Funeral Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, comforting, and topped with buttery golden cornflakes, these classic Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole.
Also known as cheesy potato casserole, this beloved comfort-food dish combines tender shredded potatoes with creamy sour cream, savory cream of chicken soup, plenty of cheddar cheese, and diced onion. The casserole is finished with a crunchy, buttery cornflake topping that turns beautifully golden in the oven.
It’s an easy make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, potlucks, brunches, and large gatherings.
⏱ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8–10
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Oven-Baked
Ingredients
Potato Casserole
- 30 oz frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Crunchy Cornflake Topping
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Set aside.
2. Thaw the Hash Browns
Place the frozen hash browns in the refrigerator overnight or thaw them according to the package instructions.
Once thawed, gently squeeze out any excess moisture.
Removing excess water helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced onion
- ¼ cup melted butter
Season with salt and black pepper.
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
4. Add the Hash Browns
Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl.
Gently fold them into the creamy mixture until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Try not to mash or break apart the hash browns.
5. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
Make sure the mixture reaches the corners of the dish.
6. Prepare the Cornflake Topping
Place the cornflakes in a bowl or resealable bag.
Crush them gently until you have a mixture of small flakes and crumbs.
Don’t pulverize them completely—the larger pieces create a better crunchy texture.
Pour the remaining ¼ cup melted butter over the crushed cornflakes.
Stir until the cornflakes are evenly coated.
7. Add the Topping
Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the entire surface of the potato casserole.
Try to create an even layer so every serving gets plenty of crunchy topping.
8. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until:
- The edges are bubbling.
- The center is hot.
- The cheese is melted.
- The cornflake topping is golden brown and crisp.
9. Rest Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven.
Allow it to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving.
This gives the creamy filling a chance to settle and makes the casserole easier to scoop.
10. Serve
Spoon generous portions onto plates and serve warm.
For the best experience, make sure each serving includes plenty of creamy potatoes and crunchy cornflake topping.
Chef’s Tips
Drain the Hash Browns Well
Excess moisture is one of the main reasons potato casseroles become watery. Make sure the thawed hash browns are well drained.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded cheeses.
Don’t Crush the Cornflakes Too Finely
A mixture of larger flakes and smaller crumbs creates the best crunchy topping.
Don’t Cover While Baking
Bake the casserole uncovered so the cornflake topping becomes crisp and golden.
Let It Rest
Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it hold together when served.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Funeral potatoes are excellent for preparing ahead.
Assemble the potato mixture in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance.
Cover tightly and refrigerate.
For the crispiest topping, keep the buttered cornflakes separate and sprinkle them over the casserole immediately before baking.
If baking directly from the refrigerator, you may need to add approximately 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
Freezer Instructions
For best results, freeze the casserole before baking and preferably without the cornflake topping.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Prepare the cornflake topping fresh and add it just before the casserole goes into the oven.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly.
Refrigerator: Up to 3–4 days.
Reheating
For a large portion, cover loosely with foil and reheat at 325°F (165°C) until hot.
For individual servings, microwave until warmed through.
For the crispiest topping, reheat individual portions in an air fryer or oven.
Flavor Variations
Extra Cheesy
Add another ½ cup shredded cheddar to the potato mixture.
Bacon Cheddar
Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
Ranch Potatoes
Add 1 packet ranch seasoning to the creamy mixture.
Spicy Cheesy Potatoes
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Garlic Herb
Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and fresh parsley for extra flavor.
What to Serve With Funeral Potatoes
These potatoes pair beautifully with:
- Roast chicken
- Turkey
- Glazed ham
- Roast beef
- Grilled steak
- Pork chops
- Meatloaf
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
They’re especially popular alongside holiday turkey or ham.
Recipe Summary
These Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort-food casserole: creamy potatoes, tangy sour cream, savory cream of chicken soup, melted cheddar cheese, and tender onions are baked together beneath a buttery, crunchy cornflake topping.
They’re easy to prepare, feed a crowd, and can be made ahead—making them a dependable favorite for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, and special occasions.
Creamy. Cheesy. Buttery. Crunchy. Pure comfort food.