Name: Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed; 2 cups sour cream; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 cups cornflakes, crushed; 1/4 cup butter, melted

Funeral potatoes are a comforting, cheesy casserole traditionally served at gatherings, especially in the American Midwest and Mountain West. Despite the name, I find them to be the ultimate side dish for holidays, potlucks, or just when I’m craving something warm, rich, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy. It’s easy to throw together with pantry staples and frozen hash browns, and it feeds a crowd. The buttery cornflake topping gives it that irresistible crunch that contrasts so well with the soft interior. Plus, it’s a dish that’s nostalgic and comforting—exactly what I need sometimes. Funeral Potatoes

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
Sour cream
Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Onion, finely chopped
Butter
Garlic powder (optional)
Salt and pepper
Cornflakes, crushed (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I mix together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
I fold in the thawed hash browns until evenly coated.
I spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, I toss the crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
For a spicy kick, I’ve added diced green chiles or jalapeños.
I switch up the cheese with pepper jack or a cheddar blend for more flavor.
I’ve made it with crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips instead of cornflakes when I’m out—they both work great.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I cover and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
If freezing, I assemble the casserole without the topping, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I add the topping just before baking. Funeral Potatoes

FAQs

Why are they called funeral potatoes?

They got their name because they’re commonly served at after-funeral luncheons due to their comforting nature and ability to feed a crowd.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble them the night before and store them covered in the fridge. I add the topping just before baking.

What can I use instead of cornflakes?

I’ve used crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or even panko breadcrumbs when I’m out of cornflakes.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

I can, but I make sure to shred and drain them well before using. It adds a little extra work, but it’s doable.

Is it okay to use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, I’ve made them with low-fat sour cream and cheese. The texture is slightly lighter, but still delicious.

Conclusion

Funeral potatoes are one of those timeless, crowd-pleasing dishes that I keep coming back to. Whether I’m making them for a family dinner or a large gathering, they’re always a hit. Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy—it’s comfort food at its best.