There’s a reason some dishes become legendary, transcending their origins to become staples at gatherings of all kinds. Funeral Potatoes, a delightfully creamy and cheesy hashbrown casserole topped with a golden, crispy crust, is precisely one such culinary icon. Despite its somewhat somber name, this dish is pure comfort in every bite, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a casual family dinner, or a large potluck, this easy-to-make casserole is the perfect solution for feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.

For nearly a decade, this cheesy potato bake has been a cherished tradition in my home, making regular appearances at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and countless other special occasions. Its irresistible combination of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and a satisfyingly crunchy topping ensures it disappears quickly, leaving everyone craving more. While I previously shared a fantastic slow-cooker version, today, we’re diving into the classic oven-baked Funeral Potatoes recipe – a method I particularly adore for its ability to achieve that perfectly crisp, buttery cornflake crust that elevates this dish to new heights.

Unveiling the Ultimate Comfort: The Best Cheesy Hashbrown Funeral Potatoes Recipe

The quest for the perfect side dish for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any large event often leads to classic, comforting recipes that promise both ease and deliciousness. This is where Funeral Potatoes, also affectionately known as cheesy hashbrown casserole or party potatoes, truly shine. This iconic dish, with its creamy potato base and irresistible crunchy topping, has earned its place as a beloved staple across many American homes. It’s more than just a casserole; it’s a symbol of gathering, comfort, and good food shared among loved ones. Prepare to discover the ultimate recipe that is not only simple to make but also promises to be a unforgettable addition to your culinary repertoire, pleasing every palate.

What Are Funeral Potatoes? A Rich History Behind the Name

The name “Funeral Potatoes” often sparks curiosity, sometimes even a chuckle. Rest assured, there’s nothing gloomy about this delicious casserole! The moniker simply reflects its historical popularity as a go-to dish for potlucks and large gatherings, particularly in the Mormon community in Utah. During times of bereavement, families often receive an abundance of food from their community, and this easily scalable, comforting, and make-ahead casserole became a frequent contribution at post-funeral receptions. Its ability to feed many and offer solace through its hearty, familiar flavors cemented its place as a communal favorite. Beyond funerals, you’ll find these beloved potatoes gracing tables at weddings, church functions, holiday celebrations, and family reunions across the American Midwest and mountain states.

Over the years, this iconic dish has accumulated several affectionate aliases, including “Party Potatoes,” “Mormon Potatoes,” “Cheesy Hashbrown Bake,” or simply “Hashbrown Casserole.” Its widespread appeal even led to its recognition during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, where commemorative pins featured legendary Utah dishes, with Funeral Potatoes proudly among them. This cultural significance highlights not just a recipe, but a tradition of community, comfort, and shared meals that resonate deeply with many.

Reasons to Love This Easy Funeral Potatoes Recipe:

1. The Ultimate Side Dish for Any Occasion: This cheesy potato casserole is not just for holidays; it’s the perfect accompaniment for virtually any main course, from holiday roasts like glazed ham or roasted turkey to everyday meals like roasted chicken or grilled steak. Its incredible versatility makes it ideal for holiday dinners, special occasions, or just a comforting family dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
2. Pure, Undeniable Comfort Food: Indulge in the rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying flavors of this casserole. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of tender, fluffy potatoes, perfectly melted cheese, and a luscious, savory sauce, making it the epitome of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
3. Incredibly Simple to Make: With just a few common, accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is incredibly accessible to cooks of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve spectacular results. Plus, it’s highly adaptable and can even be prepared in advance or frozen, saving you precious time and stress when entertaining or preparing for a busy week.
4. Irresistible Texture Contrast: What truly sets this dish apart from other potato casseroles is the harmonious interplay of textures. A smooth, creamy, and tender hashbrown interior is perfectly complemented by a golden, buttery, and extra-crispy cornflake topping. This delightful crunch adds an exciting textural dimension to every bite, making the dish utterly addictive.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Crafting the perfect Funeral Potatoes starts with selecting quality ingredients that work together to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is essential for achieving the best results:

