Name: Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 bag frozen diced hash browns, (30 to 32 ounces, thawed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, (melted); 1 small yellow onion, (finely diced); 1 can cream of chicken soup, (10.5 ounces); 2 cups sour cream; 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 3 cups cornflakes, (lightly crushed); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, (melted)

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creamy • cheesy • crispy-topped

Funeral potatoes being served from a white baking dish, with a creamy hash brown potato filling under a golden, crunchy cornflake topping.

Funeral Potatoes are the kind of comfort-food casserole that always seems to show up exactly where it belongs: holiday tables, church suppers, potlucks, Sunday dinners, and family gatherings where everyone wants something warm and familiar.

This cheesy hash brown casserole, also known as funeral potatoes, is made with diced potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cornflake topping that bakes up golden and crisp. It is creamy underneath, crunchy on top, and easy to prepare for a crowd.

For another holiday-ready casserole side dish, try Southern Summer Squash Casserole.

Why This Recipe Works

This funeral potatoes recipe keeps the classic flavor and texture people expect from this well-loved casserole.

Frozen diced hash browns make the recipe easy while still giving the casserole a hearty potato texture. Sour cream keeps the filling creamy and slightly tangy, while cream of chicken soup adds savory flavor and helps bind everything together.

Sharp cheddar cheese gives the casserole a rich, cheesy flavor without making it too heavy. The buttery cornflake topping adds the crisp contrast that makes funeral potatoes so good. Every scoop has creamy potatoes underneath and golden crunch on top.

This is also a practical make-ahead side dish. You can assemble the potato mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and add the topping right before baking.

Ingredients & Notes

Ingredients for funeral potatoes including diced hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion, butter, cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Frozen Diced Hash Browns: Give funeral potatoes their classic chunky, scoopable texture. Thaw them before assembling the casserole.
Yellow Onion: Adds gentle savory flavor and blends into the creamy filling once softened.
Cream of Chicken Soup & Sour Cream: Together they create the classic creamy, slightly tangy base.
Sharp Cheddar: Gives the casserole plenty of cheesy flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder keep the flavor simple and balanced.
Cornflakes: The traditional topping, with a light, crisp texture that contrasts with the creamy potatoes.
Butter: Adds richness to the filling and helps the cornflake topping turn golden and crisp.

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Small skillet
Small bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Cook the onion until softened and translucent.
Mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, butter, and seasonings.
Fold in the thawed potatoes, onion, and shredded cheddar.
Spread the mixture into the baking dish and top with buttered crushed cornflakes.
Bake uncovered until hot and bubbling with a golden, crisp topping.
Let the casserole rest briefly before serving.

Step-by-step process of making funeral potatoes: sautéing onion, mixing the creamy sauce, then combining hash browns, cheddar cheese, and onion.

Step-by-step process of assembling and baking funeral potatoes: spreading the potato mixture in a baking dish, topping with buttered cornflakes, and baking until golden.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Funeral potatoes are a great make-ahead casserole.

To make them ahead, prepare the potato filling and spread it into the baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Keep the cornflake topping separate so it stays crisp.

When ready to bake, let the baking dish sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Add the buttered cornflake topping right before baking.

If the casserole is cold from the refrigerator, it may need an extra 10 to 15 minutes in the oven.

Bake Covered or Uncovered?

Bake funeral potatoes uncovered.

Baking uncovered helps the cornflake topping turn golden and crisp. If the topping starts browning too quickly before the center is hot, loosely tent the baking dish with foil for the last part of the baking time.

The foil should rest lightly over the top, not be sealed tightly around the dish. That way, the topping is protected without trapping too much steam.

Texture & Flavor Tips

Use diced hash browns for a classic funeral potatoes texture. They hold their shape better than shredded hash browns and give the casserole a heartier bite.
Thaw the potatoes completely before mixing. Frozen centers can make the casserole bake unevenly.
Do not crush the cornflakes too finely. Larger, irregular pieces give the topping better crunch and a prettier golden finish.
Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Mild cheddar will work, but the cheese flavor may be softer once it is mixed with the sour cream and potatoes.
Let the casserole rest before serving. It will still be creamy, but it will scoop better after a few minutes out of the oven.

Substitutions & Variations

Condensed soup: You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery instead of cream of chicken. Cream of chicken gives the most classic savory flavor, but the others can work depending on what you have.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the best all-purpose choice. Colby Jack or a cheddar blend can be used for a milder flavor.
Topping: Cornflakes are traditional, but crushed Ritz crackers can also be used. The flavor will be more buttery and less crisp than cornflakes.
Extra color: You can add a little chopped parsley or sliced green onion after baking. This is optional, but it can make the casserole look fresher on the table.

How to Know It’s Done

Funeral potatoes are done when the edges are bubbling, the center is hot, and the cornflake topping is golden brown.

Because this recipe uses diced hash browns, check that the center is fully heated through before taking it out of the oven. If the edges are bubbling but the middle still seems cool or firm, give it a little more time.

The casserole should be creamy and scoopable, not watery. Letting it rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the filling settle.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered or in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: For best results, freeze the potato mixture without the cornflake topping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions until hot, or reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven for better topping texture.

FAQs

Are funeral potatoes better with shredded or diced hash browns?
Diced hash browns are best for classic funeral potatoes. They give the casserole a chunky, creamy, scoopable texture. Shredded hash browns also work, but they create a softer texture that is closer to cheesy hash brown casserole.

Do I need to thaw the hash browns first?
Yes. Thaw the diced hash browns before mixing them into the casserole. If the potatoes are still frozen, the casserole may bake unevenly and the center can take longer to get hot.

What can I use instead of cornflakes?
Crushed Ritz crackers are a good substitute. You can also use crushed buttery crackers, but cornflakes give the most classic crunchy topping.

Can I freeze funeral potatoes?
You can freeze the casserole before baking, but the texture may be slightly softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the potato mixture without the cornflake topping. Thaw in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake until hot and bubbling.

What main dish goes with funeral potatoes?
Funeral potatoes pair well with baked ham, roast chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork, grilled sausage, or turkey. Since the casserole is rich and creamy, it is especially good with a simple protein and something green, like green beans, roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a crisp salad.

Why are they called funeral potatoes?
The name comes from the casserole’s long history as a comforting, easy-to-serve dish often brought to funeral luncheons, church gatherings, and family meals. It is also a popular holiday and potluck potato casserole.