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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
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If you’re looking for the BEST EVER version of Funeral Potatoes, congratulations, you’ve found it! This is the one people ask me to bring to every holiday, potluck, and yes, after-funeral luncheons, too (hence the name). It’s cheesy, creamy, onion-y, and topped with the perfect layer of crispy cornflakes. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
- Frozen diced hash browns– Diced gives the casserole more texture and keeps it hearty. Skip shredded here…they create a softer consistency.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup– This creates the creamy base and adds savory depth. You can swap cream of mushroom if that’s more your thing.
- Sour cream– Adds richness with just enough tang to keep everything balanced.
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese– Grating it yourself makes a huge difference. It melts smoother and gives better flavor.
- Corn flakes– The classic topping for a reason. They toast up buttery, crisp, and golden.
- Butter– It shows up twice, because obviously it does. Once for richness in the filling, once for that crunchy topping.
- Onion– Sautéing it first softens the bite and adds subtle sweetness.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Only a few quick minutes of prep is required before a long oven bake. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Preheat + Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350° F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2. Cook the Onions
Cook the diced onion in butter in a large skillet (the extra space helps the onions soften evenly) over medium heat until soft and translucent. This quick step builds flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen diced hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cooked onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Pro Tip: You do not need thawed hash browns for this recipe… use from frozen.
Step 4: Make the Topping
Melt butter in the skillet, then toss in crushed corn flakes. Toast for about 1 minute. This tiny extra step makes a huge difference. It gives the topping a deeper, buttery flavor and a better crunch.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Spread everything into your casserole dish, top with the cornflake mixture, and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Tools You’ll Need
A few reliable kitchen basics make this funeral potatoes recipe come together smoothly and help everything bake up creamy, bubbly, and perfectly golden. Nothing complicated, just the kind of tools that make prep easier and cleanup less annoying.
- 9×13 baking dish – This gives the casserole enough room to bake evenly while creating those perfectly golden edges everyone wants.
- Large skillet – You’ll use this to sauté onions and toast the cornflake topping, which builds flavor in two easy steps.
- Large mixing bowls – A roomy bowl makes tossing everything together way easier and keeps the inevitable cheese avalanche contained.
- Rubber spatula – Helps scrape every last bit of that creamy filling into the pan. Leaving any behind would be deeply unfortunate.
Tips for Success
- Use frozen hash browns straight from the freezer for best texture
- Grate your own cheddar for smoother melting
- Crush corn flakes lightly so you still get crunchy texture
- Season thoughtfully…hash browns can handle more salt than you think
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving for cleaner scoops
What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes
These cheesy potatoes pair well with main dishes like ham, roast beef, or turkey. It’s a great dish for Christmas dinner, Sunday dinner, or any special occasions. Here are a few main dish ideas:
- Smoked Pork Butt – classic main dish for these potatoes
- Oven Baked BBQ Chicken – easy weeknight pairing
- Southern Fried Chicken – talk about comfort food on top of comfort food!
- Easy Oven Baked Ribs – perfect flavor combo
- Prime Rib – A holiday classic that pairs perfectly with cheesy potatoes
Storage and Reheating
Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325° F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
To Freeze: Assemble the casserole without the cornflake topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh topping before baking.
Make Ahead: Assemble the filling up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then add the topping right before baking.
FAQs
Why are they called funeral potatoes?
The casserole became popular in Utah and throughout the Mountain West because it was often served at post-funeral gatherings and potlucks. It’s comforting, feeds a crowd, and travels well.
Can I use shredded hash browns?
You can, but diced hash browns create a heartier texture that works especially well here.
Can funeral potatoes be made ahead?
Absolutely. Prep everything the day before, refrigerate, then add the topping and bake fresh.
Why is my casserole watery?
This usually happens if the hash browns thaw too much before mixing. Keep them frozen until ready to use.
Variations
- Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
- Add cooked diced ham or bacon for a heartier dish.
- Try panko breadcrumbs instead of corn flakes for a different crunch.
More Tasty Potato Recipes to Try
- Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
- Mashed Potatoes In Crock Pot
- Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
- Fried Potatoes
- Twice Baked Potatoes
This funeral potatoes recipe is creamy, cheesy, crispy-on-top comfort food at its finest. Make it once, and don’t be surprised when it becomes your most-requested side dish. The printable recipe card is below. Have a wonderful week, friends!