• Hashbrown Potatoes: You’ll need about 1 ½ pounds of frozen cubed hash browns. The crucial step here is to ensure they are fully thawed before mixing. Thawing ensures they cook evenly and integrate seamlessly into the creamy sauce, preventing a watery or unevenly cooked casserole. I recommend placing them in the fridge overnight, or if you’re short on time, letting them sit on the counter for a few hours until soft. While cubed hash browns offer a satisfying chunkiness, shredded hash browns are also a popular choice if you prefer a finer texture.
• Crispy Cornflakes: This is the hallmark of the signature crunchy topping! While you can purchase pre-crushed cornflakes, I highly recommend crushing them yourself. The irregular shapes of hand-crushed flakes create a superior, more varied, and ultimately crunchier topping that truly elevates the dish and provides that perfect textural contrast.
• Rich Sour Cream: This is a key player in achieving the casserole’s exceptionally creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy note that beautifully balances the richness of the cheese and soup. For the best consistency and flavor, opt for a thick, full-fat sour cream, such as Daisy brand.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A staple in many classic comfort food casseroles, condensed cream of chicken soup acts as a fantastic binder and flavor base. It contributes a savory, umami depth that is hard to replicate with other ingredients. While other condensed soups (like cream of mushroom or cream of celery) can be substituted, cream of chicken offers the most traditional and widely beloved flavor profile for Funeral Potatoes.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The backbone of the “cheesy” in cheesy hashbrown casserole! For the best melt, richest flavor, and creamiest texture, opt for a block of sharp cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a less desirable, gritty finish.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter plays a crucial dual role in this recipe. Firstly, it enriches the potato base, adding a luxurious mouthfeel and savory depth. Secondly, it’s absolutely essential for creating that irresistible, golden, and super crispy cornflake topping. Using unsalted butter allows you to precisely control the overall saltiness of your dish.
• Simple Seasonings: We keep the seasonings minimal yet impactful to allow the natural, comforting flavors of the potatoes, cheese, and soup to truly shine. Onion powder provides a savory undertone without the texture of fresh onions (which is great for those with picky eaters!), while a balanced amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances all the other ingredients, bringing out their best characteristics.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Classic Funeral Potatoes

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, but a little preparation ensures perfect results every time. Follow these detailed steps for a truly delicious cheesy potato casserole:

1. Prepare Your Hashbrowns and Baking Dish

The most important prep step for this casserole is to ensure your hashbrown potatoes are fully thawed. This allows them to blend smoothly with the creamy sauce and cook evenly, preventing any undesirable watery texture. Plan to move them from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, or if you’re pressed for time, let them sit on the kitchen countertop for 2-3 hours until they are soft to the touch. While the hashbrowns thaw, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after your delicious meal. Set the prepared dish aside.

2. Craft the Creamy Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the full can of undiluted cream of chicken soup, the thick sour cream, and ½ cup of melted butter. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth, forming a luxurious, creamy foundation for your potatoes. Next, add the essential seasonings: the salt, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir again to evenly distribute these flavors throughout the creamy base, ensuring every single bite of your casserole is perfectly seasoned and flavorful.

Now, it’s time for the cheese! Add the two cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the condensed soup and sour cream mixture. Gently fold the cheese in with a spatula or large spoon until it’s well distributed throughout the creamy base. Using freshly grated cheese ensures it melts beautifully, contributing to a wonderfully rich, smooth, and creamy texture that store-bought pre-shredded varieties often can’t match.

3. Incorporate the Hashbrowns

Once your creamy, cheesy base is perfectly ready, carefully add the thawed hashbrown potatoes to the large bowl. Using your spatula or a large spoon, gently fold the hashbrowns into the mixture. Take your time with this step to ensure all the potato pieces are thoroughly coated with the savory, creamy sauce. This step is absolutely crucial for achieving an even texture and consistent flavor distribution throughout the entire casserole, preventing any dry spots.

Once the potatoes are thoroughly coated, transfer the hashbrown and soup mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly using the back of your spoon or spatula, making sure the surface is relatively flat and uniform. This creates a perfect base for the crunchy topping.

4. Prepare and Add the Crunchy Topping

For that signature, irresistible crunch, prepare your cornflake topping. If you haven’t already, crush approximately 3 ½ cups of cornflake cereal until you have about 2 cups of irregularly crushed pieces. I find placing them in a sturdy plastic storage bag and gently rolling a rolling pin over them works perfectly, creating a desirable mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces for optimal, varied crunch. In a separate medium-sized bowl, melt the remaining ½ cup of butter (this can be done quickly in the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully liquid). Add the crushed cornflakes to the melted butter and stir well, ensuring every single flake is thoroughly coated. This butter coating is what makes them turn beautifully golden and wonderfully crispy in the oven.

