Save There's something undeniably comforting about a casserole that brings people together—and Funeral Potatoes do exactly that. This beloved American classic combines creamy, cheesy hash browns with a gloriously golden, crispy cornflake and cheddar topping that delivers the perfect crunch in every bite. Whether you're feeding a crowd at a potluck, preparing a holiday side dish, or simply craving the ultimate comfort food, this easy-to-make casserole never disappoints. With just 20 minutes of prep and under an hour of total time, you'll have a bubbling, irresistible dish that's as nostalgic as it is delicious.
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The magic of Funeral Potatoes lies in their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy, garlicky potato base becomes luxuriously rich thanks to the combination of sour cream, melted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese, while the cornflake topping—tossed with butter and even more cheese—bakes into a golden, crunchy crown that contrasts beautifully with the soft, savory interior. It's the kind of dish that disappears fast at any table, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
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- Potatoes: 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- Sauce: 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (substitute with cream of mushroom for vegetarian), 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cheese: 2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Topping: 3 cups cornflakes (lightly crushed), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 cup (4 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Mix the Potato Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 2 cups grated cheddar cheese. Stir until fully combined.
- Step 3: Spread in Baking Dish
- Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, toss crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter until well coated. Stir in 1 cup grated cheddar cheese.
- Step 5: Add Topping
- Sprinkle the cornflake-cheddar mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Step 6: Bake
- Bake, uncovered, for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
- Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture—this prevents a watery casserole. When melting the butter, let it cool slightly before mixing with the sour cream to avoid curdling. Crush the cornflakes gently to maintain some texture; you want a mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces for the perfect topping crunch. If you're making this ahead, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. For a vegetarian version, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom. Add chopped green onions or diced jalapeños to the potato mixture for extra flavor and a touch of heat. You can also fold in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for a heartier, non-vegetarian version. If you prefer a different cheese, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cream soup and crushed gluten-free crackers or potato chips instead of cornflakes.
Serviervorschläge
Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate side dish and pair beautifully with roasted or baked ham, roast chicken, turkey, or beef. They're a staple at holiday tables, especially Thanksgiving and Easter, and work wonderfully alongside green beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a complete comfort meal, serve with a simple protein and dinner rolls. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Save Whether you're new to Funeral Potatoes or they're already a beloved tradition in your home, this recipe delivers every time. The creamy, cheesy interior paired with that irresistible crunchy topping makes it a dish that's always requested and never forgotten. Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table—this is comfort food at its finest. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a casserole that's as heartwarming as it is delicious.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of potatoes are best for this dish?
Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes work well as they provide the perfect texture and melt easily with the creamy base.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substituting cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken creates a vegetarian-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and cheddar cheese, then spread evenly on top before baking to get a golden, crunchy crust.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh before serving to maintain the crispy topping.
- → What are good variations to add flavor?
Try adding chopped green onions or diced jalapeños to the potato mixture for a bit of extra flavor and aroma.