Ultimate Comfort Funeral Potatoes Recipe You’ll Love

There was this moment that changed my whole comfort food game—discovering Funeral Potatoes. I was at a cozy family gathering, and someone brought out this creamy potato casserole that immediately felt like a warm hug on a chilly day. It wasn’t just the cheesy, tender goodness; it was familiarity mixed with a little surprise. That instant made me think, “I absolutely have to make this!” From then on, Funeral Potatoes became more than just a side—it became a joyful ritual in my kitchen, the kind of dish you crave when you want that cozy, satisfying feeling deep in your bones.

What’s wonderful about these Funeral Potatoes is how approachable they are. If you’re like me, sometimes you stand in your kitchen thinking, “What can I make that feels like a warm, creamy potato casserole but with a little twist?” This creamy hash brown potatoes recipe never lets me down. It’s the kind of cheesy potato bake that brings the family together and has everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it’s a comfort food side dish that’s simple to throw together and yields massive flavor with minimal fuss.

This southern potato casserole—yes, it’s a total classic—really fits any meal where you want guaranteed crowd-pleaser vibes. Whether it’s a holiday, a weekend gathering, or just a casual dinner, these Funeral Potatoes feel like the perfect answer. I love sharing this recipe with my foodie friends because it’s one of those “easy but oh so good” dishes that make your kitchen smell incredible and your table look inviting. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can tweak to your taste and have fun with.

So, if you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, creamy potato casserole that’s a little bit nostalgic and a whole lot delicious, let’s dive into these Funeral Potatoes! I promise this will become a staple in your recipe box just like it did in mine. Ready? Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients laid out for Funeral Potatoes recipe including cheese, hash browns, and cream of chicken soup

This Funeral Potatoes keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you’ll grab for this creamy potato casserole:

  • 1 (30 oz) bag of frozen hash brown potatoes – You can find these at any grocery store; they’re the base of this southern potato casserole’s magic.
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – I always add a little extra because, truthfully, you can never have too much cheesy potato bake.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Out of cream of chicken? No problem! Cream of mushroom or even cream of celery works great in this Funeral Potatoes too.
  • 1 cup sour cream – Adds that creamy tang that pulls everything together perfectly.
  • 1/2 cup melted butter – This keeps the casserole rich and smooth.
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional) – For a little extra flavor punch.
  • 1 1/3 cups crispy cornflake crumbs – This topping is where the fun crispy crunch hits. You can swap crushed Ritz crackers for a different twist.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Because every good comfort food side dish needs seasoning.

This Funeral Potatoes is kind to your wallet because most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find frozen items. Quick prep tip: Let your hash browns thaw just a bit for easier mixing. And leftovers? They store wonderfully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day lunch or a no-fuss dinner.

Here’s my secret little upgrade that takes this Funeral Potatoes from good to ‘wow’: adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking. It’s a tiny kitchen nugget that brings a surprising depth without changing the classic vibe.

Let’s Cook This Together:

Ready to get into one of those joyful kitchen moments? This Funeral Potatoes recipe comes together in about an hour, start to finish, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this dish size is perfect for these Funeral Potatoes.
  2. Mix the base: In a big bowl, combine thawed hash brown potatoes, 2 cups shredded cheddar, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. This is where the creamy potato casserole magic starts to happen.
  3. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Your kitchen will already smell like comfort as these layers come together.
  4. Add the topping: Toss those crispy cornflakes with just a bit of melted butter—this keeps the cheesy potato bake topping golden and crunchy. Scatter this evenly over your potato mix.
  5. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If your Funeral Potatoes looks a little soupy before baking, trust me, it firms up beautifully as it cooks.
  6. While baking, take a moment for yourself—pour a refreshing drink or chat with family. The anticipation of this creamy potato casserole is half the fun!
  7. Once baked, let it set for 5-10 minutes before serving—this helps it settle and makes scooping out those perfect portions a breeze.

Here’s a tried-and-true shortcut: use pre-shredded cheese and a bag of frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes. It frees up time without any flavor sacrifice—win-win!

Lessons learned from making Funeral Potatoes again and again? Don’t skip the crunchy topping—it’s the prized crispy contrast that turns this into a total crowd-pleaser. Also, seasoning’s your friend here; a pinch more salt or pepper can lift the whole dish.

This Funeral Potatoes recipe is absolutely a kitchen win waiting to happen!