Evenly sprinkle the buttered cornflakes over the entire surface of the potato mixture in the casserole dish. Distribute them from edge-to-edge for a consistent crispy layer that will delight with every serving.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s thoroughly heated through. The cornflake topping should achieve a beautiful golden brown color and become wonderfully crispy. For optimal food safety, the internal temperature of the casserole should reach about 165°F (74°C).

Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the Funeral Potatoes from the oven. Allow them to cool for about 5-10 minutes before scooping and serving. This resting period is important as it allows the casserole to set slightly, making it much easier to portion cleanly and preventing it from being too runny or falling apart when served. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy masterpiece!

What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a vast array of main courses, making them a fantastic choice for any meal, from casual weeknights to elaborate holiday feasts. For classic holiday meals, they are a natural and cherished complement to roasted turkey, glazed ham, succulent prime rib, or even a flavorful pork loin. For everyday dinners, consider serving them alongside hearty options like roasted chicken, juicy pork chops, comforting meatloaf, grilled sausages, or even a simple pan-seared fish. To create a well-rounded and balanced meal, especially one that cuts through the richness of the potatoes, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed fresh vegetables like green beans or asparagus would be perfect. Their comforting nature also makes them a fantastic addition to brunch spreads, served alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausages, and fresh fruit.

Storing Leftovers and Make-Ahead Options

One of the many significant advantages of Funeral Potatoes is how exceptionally well they store and how conveniently they can be prepared in advance. This makes them an ideal choice for busy schedules, effortless entertaining, or simply ensuring you always have a comforting meal on hand.

Refrigerating Leftovers:

Any leftover casserole can be stored directly in its baking dish, simply by covering it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For smaller, individual portions, transferring them to an airtight container may be a more space-efficient option for your fridge. Leftovers will maintain their deliciousness and freshness in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring you can enjoy this comforting dish for multiple meals.

Reheating Instructions:

To reheat individual portions, simply warm them in the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through to your desired temperature. For larger quantities or a whole casserole, cover the baking dish securely with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout. A crucial tip for oven reheating: always place a cold baking dish into a cold oven, then begin the preheating process. This gradual heating prevents thermal shock, which can cause glass baking dishes to crack or break.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

Preparing Funeral Potatoes in advance is a fantastic time-saver and a brilliant strategy for stress-free entertaining. You can fully assemble the entire potato and soup mixture, including the cheese and seasonings, up to 2 days before you plan to bake it. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. The key to preserving that signature crunch is to add the cornflake topping just before baking, not beforehand. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge about an hour prior to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Then, add your freshly prepared buttered cornflake topping and bake as directed in the recipe.

Freezing Instructions:

Funeral Potatoes freeze beautifully, making them an excellent option for future meals, unexpected guests, or emergency potlucks. Properly frozen, they can be a lifesaver!

1. Assemble Without Topping: Prepare the hashbrown, soup, cheese, and seasoning layer exactly as directed in the recipe, but *do not* add the cornflake topping at this stage.
2. Cover and Freeze: Cover the casserole dish tightly with at least two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. For added protection, you can also place the entire dish into a large freezer bag. Label the package clearly with the dish name and date.
3. Storage Duration: Your unbaked Funeral Potatoes can be safely frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
4. Thawing and Baking: When you’re ready to enjoy, the best method is to thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. To bake from thawed, place the cold casserole dish into a cold oven, then begin preheating to 350°F (175°C). This gradual heating prevents the dish from cracking due to sudden temperature changes. Once thawed and the oven is preheated, remove the foil, add your freshly prepared buttered cornflake topping, and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until heated through, golden brown, and bubbly. If you need to bake directly from frozen (without thawing), cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours at 350°F. Then, remove the foil, add the topping, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips for Bringing Funeral Potatoes to a Potluck or Gathering

As a dish renowned for its potluck prowess, ensuring your Funeral Potatoes arrive at their destination hot, fresh, and delicious is absolutely key to their success. Here are some invaluable pro tips to make your contribution a standout:

1. Prep Ahead & Bake On-Site: This is arguably the best strategy for peak freshness and crispiness. Prepare the hashbrown and soup mixture up to two days in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Transport the unbaked casserole, along with a separate sealed bag of your buttered cornflakes, to the gathering location. Bake it once you arrive, adding the topping just before it goes into the oven. This guarantees that perfect crunch that everyone loves.
2. Utilize a Casserole Carrier: If baking at home is your only option, bake the casserole just before you leave. Invest in an insulated casserole carrier designed for keeping dishes warm during transit. These carriers are incredibly effective at maintaining temperature, ensuring your Funeral Potatoes remain piping hot until serving time.
3. Consider the Slow Cooker Option: For ultimate portability and effortless temperature control, consider making a dedicated Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes recipe. This version can be easily transported and kept warm at your destination using the slow cooker’s “warm” setting, eliminating the need for oven access at the event.
4. Coordinate Oven Use with Your Host: If you plan to bake your casserole on-site at a friend’s house or community hall, it’s crucial to communicate with your host beforehand. Inquire about oven availability and potential timing conflicts. Factor in the full 40-50 minute bake time (and possibly longer if you’ll be sharing oven space with other dishes) to ensure your potatoes are ready when guests are.
5. Opt for Disposable Pans: For super easy transport and absolutely no-fuss cleanup (which is always a win at potlucks!), assemble and bake your casserole directly in a sturdy disposable aluminum pan. This way, you don’t have to worry about retrieving your dish or doing extra washing up.

Delicious Variations and Clever Substitutions

While the classic Funeral Potatoes recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable, allowing for customization to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!

• Crunchy Topping Alternatives: If traditional cornflakes aren’t your preference, or you simply want to try something new, there are many delicious swaps for the crispy topping:
  • Potato Chips: For a salty, savory crunch, crush about 2 cups of plain potato chips (like regular or sour cream and onion flavored) and sprinkle them over the top instead of cornflakes. No need for extra melted butter, as potato chips already contain plenty of oil.
  • Buttered Breadcrumbs: A timeless and popular choice for many casseroles! Toss 2 cups of Panko or regular breadcrumbs with ½ cup of melted butter and sprinkle them over the casserole for a more traditional, golden-brown crust.
  • Crispy Fried Onions: For an additional savory, oniony kick, use a can of crispy fried onions (like French’s brand) instead. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent them from burning, ensuring they remain perfectly crispy.
  • Crushed Crackers: Buttery crackers, such as Ritz, crushed and mixed with a little melted butter, also make a fantastic and flavorful topping.
  • Plain (No Topping): If you prefer a simpler, softer casserole with just a creamy, cheesy potato texture, you can omit the topping entirely.
• Condensed Soup Swaps: The cream of chicken soup provides a distinctive savory flavor, but you can certainly experiment with other condensed cream soups to alter the taste profile:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds an earthy, umami note that pairs beautifully with potatoes and cheese.
  • Cream of Celery Soup: Offers a subtle, fresh, and slightly herbaceous flavor to the casserole.
  • Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: For an extra cheesy boost and an even richer flavor, this is a fantastic option.
  • Homemade Cream Soup: If you prefer to avoid canned soups, a homemade cream sauce (starting with a béchamel base and incorporating chicken or vegetable broth) can be used as a flavorful, from-scratch alternative.
• Potato Varieties: While cubed hashbrowns are traditional, other potato preparations can be used:
  • Shredded Hashbrowns: Easily substitute 1 ½ pounds (or two 12oz bags) of shredded hashbrowns for the cubed variety. This will result in a slightly finer, more uniform potato texture throughout the casserole.
  • Diced Cooked Potatoes: If you have leftover boiled, steamed, or roasted potatoes, simply dice them into small cubes and use them in place of the hashbrowns. Ensure they are well-drained before mixing.
• Add Fresh Aromatics: If your crowd enjoys a bolder, more aromatic flavor profile, feel free to sauté ½ cup of finely diced yellow onion or 1-2 cloves of minced garlic until softened, and then mix them into the potato base along with the other ingredients.
• Different Cheeses: Beyond sharp cheddar, consider experimenting with a blend of cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or even a mild Gouda can add wonderful complexity and melt beautifully. A touch of grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the savory depth.
• Boost the Flavor with Add-ins: For an extra layer of savory richness, consider mixing in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika into the potato mixture. For a heartier dish, cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even browned sausage can be folded into the casserole.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat in your comfort food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your preferred level of spice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Potatoes

More Favorite Comforting Side Dishes

• Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
• Crock Pot Maple Glazed Carrots
• Slow Cooker Glazed Sweet Potatoes
• Swedish Pizza Salad
• Crack Corn Salad – Sweet and Savory Meals

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