Best Funeral Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy funeral potatoes made with diced hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a buttery crispy cornflake topping, baked until hot and golden. This classic comfort food casserole is always a crowd favorite for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
Ingredients
- butter for greasing pan
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 lbs hash browns frozen, diced (not shredded)
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 21.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (two 10.75 ounce cans)
- 2 cups sour cream
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 3 cups corn flakes crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish by greasing with butter or nonstick spray.
- Saute onion in 1 tablespoon butter until translucent in a medium skillet.
- In a large bowl, add frozen hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, grated cheese, cooked onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix together until combined.
- Replace medium skillet to the heat and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter.
- Add in crushed corn flakes and stir to toast about 1 minute. Sprinkle over top casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
Make Ahead + Storage Instructions
To make ahead: Prepare everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Wait to add the cornflake topping until just before baking. To refrigerate: Store leftover funeral potatoes in its original casserole dish, covered with plastic wrap – or in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To freeze: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge 24 hours before you want to bake it. Bake as normal.Nutrition
Calories: 573kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 13gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 964mgPotassium: 497mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1454IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 288mgIron: 5mg
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If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
These are so yummy! I used cream of mushroom in place of the chicken soup (it’s what I had on hand and boy was it good!!) and I thawed my hash browns in the fridge overnight before adding to the casserole dish. I did cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes (or until the potatoes were almost done) then added more cheese on top and the topping and baked uncovered until the topping browned (about 10-15 minutes). It was devoured! I am making this again for Easter. Thanks for a great recipe!
I’m confused about the recipe wording. In the list of ingredients, it says a half cup melted butter (8 Tbs). Is that correct? Later with directions it says mix 4 TBs butter with flakes. while list of ingredients says 2.
Normally I won’t review a recipe if I’ve made drastic changes, but…I just have to say thanks for this recipe and for the loaded potato casserole recipe, I basically combined them….and YUM!
It’s a great recipe. But it takes closer to an hour to prepare because it takes awhile to get the onions browned and the cornflakes toasted (it takes more than a minute).
So yummy…this is a real crowd pleaser. Everyone asks for this recipe
Flavor was great but cook time was way off. Jumped ahead to the recipe and followed instructions exactly as written, including uaing frozen diced potatoes. After 60 minutes in oven potatoes were still raw and crunchy in center. Read through blog post and you mentioned covering dish, which may have helped but was not specified in recipe. Will make again but adjust cooking method and increase time.
Oh my!!!!! These are seriously A-mazing!!! The ONLY change I made was I used cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken. So so so good!!!!!
Could you use chopped potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? I can’t find them at the store anymore!
Making these for a party of around 25 people. Would doubling this be enough? I almost thought to triple it but 2 bags of potatoes is already 4 lbs. Thank you for your help!
Can you make this up the night before? Wasn’t sure if doing the cornflakes the day before would let the flakes cook up correctly.
We have always loved these! No matter what variation you use. I always use cracker barrel stick abd grate it and use cream of potato soup unless i do t gave it and then use either the cream of Mush or cream of Chicken.
I love this. I substitute onion chip dip for the sour cream. It gives it a nice flavor that is not over powering with onion.
Oh I forgot! I use the O’Brien hash browns. It already has onion and green pepper in them!!
I think this is very tasty but the shredded potato’s would have been better.
The diced ones seemed too hard even after the 40-46 minutes of cooking.
Was really good but I didn’t have any corn flakes so what can I use in place of them nexst time i add chesee this time on top
Breadcrumbs or crackers would be yummy too!
What am I missing?? The butter amounts in the ingredient list don’t add up to the amount of butter in the written instructions?? Where does the “4 remaining Tbsp” come from? List says 2 Tbsp?
Why it called funeral?
Do you thaw the potatoes before using them in the recipe and if so how long do they take to thaw?
I don’t usually thaw my potatoes.
This is my favorite go-to funeral potato recipe and I live in Utah… the funeral potato capital.
Hi Lauren, thanks for the recipe! Would I be able to use a scalloped cut on the potatoes (everything else done and prepared the same) and still be able to call it funeral potatoes, or does the use of a scallop cut effectively disqualify it from being called “funeral potatoes?”
I’ve made these a couple of times and I love them! Can you make this and freeze it? I am guessing without the cornflakes until baking time?
yes!
