Slow Cooker Golden Cheesy Hash Brown Bake

Don’t be deterred by the quirky name! These Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes are a beloved comfort food, famous for their irresistible creamy, cheesy texture and a perfectly crispy, crunchy Corn Flake topping. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal side for any potluck, holiday dinner, or family gathering. With minimal effort, you can create this classic Utah comfort food, packed with all the delicious flavors you crave.

While the name “Funeral Potatoes” might sound a bit unsettling, rest assured, there’s nothing grim about this deliciously rich casserole. This iconic dish earned its name because it’s a staple at large communal events, including—you guessed it—funerals, where comforting food is often needed. However, its popularity extends far beyond such somber occasions, gracing tables at potlucks, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and countless celebratory gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes begins with a selection of simple, yet incredibly flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature creamy, cheesy goodness:

• Frozen Cubed Hash Brown Potatoes: The star of the show! You’ll need approximately 1 ½ pounds, which typically equates to two 12-ounce bags. Opt for cubed hash browns as they hold their shape better and provide a delightful texture. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; they can go straight from the freezer into your slow cooker, saving you an extra step and precious time.
• Sour Cream: A crucial ingredient for creaminess and a subtle tang. A thick, full-fat sour cream (like Daisy brand, as mentioned) will yield the richest results, but any brand you prefer will work beautifully.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: One 10-ounce can of undiluted condensed cream of chicken soup forms the creamy base of the casserole, binding all the flavors together. Both low-sodium and regular versions are suitable, depending on your dietary preferences.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that irresistible cheesy pull and robust flavor, sharp cheddar is the gold standard. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheddar melts more smoothly and offers superior flavor and texture. If possible, take a few extra minutes to grate your own.
• Other Essential Flavor Boosters:
  • Melted Butter: Contributes to the richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
  • Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
  • Onion Powder: Adds a foundational savory depth without the texture of fresh onion, making it perfect for picky eaters.
• For the Crispy Topping:
  • Additional Melted Butter: To toast and coat the corn flakes, creating that buttery crunch.
  • Corn Flakes: The signature crunchy topping! These cereal flakes, once crushed and toasted, provide a textural contrast that elevates the dish from good to extraordinary.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Preparing Your Funeral Potatoes

Making this easy casserole is wonderfully straightforward, and you have two primary methods for combining your ingredients:

• The Bowl Method (Recommended for Uniformity): This approach involves mixing all the ingredients in a separate large bowl before transferring them to the slow cooker. Start by combining the wet ingredients (sour cream, soup, and initial melted butter), then fold in the seasonings and cheese, and finally, gently incorporate the frozen hash brown potatoes. This ensures all components are thoroughly and evenly coated.
• The In-Crock-Pot Method (For Ultimate Ease): If you’re looking to minimize dishwashing, you can mix everything directly in the slow cooker insert. While this might result in a slightly less uniform distribution of ingredients, it’s incredibly convenient.

For the sake of clarity and ensuring the best results, the following instructions detail the “In-Crock-Pot” method, which is perfect for a quick and easy setup. The recipe card below, however, provides steps for the “Bowl Method” for those who prefer maximum uniformity.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes in a Crock Pot

• Prepare Your Base: Begin by pouring the entire quantity of your frozen cubed hash brown potatoes directly into the insert of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Ensure the slow cooker is greased if needed, though most modern ones are non-stick.

• Add the Creamy Elements: Next, add the sour cream, the undiluted cream of chicken soup, and the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Don’t worry about mixing just yet.

• Season and Combine: Sprinkle in your seasonings: the melted butter, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Now, using a sturdy silicone spatula or a large spoon, gently but thoroughly toss all the ingredients together until the potatoes are uniformly coated with the creamy mixture. Take care not to mash the potatoes.

• Even Spread: Once combined, spread the mixture out evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker insert. This ensures consistent cooking and browning. Place the lid securely on the crock pot.

• Cook to Perfection: Cook the casserole on HIGH for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. If your schedule allows, a quick stir halfway through the cooking time can help ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking. The potatoes should be tender and the cheese melted and bubbly.

The Irresistible Crunchy Topping

No Funeral Potatoes are complete without their signature crispy topping. This buttery, golden layer adds a crucial textural contrast that takes the dish to the next level.

Topping Ingredients

• Crushed Corn Flakes Cereal: You’ll need 2 cups. You can buy them pre-crushed for convenience, or easily crush them yourself. Place corn flakes in a freezer bag and use a rolling pin, or pulse them briefly in a food processor. The level of crushing is up to your preference – some like a fine crumb, while others prefer larger, more intact flakes for extra crunch.
• Melted Butter: Another ½ cup of butter is needed to toast the corn flakes, infusing them with rich flavor and helping them brown beautifully.

• Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized skillet, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat.
• Toast the Corn Flakes: Add the crushed corn flakes to the melted butter. Toss them well with a spatula to ensure every flake is coated. Continue to lightly toast over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the corn flakes turn a beautiful golden brown. Be vigilant, as corn flakes can burn quickly! This toasting step is crucial for maximum flavor and crunch.

• Top the Casserole: Once the potatoes are cooked and the corn flakes are perfectly toasted, carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. Evenly spread the toasted corn flake topping over the cheesy hash brown casserole.

• Avoid Soggy Topping: It’s important not to replace the lid on the slow cooker after adding the topping. The steam generated will cause the corn flakes to become soggy, diminishing their delightful crunch.

