Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter, divided; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 pounds diced hash browns, thawed and cubed; 2 10.75 ounce cans condensed cream of chicken soup; 2 cups sour cream; 2 cups grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups corn flakes cereal, lightly crushed

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 15 reviews

If you’ve never tasted the comforting, creamy hug that is Funeral Potatoes Recipe, you’re in for an absolute treat. This beloved casserole layers hash browns, cheddar, sour cream, and crunchy corn flakes into irresistible, golden perfection—the kind of dish people ask about after the first bite! Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving the ultimate in cheesy side dishes, this recipe never disappoints and is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Funeral Potatoes Recipe lies in its humble, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item brings its own character to the dish—creamy, cheesy, savory, or satisfyingly crunchy—proving you don’t need anything fancy to create pure comfort food bliss.

Butter: Divided for sautéing and toasting the corn flakes, butter adds rich, mouthwatering flavor throughout.
Onion: Sautéed onion gives a subtle savoriness that balances out the creaminess—don’t skip it!
Hash Browns: The foundation of the casserole, use them thawed and cubed for the very best texture and even baking.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The “secret” shortcut to luscious, velvety sauce—classic condensed soup is your friend here.
Sour Cream: Adds a lovely tang and keeps everything moist and rich.
Cheddar Cheese: For that gooey, melty, irresistible flavor (use freshly grated if you can for maximum meltiness!)
Salt & Black Pepper: A pinch of seasoning goes a long way in waking up all the flavors.
Corn Flakes Cereal: Lightly crushed and sautéed with butter, they form the famous golden crunchy topping.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish—this ensures easy serving and cleanup later. Set out all your ingredients so the Funeral Potatoes Recipe process flows seamlessly from one delicious step to the next!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a medium skillet, melt just 1 tablespoon of your butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, until it’s soft and translucent—about 4-5 minutes. This gentle sauté brings out sweetness and transforms the onion into an integral flavor base.

Step 3: Combine the Casserole Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooked onion, thawed hash browns, 1/2 cup melted butter, both cans of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. Spoon the creamy, cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 4: Make That Iconic Crunchy Topping

Now for the part that makes this Funeral Potatoes Recipe legendary: the crunchy corn flake topping! Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in your skillet, then add the lightly crushed corn flakes. Stir and toast for 2-3 minutes, just until golden and fragrant. Sprinkle the toasted corn flakes evenly over your casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want a bubbling center and a crispy, golden top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so those flavors settle into perfect harmony.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Top your hot Funeral Potatoes Recipe with a handful of freshly chopped chives or green onions for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. If you love a little heat, try a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving.

Side Dishes

This creamy casserole pairs beautifully with roasted or baked ham, grilled chicken, or even a simple green salad. Serve it alongside steamed green beans, glazed carrots, or tossed asparagus to round out your meal and add contrast to the richness of the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Portion the casserole into individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at family gatherings. For potlucks or large parties, bake Funeral Potatoes Recipe in foil pans for easy transport and serving. You can also customize the topping by mixing in a handful of crushed potato chips or French fried onions for extra crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—reheating just what you need as cravings strike.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Funeral Potatoes Recipe for future comfort food emergencies. Prepare as directed but hold off on the corn flake topping. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the topping and bake as instructed.

Reheating

To revive the creamy goodness, bake leftovers in the oven, covered with foil, at 350 degrees F until heated through. For single servings, the microwave works fine—just know the topping won’t be as crisp. To regain that crunch, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two after microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen hash browns, or do they need to be thawed?

Always thaw your hash browns before using! Frozen potatoes won’t mix well and can release excess moisture, which makes the Funeral Potatoes Recipe watery instead of creamy.

What’s a good substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you want to make this dish vegetarian or just prefer another flavor, try cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Each option gives a slightly different (but delicious) spin.

Can I make Funeral Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to two days ahead and refrigerate. Add your prepared corn flake topping just before baking to keep it crisp and irresistible.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Just check your cream of chicken soup and corn flakes for gluten-free certification (many mainstream brands have gluten-free varieties). Substitute as needed and enjoy!

Will this recipe work with different cheeses?

Definitely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Just keep at least some cheddar for that signature flavor in your Funeral Potatoes Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dish that brings comfort, nostalgia, and endless compliments, you simply have to try this Funeral Potatoes Recipe. Whether it’s the star of the show or a supporting player, its creamy, crunchy layers never last long at the table. Gather your ingredients and give this classic a spot in your recipe rotation—you might just find it becomes a family favorite for years to come!