping from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, which is great for meal planning. Bake it completely, let it cool, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Reheating

To keep that delectable crispy top, reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too, but you may lose the golden crust, so consider crisping it up under the broiler for a minute or two after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Funeral Potatoes Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. This small change keeps all the comforting flavors while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.

What can I substitute for the cornflake topping?

If you don’t have cornflakes on hand, crushed potato chips, crushed Ritz crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter make great alternatives for that crunchy, golden topping.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

While frozen shredded hash browns are most convenient and consistent, you can use fresh shredded potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing them in, so the casserole doesn’t turn out watery.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional Funeral Potatoes use canned soup and cornflakes that often contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soup and certified gluten-free cornflakes. Always check labels to be sure your ingredients are safe for gluten-free diets.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

To add a little kick, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also sprinkle spicy cheese blends instead of plain cheddar for an extra burst of flavor while keeping the familiar creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a delicious, comforting tradition in every bite. Whether you’re new to casseroles or an old pro, it’s an easy recipe that never disappoints and always brings smiles to the table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you just might find your new favorite comfort food!