If there’s one dish that instantly transports me back to family gatherings, it’s funeral potatoes. I know the name sounds somber, but trust me, this creamy, cheesy comfort food is anything but sad! My Aunt Margie first made them for a church potluck decades ago, and now they’re the first thing I’m asked to bring to any get-together. There’s something magical about how the crispy cornflake topping gives way to that rich, velvety potato center. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a cozy Sunday supper, funeral potatoes always feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love These Funeral Potatoes
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These funeral potatoes are the ultimate comfort food for so many reasons:
- Creamy dreamy center – The sour cream and cheese mixture melts into the potatoes, creating this velvety texture that just hugs your fork
- That crispy golden top – The buttery cornflake topping bakes into the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy potatoes underneath
- So easy to make – Just mix, layer and bake! Even my teenager can throw this together
- Feeds a crowd – This 9×13 pan disappears fast at potlucks (I always make a double batch!)
- Comfort in every bite – There’s just something about that cheesy, potatoey goodness that makes everything feel right with the world
Seriously, once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re called funeral potatoes – because you’ll want them at every gathering, happy or sad!
Funeral Potatoes Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the creamiest, dreamiest funeral potatoes – I’ve learned through trial and error that quality ingredients really make a difference here!
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns – Don’t thaw them! The frozen texture works best
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup – This is the secret to that rich, velvety base
- 2 cups sour cream – Full-fat gives the creamiest results (I sometimes use Greek yogurt for tang)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – Real salted butter makes all the difference
- 1/2 cup chopped onion – I like yellow onions for mild flavor
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground if you have it
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes – About 4 cups whole flakes crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted – For that golden, crispy topping
See notes below if you want to mix things up – but I promise this classic combo is perfection!
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Okay, let’s get cooking! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turns out perfect. The key is not to overthink it – funeral potatoes are meant to be easy and forgiving. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. I like to use butter for this (because more butter is always better), but cooking spray works too. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Base
Now for the fun part! In a big mixing bowl (I mean BIG – this makes a lot), dump in your frozen hash browns (don’t thaw them!), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, that glorious 1/2 cup melted butter, chopped onions, shredded cheese, salt and pepper. Get in there with a big spoon or spatula and mix it all up until everything is evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick and creamy – that’s exactly what you want!
Step 3: Layer and Top
Spread your potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Now for the magic – in a small bowl, mix your crushed cornflakes with the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter until all the flakes are coated. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of your potato mixture. Pro tip: press the topping down lightly with your hands so it sticks better while baking!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop that beautiful dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the cornflake topping is golden brown. If you’re unsure, give it the jiggle test – the center should be set but still have a slight wiggle. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).
Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes
After making these more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take funeral potatoes from good to extraordinary:
- Fresh potato shortcut: If you’re out of frozen hash browns, shred 2 large russet potatoes (no need to peel!) and pat them dry – they’ll bake up just right
- Bacon boost: For a smoky twist, mix in a cup of crumbled cooked bacon before baking – the salty crunch is heavenly
- Season as you go: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt/pepper – potatoes can handle more seasoning than you think!
- Crispier topping: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra golden crunch (watch closely!)
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble everything (minus topping) the night before, refrigerate, then add cornflakes right before baking
Trust me, once you try these little tweaks, you’ll never go back to basic!
Funeral Potatoes Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists – I’ve tested them all at family gatherings and they’re always a hit!
- Meat lovers: Stir in diced ham or crumbled bacon (about 1 cup) for a heartier dish
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for spice, Swiss for nuttiness, or a three-cheese blend
- Crunch alternatives: Swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or French fried onions
- Vegetable boost: Mix in thawed frozen peas or diced red peppers for color and texture
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little kick
The best part? You really can’t mess these up – have fun experimenting with your favorite flavors!
Serving and Storing Funeral Potatoes
Few dishes make me as happy as pulling a bubbling pan of funeral potatoes from the oven – that golden crust just begging to be cracked open! I always serve them alongside baked ham (our family tradition) or roasted chicken. They’re also perfect with grilled burgers or as part of a holiday brunch spread. Leftovers? Ha! That’s rare in my house, but if you’re lucky enough to have some, just cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave (about 2 minutes) or the whole pan covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through – the topping stays surprisingly crisp!
Funeral Potatoes Nutritional Information
Now let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates since ingredients can vary (especially if you add bacon like I sometimes do!). Per serving (about 1 cup), you’re looking at roughly:
- 320 calories – Comfort food doesn’t come light, but it’s worth it!
- 22g fat (12g saturated) – That’s the cheese and butter doing their magic
- 25g carbs – Mostly from those delicious potatoes
- 7g protein – A little boost from the cheese and sour cream
For exact counts, always check your specific ingredients – but let’s be real, nobody eats funeral potatoes for the nutrition facts!
Funeral Potatoes FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time when I bring my famous funeral potatoes to gatherings – here are all my hard-earned tips from years of making this comforting dish!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! My grandmother always used fresh potatoes – just grab 2 large russet potatoes, give them a good scrub (no need to peel), and shred them on the large holes of a box grater. The key is to squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel before mixing. Fresh potatoes give a slightly firmer texture that some people actually prefer!
How Do I Reheat Funeral Potatoes?
Oh honey, I’ve reheated more pans of these than I can count! For individual servings, the microwave works fine (about 2 minutes on high), but for that just-baked taste, I reheat the whole pan covered with foil at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. If the topping needs crisping up, just remove the foil for the last 5 minutes – works like a charm!
Can I Add Meat to This Dish?
You bet! My brother-in-law insists I add a cup of diced ham to his portion. Cooked, crumbled bacon is another favorite (I microwave it first to get it crispy). Just stir it into the potato mixture before baking. For a heartier main dish version, I’ve even added cooked ground beef or sausage – just drain the grease well first!
Share Your Funeral Potatoes Experience
I’d love to hear how your funeral potatoes turn out! Did you add any fun twists? Did your family gobble them up like mine always does? Leave a comment below or tag me on social media – nothing makes me happier than seeing others enjoy this comforting dish as much as we do!
Print
Creamy 30-Minute Funeral Potatoes – Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Funeral potatoes are a classic comfort food dish often served at gatherings. They are creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, onion, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the potato mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- You can use fresh shredded potatoes instead of frozen.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or ham.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: funeral potatoes, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, side dish