Do not use the 350 setting. Mine were still frozen after an hour. Totally delayed my dinner.
How many potatoes should I use if I use shredded potatoes?
Can these be made a day ahead, thawing the hash browns?
yes!
I am not saying that every recipe I make of yours is amazing….but everything I have made from this site has beyond perfect and I have people asking me to make it again. This is no exception. Perfectly cheesy and just the right amount of salty. I used Ruffles and they were the best. Thank you for once again making people think I am an amazing cook. 🙂
Hello Do the potatoes have to be thawed first or do you just put them in frozen?
I put them in frozen.
After reading all these raving comments I’m
gonna have to make these. My daughter is
doing “Breaking Up With Sugar” way of eating
from the book with the same title.
The flavor in these was so good, but something went wrong when I made these. There was an unappealing pool of golden grease in the bottom of my casserole dish? Like the potatoes were swimming in greasy butter. I used good quality butter, but I used bagged shredded cheddar – maybe it was the cheese grease? It was Sargento brand. Will try again!
Can you make these in advance and then cook later?
The only good thing about funerals!! I loved this recipe as a child, and your rendition is everything I remember!
Wonder what it would taste like if I switched out the cream of chicken for cream of mushroom and topped it with the fried onion crunchies to make it vegetarian. Will have to try it out just to see
[…] Source by laurenslatest […]
My Husband’s cousin had us to dinner in 1979 we were newlyweds. They were called Company Potatoes I prefer this Name to funeral. They have been a holiday staple , the recipe I had called for 1 lb of velvetta cubed. I prefer the cheddar in this recipe! Though they are mad I frequently they will show up for our Rose Bowl celebration. Go Badgers. Our good friend will be so happy!!
They called funeral potatoes it NOT called company potatoes nah!
Can you prep this the night before and cook it in the morning? Or should the potatoes be frozen when they go in the oven? Thanks!
Yes, you can make in advance and store in the fridge before baking.
Do you mix corn flakes with 2 or 4 tablespoons of melted butter? The ingredient list says 2 but the directions say 4?
Do you have to thaw the potatoes first? Or just mix them in straight from the freezer?
Thaw
[…] Funeral Potatoes […]
These are so good they could be my main course. They are delicious! Thanks, Lauren, for all your wonderful recipes.
We tried this recipe last night and it was HEAVENLY! Two changes that we made: added smoked sausage, and browned the butter. Seriously, browning the butter is so simple but makes such a difference. Thanks Lauren!
This recipe looks super yummy! I can’t wait to try it!
I’m so glad I tried this recipe years ago— it’s been a staple in our household ever since. I’ve never made a recipe of yours that our whole family didn’t love. Thanks for sharing them and God bless ?
I ❤️❤️❤️ This recipe and your blog. I’ve made this recipe time and time again and it’s ALWAYS a crowd pleaser. Thanks for sharing. ?
I had never heard of funeral potatoes or tried something similar but I am in the market for an easy cheesy potatoe recipe which will be a hit at my family reunion. The insight into the receipe and substitution options make me feel confident pulling this off! Thank you!
[…] source: https://laurenslatest.com/funeral-potatoes/ […]
[…] Funeral Potatoes […]
[…] Funeral Potatoes Recipe […]
[…] Funeral Potatoes […]
[…] special occasions because they are a little more time consuming than say, a mashed potato or a potato casserole but are probably more delicious than them both because they are laced with a homemade, buttery […]
[…] supper or holiday feast. And of course you can’t have ham without scalloped potatoes or funeral potatoes or mashed potatoes! To each her own […]
[…] Funeral Potatoes […]
[…] Funeral Potatoes Recipe […]
I have a similar recipe from my late Grandma and my family refers to them as “crack potatoes” since they are so good!! However, every time I try to make the recipe, they come out of the oven with the potatoes not cooked all the way… even if I leave them in several more minutes (tried the next couple times with no better luck). Would it be okay to thaw the potatoes in the fridge first for a certain length of time? I’m only afraid they would be hard to mix without mashing them!
Sure, try defrosting them!
I love the funeral potatoes and don’t wait for funerals to make them.. Even decided to change the name to joyful potatoes. Somehow sounds happier and more useful for all occasions. Hope you keep on cooking and sharing your fabulous recipes.
