Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-497827H17M15S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 14.5 ounces cream of chicken soup; 1 ½ cups sour cream; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ cup yellow onion (grated); 2 cups cheddar cheese; 32 ounces package frozen shredded or cubed hash browns (thawed); 2 ½ cups corn flakes (crushed); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Funeral Potatoes Recipe with friends and family because it combines ultimate comfort with an easy-to-make casserole that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish delivers creamy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness all in one bite, making it a staple at gatherings and potlucks that I can never get enough of. Whether you’re new to this classic or revisiting an old favorite, I know you’ll appreciate just how satisfying and soul-soothing this recipe truly is.

Why You’ll Love This Funeral Potatoes Recipe

One of the reasons I’m so passionate about this Funeral Potatoes Recipe is the incredible harmony of flavors and textures it offers. The creamy base, enriched with cream cheese and sour cream, melds beautifully with tender hash browns, while the melted cheddar cheese brings a rich, savory depth. What really seals the deal for me is that golden cornflake crust that adds a crispy, slightly buttery crunch – it’s the perfect contrast that keeps every bite exciting and full of comfort.

Another reason I cherish this recipe is how wonderfully simple it is to put together, even if you aren’t an experienced cook. I love how all the ingredients come together in one dish that practically bakes itself in the oven. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—ideal for family dinners, holiday spreads, or any time you want to bring people together over a cozy, satisfying meal. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that everyone will ask you to make again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and white plates arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. Starting from the top left, there is a large bowl filled with white shredded potatoes. To the right is a medium bowl with corn flakes, followed by another medium bowl with white creamy sour cream. Below, there is a white bowl with melted butter and a smaller white bowl with melted butter as well. There is an open can of yellow creamed corn on the far right. At the bottom left, there is a large bowl filled with shredded orange cheddar cheese. Next to it, a white plate with seasoning powders in three small piles – black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. To the right, a small white plate holding a block of smooth white cream cheese. Next to it is a clear glass bowl filled with chopped white onions. Everything is well spaced on the white marbled surface, and the ingredients are fresh and clearly textured. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that iconic texture and flavor that make Funeral Potatoes so beloved. From the creamy dairy components to the crispy topping, these ingredients are simple but essential for achieving that perfect casserole balance.

½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the flavors together while keeping the casserole moist.
14.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Gives a smooth, savory base that makes the dish creamy and flavorful.
1 ½ cups sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that balances out the richness.
8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds thick creaminess and body to the texture, making each bite indulgent.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick that rounds out the seasoning.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides subtle depth that complements the cheese and potatoes.
¾ cup yellow onion (grated): Offers a mild sweetness and aromatic touch that brightens the mixture.
2 cups cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, this is the heart of the cheesy goodness.
32 ounces frozen shredded or cubed hash browns (thawed): The comforting potato base that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
2 ½ cups corn flakes (crushed): Creates the irresistible crunchy topping that finishes it all off.
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Coats the cornflakes, making the topping perfectly golden and crisp.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by thawing the hash browns in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures they will cook evenly and fully absorb the creamy mixture.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the ½ cup melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and grated yellow onion. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 4: Add the thawed hash browns and 2 cups of cheddar cheese into the bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly to make sure the potatoes are well coated with the creamy mixture and the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 6: Place the 2 ½ cups crushed corn flakes into a large freezer bag, then pour in ¼ cup melted butter. Seal the bag and gently shake until the corn flakes are fully coated with butter.

Step 7: Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping evenly over the potato mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface for that iconic crunchy finish.

Step 8: Bake uncovered at 350℉ for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to turn a beautiful golden color.

Servings and Timing

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe makes about 10 hearty servings—perfect for sharing with family or bringing to a potluck. The prep time is roughly 15 minutes (not including the overnight thaw for the hash browns), and the bake time is 40 to 45 minutes, so total time from start to finish is about 1 hour. There’s no resting or cooling time needed; I find it tastes best served warm right from the oven.

How to Serve This Funeral Potatoes Recipe

A clear glass rectangular baking dish filled with two visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy and white, while the top layer is evenly covered with a crunchy golden cornflake-like topping that looks crisp and textured. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it’s time to serve this casserole, I love pairing it with fresh, crisp salads or some lightly steamed green veggies to balance the richness. A simple green bean almondine or roasted Brussels sprouts with a squeeze of lemon work beautifully. If you’re serving it at a holiday meal or special occasion, adding a plate of sliced ham or roasted chicken makes for a complete and satisfying feast.

Presentation-wise, I find that baking it in a glass or ceramic dish and bringing it directly to the table feels cozy and inviting. Garnishing the top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness to each portion. I usually scoop out generous spoonfuls and serve with a warm roll or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

In terms of drinks, this dish pairs wonderfully with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creaminess perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a twist of lime or a lightly brewed iced tea refreshes the palate nicely. This casserole tastes best served warm, so I recommend plating it right from the oven for that cozy, comforting vibe.

Variations

I love exploring different ways to customize this Funeral Potatoes Recipe to suit various tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to add a different flavor twist. If you prefer to keep it vegetarian, just make sure to use a vegetable-based cream soup and check your cheese for rennet content if that matters to you.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, using gluten-free corn flakes is an easy fix that keeps the crispy topping intact. For a dairy-free or vegan option, I recommend replacing the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan cream cheese, sour cream, and non-dairy milk-based cream soups. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute to maintain a cheesy flavor without actual cheese.

You can also mix things up by adding extra ingredients to the base—bacon bits for smoky flavor, diced bell peppers for sweetness, or sautéed mushrooms for earthiness. For cooking methods, some folks like to prepare this in individual ramekins for personal servings, which bake a bit faster and make for a cute presentation at parties.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover Funeral Potatoes in airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When storing, let the casserole cool completely to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead dish. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it; wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil for extra protection. It can keep frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, allowing extra bake time if needed since it’s coming from cold.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I recommend warming portions in the oven at 350℉ for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and the topping crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can make the topping soggy and the texture less appealing. If you must use the microwave, heat in short bursts and finish in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a minute or two to regain some crispness.

FAQs

Can I make Funeral Potatoes without cream cheese?

Yes, but the cream cheese adds a unique creaminess and body to the dish that’s hard to replace. If you want to skip it, you can increase the sour cream slightly or add a thick béchamel sauce for richness, though the texture will be a bit different.

What can I use instead of corn flakes for the crunchy topping?

Panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even crushed potato chips work well as crunchy alternatives. Just remember to toss them with melted butter before sprinkling over the top to get that golden, crispy finish.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Traditional recipes use cream of chicken soup, which isn’t vegetarian. However, by swapping in cream of mushroom or vegetable-based cream soups and using vegetarian-friendly cheese, you can easily make this recipe meat-free.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! If you have fresh potatoes on hand, you can peel and shred them before boiling briefly to soften. Make sure to drain and dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy.

How do I make this dish ahead of time for a gathering?

I recommend assembling the casserole the day before and storing it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it for the full 40 to 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and saves time on the day of your event.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Funeral Potatoes Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that brings joy to any table. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and has that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Sharing this with loved ones is always a highlight for me, and I’m excited for you to create your own special memories with it too.