Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy casserole with a crispy, buttery topping that everyone loves. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Why You'll Love This Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

Funeral potatoes, often just called cheesy potatoes, are the ultimate comfort food. Made with creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and a crispy, buttery topping, this cheesy casserole pairs perfectly with family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. It’s easy to whip up and will leave everyone asking for seconds. Add it to your next menu for a dish that never disappoints!

This recipe is easy to make, with step-by-step photos and clear directions to guide you. Discover pro tips and tricks to perfect your casserole every time. Plus, find answers to the most frequently asked questions to make your cooking experience seamless!

Funeral Potatoes on a plate and on a black spoon

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Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish that everyone loves. In just over an hour, you can make this crowd-pleasing casserole, perfect for dinner or any special occasion.

This recipe stands out with its rich flavors and crispy, buttery topping. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or a potluck, it never disappoints and will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes

What you'll need to make this recipe for Funeral Potatoes:

1 tablespoon of butter
½ large yellow onion, chopped
30 ounces package of traditional frozen hash browns (take out of the freezer at least 20 minutes prior to cooking)
1 teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
2 cups of sour cream
2½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 can of cream of chicken soup
3 cups of cornflakes, crushed

Substitutions and Additions

Try adding tasty extras or swapping out ingredients while still maintaining the deliciousness of this reader favorite recipe.

HASH BROWNS: You can use either diced or shredded hashbrowns for your funeral potatoes. Both will taste similar, but the texture will differ slightly.

ONIONS: If onions aren’t your thing, feel free to leave them out. Both options work for funeral potatoes, so it’s really about personal taste.

SOUR CREAM: Out of sour cream? Try swapping it with plain Greek yogurt. It has the same texture and flavor, so your funeral potatoes will turn out just right.

VEGETARIAN: Make this dish vegetarian by swapping the cream of chicken soup with cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup.

MIX-INS: For added flavor, toss in some bacon bits to elevate your funeral potato casserole.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and helpful pictures to make this delicious funeral potatoes recipe. Be sure to check out the tips and tricks below for the best results.

FIRST STEP: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to a medium-sized skillet. On medium-high heat, cook your onions until they are soft.

Usually, this takes approximately five minutes.

SECOND STEP: Combine your hash browns, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and your cooked onion all together in a large bowl.

Stir all of the ingredients together until they are mixed well.

Pro Tip

If your hash browns are still frozen, mixing the ingredients together will take a bit of muscle. I recommend taking the hash browns out to thaw, as it will make this step much easier on the arms!

hash browns, salt, pepper, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup and cooked onion combined in a bowl

THIRD STEP: Preheat your oven to 375°F and pour your potato mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Bake your casserole in the oven for 30 minutes.

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.

FOURTH STEP: After 30 minutes, take out the casserole and stir it well. Put the casserole back in the oven and continue to cook until it’s bubbling on the sides and in the middle (typically about 20 to 30 minutes).

When you see the casserole beginning to bubble in the middle, it’s done.

FIFTH STEP: Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle your crushed cornflakes on top, spreading them evenly over the entire casserole.

Place it back in the oven for an additional five minutes, watching closely to make sure the top doesn’t overcook.

Pro Tip

To crush your cornflakes evenly and quickly, try placing them in a Ziploc bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.

crushed corn flakes sprinkled on the top

SIXTH STEP: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve immediately.

How To Serve Funeral Potatoes

Cheesy potatoes are a versatile dish, perfect for many occasions and seasons. Whether it’s a cozy winter dinner or a summer potluck, this dish fits right in!

For Special Occasions: Serve funeral potatoes at special occasions like Thanksgiving or Easter. Their hearty, delicious flavor pairs beautifully with ham or turkey. Add a side of cornbread to complete your festive meal!

For Family Dinners: Funeral potatoes make a comforting side dish for family meals. Pair it with oven baked chicken or honey garlic pork chops for a complete meal. This dish is a family favorite, loved by kids and adults alike.

For Potlucks and Gatherings: Funeral potatoes are perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings. Its creamy texture and crispy topping will be a hit at any party. Serve alongside dishes like pulled pork sandwiches or macaroni and cheese for a well-rounded spread.

Funeral Potatoes in a baking tin and some on a spoon

Why You'll Love This Funeral Potatoes Recipe

This comforting side dish is full of creamy, cheesy goodness, with a crispy, golden topping that everyone adores.

A Hearty Comfort Food: This recipe combines creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and a crunchy topping, creating the perfect comfort food. It’s rich, filling, and always satisfying. The dish works for any occasion and is easy to prepare, making it an instant hit with family and friends.
A Taste of Home: Funeral Potatoes bring back warm, nostalgic memories of family gatherings and cozy meals. The creamy, cheesy flavor makes it feel like home no matter where you are. With every bite, it brings comfort and a sense of belonging, making it perfect for celebrations or casual meals.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: No matter the occasion, cheesy potatoes are sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, everyone loves the combination of creamy potatoes and a crispy topping. This dish satisfies all ages, from kids to adults, ensuring it’s a beloved part of any meal.

Recipe FAQ

Why are they called funeral potatoes?
The name for funeral potatoes comes from their popularity being served as an after-funeral side dish at lunch gatherings. The cheesy, warm dish was comfort food that became a funeral meal staple.
But, while funerals may have been their origin, these cheesy potatoes have become a great side dish at just about any gathering, such as family dinners and other special events now.

Can I use frozen hashbrowns for this recipe?
Yes, frozen hashbrowns work perfectly! Just thaw them before mixing them into the casserole for the best texture.

What makes funeral potatoes so creamy and flavorful?
The combination of shredded potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese creates a rich, creamy texture with bold flavors.

How do you get the topping perfectly crispy?
Use crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter and bake until golden brown. This adds the perfect crunch to every bite.

a black spoon holding some Funeral Potatoes

Serving FAQ

What’s the best way to serve funeral potatoes at a gathering?
Scoop portions directly from the casserole dish onto plates for easy serving. The creamy texture and crispy topping make it irresistible.

How can I keep funeral potatoes warm for a party?
Use a warming tray or keep the dish in the oven on a low heat setting. Stir occasionally to maintain consistency.

Can I serve funeral potatoes at a potluck?
Absolutely! Funeral potatoes are perfect for potlucks. They’re easy to transport and always a crowd favorite.

How do I make funeral potatoes look more appealing for a special occasion?
To make funeral potatoes extra tempting, top with fresh herbs like parsley. It adds color and enhances the flavor.

a black spoon holding some Funeral Potatoes and some on a white plate with a fork

Storage FAQ

We've got directions and tips below for optimal storage of your funeral potatoes. From making ahead to reheating, you're covered to ensure your dish stays delicious.

Can I prepare funeral potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftover funeral potatoes?
Store leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze funeral potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.

How do I reheat funeral potatoes after freezing?
Thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy.