Learn how to make the ultimate comfort food—funeral potatoes. This recipe uses classic ingredients to create a rich and creamy casserole that is perfect for any occasion. This side dish has its peculiar name because it is a very common dish served at after-funeral luncheons.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Funeral potatoes are so easy to fix, virtually foolproof, and easy on the pocketbook, and people love them. This recipe serves at least ten people, so it is a real crowd-pleaser and perfect for family gatherings at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
You are going to absolutely love these cheesy potatoes. Leftovers heat up perfectly in the microwave. I like to serve the leftovers mixed with sausage crumbles and topped with eggs over easy. It just does not get much better than that! If you like this recipe, try twice-baked potato casserole, loaded baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, and scalloped potatoes.
What are Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral potatoes, also known as cheesy potato casserole, are a frozen hash brown casserole that combines onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack Cheese with a crunchy cornflake topping.
Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes
- Butter – salted or unsalted, adjust with the amount of added salt
- Onion – preferably sweet
- Frozen hash brown potatoes
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup – or cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Corn flakes
How to make Funeral Potatoes
Start by cooking the chopped onion in a skillet with a little bit of butter for about 5 minutes. Then, grab a large bowl and combine the hash brown potatoes. onion, melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Next, spread the mixture out in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Now crush some cornflakes and combine those with a little melted butter. Then sprinkle that over the top and bake for about 45 minutes. It just does not get much easier than that.
Recipe Tips
- I take the frozen hash browns out of the freezer and let them sit on the counter for about 1 hour before I start this recipe. This gives them a little thawing time so the whole mixture does not freeze into one big glob while I am trying to stir it.
- If you are really pressed for time, you do not have to saute the onion, but I think that it adds more depth and flavor and is well worth the extra 5 minutes.
- This recipe calls for frozen hash brown potatoes, but any frozen potato or parboiled potato will work. Shredded hash browns are a family favorite.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup.
- For best results, do not use low-fat sour cream or cheese, as they don’t taste as good with the casserole.
Can You Make Funeral Potatoes Ahead of Time?
This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the pan in the refrigerator. Remove it from the refrigerator 40 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature. Reserve mixing the cornflakes with butter until right before popping them in the oven.
Recipe Variations
- Complete meal – add diced ham, sausage crumbles, or crispy cooked chopped bacon.
- Experiment with different cheeses—try Smoked Gouda, Pepperjack, Muenster, colbyjack, Provolone, Fontina, or Swiss.
- Veg it out – add steamed broccoli, sauteed mushrooms, pickled jalapenos, or blanched green beans.
- Top it – with potato chips, onion straws, bread crumbs, or crushed Ritz crackers.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave at 70% power for 2-3 minutes.
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 32 ounces frozen hash brown potatoes thawed for 30-40 minutes
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 1 can 10.5 ounce cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 2 cup crushed corn flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes
- In a large bowl, stir together hash brown potatoes, onion, 1/2 cup melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cheddar, and Monterey jack. Spoon into prepared dish.
- Stir together 1/4 cup melted butter and crushed cornflakes. Sprinkle over the potatoes. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- I take the frozen hash browns out of the freezer and let them sit on the counter for about 1 hour before I start this recipe. This gives them a little thawing time so the whole mixture does not freeze into one big glob while I am trying to stir it.
- If you are pressed for time, you do not have to saute the onion, but it adds more depth and flavor and is well worth the extra 5 minutes.
- This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the pan in the refrigerator. Reserve mixing the cornflakes with butter until right before popping them in the oven.
- This recipe calls for frozen hash brown potatoes, but any frozen potato or parboiled potato will work. Shredded hash browns are a family favorite.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup.
- For best results, do not use low-fat sour cream or low-fat cheese because they don’t taste as good with is casserole. You can eat a low-calorie meal tomorrow or later in the week.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave.
Nutrition
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Joseph
Delicious recipe, so easy to make yet turns out delicious every time. They are always a huge hit at family events and church gatherings.
Beth Pierce
So true, Joseph!
Edward
Oohhh….thanks for this recipe. These potatoes were easy and delicious. The perfect side dish for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Edward!
Reese
Funeral potatos also know as cheesy hashbrown potato casserole are the best. They make such a quick and easy casserole for grilled chicken, burgers, and brats. I love them.
Beth Pierce
Me too, Reese.
Ed
This is pure comfort food that is so easy to make and everyone loves them. They do have a peculiar name but they are delicious. I love to serve them with meatloaf and grilled burgers.
Beth Pierce
I agree they are delicious with meatloaf.
Nicole
This is one of our favorite recipes. It so quick and easy to make. It is ideal for those busy weeknights. I love to serve it with meatloaf, pork tenderloin and grilled burgers!
Verso
This is an interesting recipe, the name is cool and like that its easy to make it as well. Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe with us!
Mary
I’ve never had this before. Sounds like a great crowd pleaser! And your recipe looks delicious.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mary! Enjoy!
Darla J Morris
Can these be made in advance and frozen until ready to bake?
Beth Pierce
Yes, but thaw before baking and don’t add the cornflake topping until ready to bake.