FUNERAL POTATOES

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Funeral Potatoes Recipe – Cheesy, Creamy & Comforting

Funeral Potatoes are a classic creamy and cheesy potato casserole that's loved for its comforting texture and irresistible golden topping. Made with shredded hash browns, a rich creamy sauce, plenty of cheese, and a crispy topping, this easy casserole is perfect for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, and special gatherings.

Despite the traditional name, these potatoes aren't only served at memorial gatherings. They're a beloved comfort-food side dish that's perfect alongside roasted meats, turkey, ham, chicken, and other hearty meals.

Everything comes together in one baking dish, making this an easy make-ahead recipe for feeding a crowd.

Why You'll Love These Funeral Potatoes

  • Creamy and cheesy: Every bite is rich, comforting, and flavorful.
  • Crispy topping: The golden topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy potatoes.
  • Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients make this casserole incredibly approachable.
  • Perfect for gatherings: Great for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed.
  • Family favorite: A comforting potato dish that's hard to resist.

Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes

  • 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup finely diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Topping

  • 2 cups crushed cornflakes
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns

If using frozen shredded hash browns, thaw them completely.

If they're especially wet after thawing, gently pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Onion

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced onion.

Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes

Fold the thawed hash browns into the creamy cheese mixture.

Stir gently until the potatoes are completely coated.

Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly and gently press the top into an even layer.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with melted butter.

Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 35–40 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden and crisp.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving.

This gives the creamy filling a chance to settle slightly and makes serving easier.

What Are Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral Potatoes are a traditional American potato casserole made with shredded hash browns, a creamy sauce, cheese, and a crispy topping.

The dish is especially associated with community gatherings and is often served at large family meals, holidays, and memorial luncheons, which is where the familiar name comes from.

It's also commonly called cheesy potato casserole or hash brown casserole.

Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes

  • Thaw frozen hash browns completely before mixing.
  • Remove excess moisture from thawed potatoes to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting texture.
  • Don't skip the crispy topping—it adds wonderful texture.
  • Cover the casserole during the first part of baking to prevent excessive browning.
  • Remove the foil toward the end so the topping becomes golden and crisp.
  • Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving.

Can I Use Diced Hash Browns?

Yes. Diced frozen hash browns work just as well as shredded hash browns.

The texture will be slightly different, but the casserole will still be creamy, cheesy, and delicious.

Can I Use Fresh Potatoes?

Yes, although frozen hash browns make this recipe much easier.

If using fresh potatoes, shred them and remove as much excess moisture as possible before combining them with the other ingredients.

Funeral Potato Variations

Bacon Funeral Potatoes

Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the potato mixture for a smoky and savory variation.

Ham and Cheese Funeral Potatoes

Fold diced cooked ham into the casserole for a heartier side dish that's especially good for holidays.

Spicy Funeral Potatoes

Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Extra Cheesy Potatoes

Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for an extra gooey casserole.

Ranch Funeral Potatoes

Add ranch seasoning to the creamy mixture for a tangy ranch-inspired flavor.

What to Serve With Funeral Potatoes

These cheesy potatoes pair beautifully with hearty main dishes.

  • Roasted turkey
  • Glazed ham
  • Roast chicken
  • Beef roast
  • Meatloaf
  • Grilled steak
  • Pork chops
  • Green beans
  • Roasted vegetables

Can I Make Funeral Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Yes. This is one of the best features of the recipe.

Assemble the potato mixture in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.

For the crispiest topping, consider adding the buttered cornflake mixture shortly before baking rather than leaving it on the casserole overnight.

How to Store Leftover Funeral Potatoes

Allow leftovers to cool appropriately and transfer them to an airtight container, or cover the baking dish tightly.

Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within the recommended food-safety storage period for cooked leftovers.

How to Reheat Funeral Potatoes

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.

For a larger portion, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a moderate oven until hot throughout.

If the topping has softened, uncover the casserole during the final few minutes of reheating to help it crisp again.

Can You Freeze Funeral Potatoes?

Yes. Funeral potatoes can be frozen before or after baking.

For best texture, freeze the assembled potato mixture without the crispy topping, then add fresh topping before baking.

Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator before baking and allow additional cooking time if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Funeral Potatoes watery?

Excess moisture from thawed potatoes or other ingredients can make the casserole watery. Thaw the hash browns completely and remove excess moisture before mixing.

Can I use cream of mushroom soup?

Yes. Cream of mushroom soup is a popular alternative to cream of chicken soup and gives the casserole a delicious savory mushroom flavor.

Can I make Funeral Potatoes without sour cream?

You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or another creamy ingredient, although the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. Cheddar is traditional, but Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, or a combination of cheeses can work beautifully.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

Make sure the topping is evenly coated with melted butter and bake the casserole uncovered during the final portion of cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Use a vegetarian cream soup instead of cream of chicken soup and check the labels of all packaged ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These classic Funeral Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. The tender hash browns and rich cheese sauce are perfectly balanced by the crispy golden topping.

Whether you're preparing them for a holiday dinner, family gathering, potluck, or Sunday meal, this cheesy potato casserole is always a welcome addition to the table.

One bite of those creamy, cheesy potatoes with that crispy golden topping, and you'll understand why this classic casserole is so loved!

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