Now that Thanksgiving is over I’m planning my Christmas brunch! These potatoes will nicely complement my omelet bar! Thanks for reminding me of how awesome these are and I’m definitely going to add some pizzaz with Bacon this time.
Can’t wait to try these for Thanksgiving! <3
I love these. Definitely comfort food!!
These are so good! My family makes these!
[…] baking a spiral ham because it’s so darn easy and we all love ham. So, I’m doing ham, funeral potatoes, a simple green salad and pumpkin pie, though my husband is pushing for chocolate. We’ll see […]
Love these!
I make these every Christmas!
This is one of my family’s favorite recipes. I have never tried the French fried onions. I don’t think I will wait for a funeral to try that version. Sounds yummy!
These potatoes look so good! Can’t wait to give them a try!
My recipe is similar but instead of sour cream we use french onion dip. It makes the flavor even more delicious.
I’ll have to try that!!
Who doesn’t love funeral potatoes! Your recipe is a tad different than mine–definitely going to try your recipe.
I have a funeral dinner today and I am taking two dishes! Thanks for the recipe!
I commented above!
These sound good. I think the cheese and bacon would be the way to go for my family — they are not big on crunchy toppings on casseroles.
Going to make this for my office potluck next week!
Love a good hashbrown casserole. I also don’t make it often because of the nutrition, but YUM.
These look fantastic
This looks like such an awesome recipe. Funeral potatoes are a favorite of our family!
I always make these for carry-in functions and there are never any leftovers!!! thanks for the suggestion of different toppings!!!!!
Lauren,
I have been following you, your family adventures and more importantly your food blog for a while now. You have changed the quality of food that I make for my family and they sure do appreciate you. Haha. Thank you for the great recipes and the fun stories along the way.
The ritz crackers on here are such a good idea. I’ve never made potatoes like this before, but I think now I am going to try! Thanks for the great posts lately. Congrats on your move!
I adore funeral potatoes! Need to make some soon!
If I could have one food for the rest of my life, it would be potatoes. Can’t wait to try these!!
Yummy, this recipe sounds so good! We always make these for Easter and top them with more cheese! #neverenoughcheese
Absolutely on my list to make next week! Can’t wait to try!
I made these potatoes — they were great!
Oh goodness, these look so amazing. I am thinking of giving them a try for Father’s Day with pork tenderloin !
I want a perfect body, but I also want funeral potatoes…for breakfast…for lunch…for dinner. They are my weakness. Great recipe!
I have to try these, but I do think the name is kinda creepy!!! Still sound good!
My family loves this dish with the melted butter poured on top and nothing else!
I’m dying to try the funeral potatoes! No pun intended!
Really enjoying your blog, especially your NYC adventure!
Best of luck in your new home!
These are my husband’s favorite! Yum!
Yummeh! One of my favorite indulgences. Thanks!
I’ve been looking for a recipe like this for some time. Can’t wait to try it.
I want to make these potatoes and add ham. Yummy!
Love these!
Love taking funeral potatoes to events!
Yum! I am sooo making these this week!!! 🙂
Thanks for the recipe… although my waistline may not be thrilled about it. I’ve always loved these potatoes, but never made them. No excuse now!
Love these potatoes, not the name though
Yum! Must try!
These look so tasty! Can’t wait to try!
My kids new fave!#
These look delicious…will definitely try them
My plan is to make these potatoes for our next potluck at church! Thanks!
These look absolutely delicious!
Look delicious!
Saving this recipe for get togethers with friends. Everyone loves potatoes!
Love these potatoes! My aunt makes them for all of her family get-togethers, but we only ever called them “that cornflake potato casserole thing.” So much nicer to have a real name now!
Love these potatoes! Make them all the time:)
I like to toast the cornflakes in butter before putting them on top. It makes them extra crunchy after baking????
Looks yummy! Can’t wait to try this.
I can’t wait to try these potatoes! They look so good!
Yum! These look delicious! Can’t wait to try them
I simply love this recipe! It’s so midwestern and every family seems to have a version of this.
These are the best! Been making them for years!
I see versions of this recipe all the time and I am so tempted!! This is the year I make them and this is the recipe I am using ????
Have fun in NYC!!
Wow!! 2600 miles solo with 3kids is impressive!I make a similar cheesy potato dish to this,delicious as a side with bbq meatballs!:)
My mother in law’s version of these are always a hit.