How to Serve & Savor It:

Close up of freshly baked comforting Funeral Potatoes casserole with crispy topping

This Funeral Potatoes truly shines when you serve it with a bright, fresh green salad to balance all that creamy goodness. I’ve had it alongside roasted chicken or crispy bacon-wrapped meatloaf—they pair like a dream.

My absolute favorite way to enjoy this cheesy potato bake is on a lazy weekend brunch or when we have people over for casual dinners. It’s that southern potato casserole comfort food side dish everyone raves about. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a chilly winter evening, these Funeral Potatoes fit beautifully.

Presentation idea? Serve it straight from the baking dish, with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for a pop of color. Leftovers? Try turning them into loaded potato pancakes by scooping some out, crisping in a skillet with a little butter, and topping with sour cream and chives—it’s a leftover makeover I keep coming back to.

For seasonal twists, I’ve experimented with adding some diced jalapeños or swapping cheddar for pepper jack for a smoky kick. Each variation keeps the spirit of the original but adds a fun flair.

This creamy, cheesy comforting potato casserole has been a constant hit with my crew—everyone loves that crispy top and the gooey center.

Your Questions, Answered:

Let’s chat through some of the questions I get most about this Funeral Potatoes recipe.

Can I prep parts of this Funeral Potatoes a day ahead?

Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients but hold off on the topping. Store covered in the fridge overnight, then add the cornflake topping and bake right before serving. It’s a lifesaver on busy days.

What’s a good swap for cream of chicken soup?

If dietary needs or preferences call for it, cream of mushroom or homemade white sauce works well. You can also try cream of celery for a milder flavor.

How can I make this recipe for more or fewer people?

It scales up or down easily—just keep the ingredient ratios the same and use a smaller or larger baking dish. For a small family dinner, a 2-quart dish works perfectly.

Is there a vegetarian version of these Funeral Potatoes?

Yes! Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken and skip the bacon if you add any. It’s still rich and satisfying.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash brown potatoes?

You can, but I love frozen for the ease and consistent texture. If using fresh, peel and shred, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.

What’s the best way to get the topping crispy?

Mix cornflakes with melted butter first—this helps them bake into that golden, crunchy crust everyone loves in a cheesy potato bake.

Do these Funeral Potatoes freeze well?

They do! Bake as usual, then cool completely. Store in an airtight container and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

If you want to see some fun twists and a classic take, Cheesy Funeral Potato Casserole | Donuts2Crumpets offers a fantastic companion to this recipe style.

For nuggets about achieving the perfect breaded top, check out this helpful community discussion on Funeral potatoes recipe with breaded top tips.

Also, if you’re curious about variations and detailed cooking tips, Cheesy Funeral Potatoes – Cooking in the Midwest is worth a read.

Final Foodie Thoughts:

Funeral Potatoes have truly earned a special spot in my foodie heart. They bring back memories, bring everyone together, and make dinner feel like a celebration of comfort. The creamy potato casserole is more than just food—it’s a mood lifter and a crowd-pleaser that I keep reaching for again and again.

My Top Funeral Potatoes Tips:

  • Always thaw your hash browns a bit before mixing.
  • Don’t skimp on the crispy cornflake topping.
  • Season well, especially with freshly cracked pepper.

Tasty variations I’ve loved include adding diced jalapeños for heat, swapping cheddar for a mix of cheeses like gouda and mozzarella, and even mixing in cooked bacon for an extra savory punch. The classic cheddar & cream of chicken combo, however, remains the most requested by my friends and family.

I hope my take on Funeral Potatoes inspires you to make it your own. It’s a dish that invites creativity but never loses its comforting soul. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out because this recipe is all about easy, delicious joy in the kitchen.

If you’re into this kind of satisfying, cheesy comfort, you’ll probably love these Oven Crisped Parmesan Potatoes or these Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes for more everyday awesome food.

Now, grab your casserole dish, and let’s make some delicious Funeral Potatoes that will have everyone asking for your recipe!

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Funeral Potatoes

Comforting Funeral Potatoes Close-up

Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring hash browns and a crunchy topping, perfect as a comforting side dish for gatherings or holidays.

  • Author: Tayla Emerson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups cornflake crumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, and chopped onion; mix well.
  3. Add thawed hash browns to the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  4. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Sprinkle cornflake crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable broth instead.

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