What Are Funeral Potatoes?
Don’t let the gloomy name of this creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole put you off! It’s a popular side dish that’s believed to have originated in Utah and is definitely NOT just for funerals or funeral luncheons! Funeral potatoes are made with frozen hash browns, two types of cheese for extra cheesiness, and sour cream for creaminess, tang, and richness of flavor. Some recipes call for canned soup, but I can assure you there’s no condensed soup in sight in my recipe! The buttery Corn Flake topping adds some much needed crunch to an otherwise rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs casserole that’s reminiscent of the hearty fare I grew up eating in the Midwest. Make this quick and easy recipe for funeral potatoes for your next holiday party or family gathering. No one can say no to creamy, cheesy potatoes pulled straight from the oven!
Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes
While I don’t mind using a cooking shortcut now and then like condensed chicken soup, I much prefer using a mixture of milk, sour cream, and chicken bouillon to make the base of this casserole. Otherwise this is a classic funeral potatoes recipe made with Corn Flakes and hash browns. Gather the following ingredients:
Hash browns (I use diced hash browns, but you can use shredded) Butter All-purpose flour Milk Sour cream Cheddar cheese Colby Jack cheese Onion powder Garlic powder Salt Pepper Chicken bouillon Corn Flakes
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Funeral Potato Casserole
When I say these funeral cheesy potatoes is quick and easy, I mean it! It takes about 10 minutes to assemble the casserole, then your oven finishes the job for you. The recipe takes about 40 minutes total time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This funeral potato hash brown casserole can be assembled in advance and baked off just before you plan on serving it.
Assemble the casserole: Follow the recipe instructions as written but do NOT add the Corn Flakes topping. Reserve the Corn Flakes until you plan on baking the casserole, otherwise they’ll become soggy as they sit on top of the hash brown mixture. Cover tightly and chill: You can assemble the base of the casserole up to 3 days in advance. When ready to bake: Take it out of the fridge and set the baking dish on your counter for about 30 minutes before baking. While the casserole is coming to room temp, prepare the Corn Flakes topping. Sprinkle over the casserole and bake as instructed.
Recipe Variations to Try
Classic funeral potatoes made with hash browns and Corn Flakes on top is my family’s favorite, but there’s definitely some wiggle room in the recipe if you want to change things up!
Use different hash browns. For this batch, I used cubed hash browns, but shredded will also work. Add bacon. You’ll want to cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble into the casserole mixture before spooning it into the pan and baking. Hey, it’s extra protein, right! Swap out the Corn Flakes. Try using crushed Ritz crackers, plain potato chips, or panko breadcrumbs instead. Use different cheeses. I used cheddar and Colby Jack, but any soft, gooey cheeses will work. Or, use all cheddar or all Colby Jack!
More Easy Potato Casseroles:
Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole — Tender potatoes mixed with butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions for the ultimate in LOADED baked potatoes! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Three Cheese Scalloped Potatoes – These scalloped potatoes are EXTRA cheesy thanks to three cheeses used as well as super rich and CREAMY!! Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping — This is the BEST sweet potato casserole ever!! The sweet potatoes are tender and creamy, while the streusel topping adds a delightful buttery crunch thanks to the pecans! Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows — 🍠🙌🧡 Tender and creamy sweet potatoes, the subtle crunch of a buttery pecan crumble, and gooey marshmallows make this comfort food side dish an automatic family FAVORITE! Roasted Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole — A HEALTHIER and DELICIOUS twist on sweet potato casserole!! The potatoes and apples retain some texture with the perfect amount of crumble topping!
