There’s something about a big, bubbling dish of cheesy, creamy goodness that just speaks to the soul. And in my house, that dish is none other than funeral potatoes with hash browns. Now, before you start thinking, “Wait, why are they called funeral potatoes?”, let me reassure you—there’s nothing gloomy about them. If anything, they’re the ultimate comfort food, showing up at every potluck, holiday gathering, and yes, sometimes at post-funeral receptions, where food is a language of love and support.
I remember the first time I had these. I was about ten years old, standing in my neighbor’s kitchen during a Sunday potluck. The scent of buttery, crispy corn flakes and melted cheddar filled the air, and when I took my first bite, I was hooked. Buttery. Cheesy. Creamy. Crunchy. Every single bite was perfect. Fast forward to my own kitchen years later, I knew I had to recreate that memory. Except, instead of peeling and boiling potatoes (because who has time for that?), I took a shortcut with frozen hash browns—because let’s be honest, busy moms need quick wins in the kitchen.
The first time I made this funeral potato recipe for my family, my husband went back for thirds, and the kids fought over the last crispy-topped scoop. That’s when I knew—I had found my go-to dish for every potluck, holiday, and “just because I need some comfort food” kind of night. And trust me, once you try this easy funeral potatoes dish, you’ll be finding every excuse to whip up a batch, too.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting
There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that combines gooey melted cheese with velvety creaminess. It’s like a warm hug in food form, perfect for those nights when you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
2. Super Easy to Make
Forget peeling, chopping, and boiling potatoes—this recipe uses frozen hash browns, cutting the prep time in half. If you can stir ingredients in a bowl and pop them in the oven, you can make this dish. Seriously, it’s foolproof.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, a potluck, or just a random Tuesday, cheesy funeral potatoes fit the bill. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and they disappear from the dish faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
4. That Buttery Crunchy Topping
The golden, buttery cornflake topping is what takes this dish over the top. It adds the perfect crunch to balance out the creamy potatoes underneath, making every bite a textural masterpiece.
5. Feeds a Crowd
Got a big family? Hosting a gathering? This is one of those recipes that stretches to feed a lot of hungry mouths without breaking the bank.
6. Can Be Prepped Ahead
Busy? No problem. You can assemble the dish ahead of time, keep it in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Easy peasy.
7. Customizable
Want to switch things up? You can add bacon, jalapeños, or even swap out the topping for Ritz crackers or potato chips. It’s a flexible dish that works with whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes With Hash Browns Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)
Equipment You’ll Need:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)
Cooking Instructions for Funeral Potatoes With Hash Browns!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Hash browns
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and thawed hash browns. Stir gently until the hash browns are fully coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top.
Step 5: Make the Buttery Cornflake Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you prefer a softer topping, cover with foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Then dig in and enjoy every cheesy, crispy, creamy bite!
Notes
1. Swap Out the Soup
Don’t have cream of chicken soup? Try cream of mushroom or even cream of celery for a different flavor.
2. Make It Meatier
Want to add some protein? Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham before baking.
3. Spice It Up
Like a little heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
4. Try Different Toppings
Cornflakes are classic, but crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or even panko breadcrumbs make great alternatives.
5. Make It Ahead
Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed.
6. Freezing Instructions
Funeral potatoes freeze beautifully! Assemble the dish (without the topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake.
Macronutrient Count Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Pro Tips for the Recipe
1. Let the Hash Browns Thaw Completely
Using frozen hash browns straight from the bag can make the dish watery. Let them thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing them in.
2. Go Heavy on the Cheese
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for a richer flavor.
3. Add a Protein Boost
Want to make this a full meal? Stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken before baking.
4. Get Creative with the Topping
Cornflakes are traditional, but crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or panko breadcrumbs all add different textures and flavors.
5. Make It Ahead of Time
This dish is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
6. Spice It Up
Add a pinch of cayenne, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix for a little kick.
Funeral Potato FAQ: Your Cheesy Questions, Answered!
1. What Can I Serve with Funeral Potatoes?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like ham, turkey, or brisket. For sides, try steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or dinner rolls to round out the meal.
2. Can I Make This Recipe Without Soup?
Yes! If you’d rather skip the canned soup, substitute it with a homemade mixture of 1 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup heavy cream with a pinch of garlic powder.
3. How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
For a lower-calorie version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter butter substitute.
4. Can I Freeze Funeral Potatoes?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish (minus the topping), wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake as usual.
5. Why Are My Funeral Potatoes Watery?
This usually happens if the hash browns aren’t fully thawed or if too much moisture is added. Drain excess liquid from thawed hash browns and avoid overmixing.
6. Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash browns?
Yes! Just peel, shred, and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain well and pat dry before using.
