Creamy, cheesy potatoes with a crispy cornflake topping, this classic side dish is the ultimate comfort food. Known for its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it’s a perfect choice for family gatherings, holiday meals, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Funeral potatoes are beloved for their creamy interior and irresistible crispy topping. With just a few simple ingredients like cheddar cheese, sour cream, and hash browns, this dish is super easy to prepare and always a hit. Whether you’re making it for a special event or a weeknight dinner, the combination of tender potatoes, creamy soup, and crunchy cornflakes makes it both comforting and delicious. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it alongside meats, vegetables, or as the centerpiece of your next potluck. Classic Funeral Potatoes

Ingredients

1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
½ cup melted butter
¼ cup dried onion
32 ounce package cubed hash browns, thawed in the fridge overnight
3 cups coarsely crushed corn flakes
2 tablespoons melted butter

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and dried onion. Stir to combine.
Add the thawed hash browns to the mixture and gently fold them in until evenly incorporated.
Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the coarsely crushed corn flakes over the top.
Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the corn flakes.
Bake for 30 minutes if using shredded hash browns or 55-60 minutes if using cubed hash browns, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes (depending on hash brown type)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup to make this dish vegetarian.
Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to give the potatoes a spicy twist.
Different Cheese: Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power.

FAQs

How can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, uncover it, and bake as directed.

Can I freeze funeral potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use frozen hash browns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns, but be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before using them in the recipe.

What if I don’t have corn flakes?

If you don’t have corn flakes, you can substitute with crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

Can I use sour cream substitutes?

You can use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream substitute if you’re looking for a lower-fat or dairy-free option.

How do I get the topping crispy?

For the crispiest topping, make sure to evenly drizzle the melted butter over the cornflakes before baking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger baking dish, and ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not gluten-free due to the corn flakes and cream of chicken soup, both of which contain gluten. You can look for gluten-free alternatives for both ingredients to make it gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to funeral potatoes?

Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or even spinach to the mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the cheddar cheese for other types of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of your favorites for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Classic funeral potatoes are a comforting, cheesy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy interior, crispy cornflake topping, and simple ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or just a family dinner, funeral potatoes offer the ultimate combination of flavor and texture that everyone will enjoy.