• Serve and Enjoy: Your Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes are now ready to be served! Scoop out generous portions and savor this comforting side dish.

Tips for Success & Common Substitutions

Achieving the perfect funeral potatoes is easy with a few helpful tips and knowing how to adapt the recipe to your needs.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Don’t Overmix: While you want ingredients evenly coated, avoid overmixing the potatoes, especially if they’re starting to thaw, as this can make them mushy.
• Freshly Grated Cheese: As mentioned, grating your own cheese makes a noticeable difference in melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the mixture before cooking and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Remember, the condensed soup and cheese contribute some saltiness.
• Golden Topping is Key: Don’t skip toasting the corn flakes! This step is essential for that rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch.

Creative Substitutions:

Cream of Chicken Soup Alternatives: If you prefer to avoid canned condensed soups or want a different flavor profile:

• Homemade Cream of Soup: You can easily make your own. For a cream of chicken substitute, you can follow a recipe like this one for Cream of Chicken Soup from The Cozy Cook. This gives you control over ingredients and sodium levels.
• Other Creamy Soups: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can also be used, slightly altering the flavor profile but still providing the necessary creaminess.

Using Fresh Potatoes (instead of frozen hash browns): While frozen hash browns offer ultimate convenience, fresh potatoes can certainly be used with a few extra steps:

• Choose Wisely: Opt for Russet potatoes, as their dry and firm texture is ideal for this casserole.
• Preparation: Peel the potatoes and dice them into uniform ½-inch cubes.
• Soaking is Key: Soak the diced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, preventing them from becoming gummy.
• Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, drain the potatoes completely and pat them very dry with clean tea towels. Any residual moisture can make the casserole watery.
• Adjust Butter: Increase the total melted butter in the casserole portion of the recipe by about 2 tablespoons, as frozen hash browns typically contain some oil/fat.

Making it Gluten-Free: With a few simple swaps, this comforting dish can be enjoyed by everyone:

• Gluten-Free Hash Browns: While most cubed hash browns contain gluten, many shredded hash brown brands are gluten-free. Always check the label.
• Gluten-Free Condensed Soup: Swap out standard condensed soup for gluten-free versions (brands like Pacific Foods offer great options).
• Gluten-Free Corn Flakes: Replace regular corn flakes with a gluten-free alternative (Nature’s Path is a popular choice).
• For a more detailed ingredient list and specific guidance, you can refer to dedicated gluten-free funeral potatoes recipes.

Oven Baking Method: If you prefer baking in the oven rather than a slow cooker:

• This recipe can easily be adapted for oven baking. Simply prepare the potato mixture as instructed, spread it into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Add the toasted corn flake topping during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, or immediately after removing from the oven for ultimate crispiness. For a detailed guide, check out recipes for classic funeral potatoes.

This cheesy hashbrown potato casserole earned its distinctive name because it’s a popular and comforting side dish frequently served at large community gatherings, particularly post-funeral luncheons in the American West, especially Utah. During times of sorrow, it provides a warm, hearty, and easy-to-prepare meal. However, its deliciousness has long since transcended these occasions, making it a beloved staple at potlucks, holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and family celebrations of all kinds.

Most traditional funeral potato recipes feature a comforting blend of frozen cubed hash brown potatoes, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup (or a similar creamy soup), shredded cheddar cheese, and various seasonings. The dish is almost always finished with a signature crunchy and buttery crushed corn flake topping, which adds an essential textural contrast.

Yes, you can absolutely freeze cooked funeral potatoes! To do so, ensure the casserole has cooled completely to room temperature first. Transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. While the consistency might change slightly upon thawing (sometimes becoming a little softer), the potatoes will still be very delicious. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven or slow cooker until heated through.

Yes, fresh potatoes can be substituted for frozen hash browns, but there are a few important considerations. For best results, use whole Russet potatoes due to their firm and dry texture. You’ll need to peel and dice them into ½-inch cubes. Crucially, soak the diced fresh potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and thoroughly dry them with clean kitchen towels before mixing. Additionally, you may need to increase the melted butter in the casserole mixture by about 2 tablespoons, as frozen hash browns have some inherent oil/fat content.

Leftover slow cooker funeral potatoes will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always ensure they are cooled completely before storing.

Perfect Pairings: Main Dishes for Funeral Potatoes

Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Think of anything you’d typically serve at a hearty Sunday dinner or a special holiday meal – those will pair wonderfully with this cheesy, comforting casserole.

• Roasted or Glazed Ham: The salty, savory notes of ham are a classic match for the creamy potatoes. Consider recipes like Crock Pot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze from Dinner at the Zoo.
• Pork Loin or Chops: A perfectly cooked pork loin or tender pork chops offer a lean protein that balances the richness of the potatoes. Pork Loin from Café Delites would be an excellent choice.
• Turkey: Whether it’s a whole roasted turkey or a tender turkey breast, this casserole is a Thanksgiving essential. Try a Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast from Recipe Tin Eats.
• Roasted Chicken: A classic roasted or slow-cooked chicken is always a winner. A Slow Cooker Whole Chicken from Café Delites offers a hands-off approach.
• Meatloaf: The ultimate comfort food duo! A savory meatloaf alongside creamy funeral potatoes is pure nostalgic bliss.
• Steak or Brisket: For a more upscale meal, these potatoes can stand up to hearty cuts of beef, offering a creamy contrast to rich meats.