Love this recipe! It has become a weekly staple!! ❤️
I love these potatoes so much. Only making once a year! That sounds do-able to avoid the guilt as I inevitably end up eating more than my fair share when I do make them!
Oooo… This recipe looks so good. I will make it for my family this weekend! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always made these with Velveeta cheese there’s no recipes here. Not sure about cheddar.
I am currently addicted to your diet root beer with a splash of cream that you talked about on InstaStories. Diet A&W doesn’t even taste diet!!
I want to try!
These look so yummy!
These were a staple at every family gathering growing up! Never would have thought to top with french fried onions….must try soon.
I can’t wait to try this recipe. Sounds so yummy
My husband makes a potato casserole for funeral receptions at his church. He is known for his “funeral potatoes.” His dish is always requested by the ladies who prepare the meal.
Love this recipe!! ❤️
I had never heard of “funeral potatoes” until I moved to the Midwest. These look delish and Im sure my husband would eat the whole pan!
My mom called them Heavenly Potatoes
Yes, love that. I was just thinking how SAD? the name “funeral Potatoes”.
I love making these for family parties. The leftovers are great too!
These look soooo good, and probably even better because I’m currently growing my 5th baby in my belly!! They are calling her name!! 😉
This sounds like a particularly tasty version. I love having another good potluck recipe!
Can’t wait to try.
Made these last night – yum! My 2 girls could not get enough!
I haven’t had these before, but they sound sooooooo good!
I have been dying to try these.My mom has a great cheesy potatoe recipe so I am curious to compare.
Omg funeral potatoes are my absolute favorite way to eat potatoes!!! Shockingly I’ve never made them before so I will save this recipe!
One of my favorite side dishes!! YUM!
Oh man…..got to say the cornflakes kind of threw me but all the other good stuff sold me! Would be great for our next cookout. Also so glad you guys are almost settled, I don’t know if I could have done everything you went through, way to go mama!
I love trying different varieties of this delicious dish. Yours will be next!
I love funeral potatoes but hate the name ???? I usually top mine with Ritz crackers but next time I make them I’m going to try the crushed potato chips because that sounds yummy!
I will have to make these for the Hubs! This recipe sounds like something he would LOVE 🙂
I think it’s hilarious that you call these “Funeral Potatoes”. Growing up in a small community in Canada, you could be pretty sure there would be at least one pan of these at every funeral or family potluck. Thank you for the reminder, I’m going to make them this weekend just for old times sake.
These are my family’s favorite potatoes! A must have for every family gathering — and usually a double batch!
Cannot wait to try this recipe this summer. Maybe for the 4th of July.
These are a Christmas Eve staple for our family! We call them Texas Potatoes (even though we are Canadian.) we may have to try them with corn flakes next time!
I love funeral potatoes but have never made them myself. This looks like a good recipe for my first attempt!
These look yummy and indulgent! Can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂
I just made these for our family dinner. They are SO delicious!!
Family dinner wouldn’t be the same without funeral potatoes. I immediately think of family get together when I eat them.
Anything with potatoes is a keeper in my book. I’ll have to try this one!
Can I make these ahead of time, like today if I’m coming then tomorrow?
You can do this if your hash browns are already defrosted. Meaning, don’t make these with frozen hash browns. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
My family loves these potatoes. Easy and delicious!
These are a staple in my family. SO GOOD
Ooh!! I love these potatoes!! I had a different recipe but I think these are better. Thank you!!
These look delicious! Can’t wait to try. Love your blog!
I love these and made them this past weekend!!
Prepared for company, my husband best college friend. Delicious dish. Thank you!
Worthy!
I have fond memories of funeral potatoes from when I was growing up! Now I need to make these, stat! Thanks for the throwback recipe. 🙂
Am going to make these the next time I host Bunco at my house. Not waiting for someone to die! Thanks for the recipe!
One of my favorite recipes that my mother-in-law makes!
I just made these yesterday and have already eaten leftovers twice! ? Great recipe as-is!
It’s been years since I’ve made funeral potatoes. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I may just have make them this weekend.
I have made these so many times! love!
Hi Tiffany do you thaw the potatoes or just mix while frozen?
Love this recipe. Can’t wait to make these!
These look insanely delicious!!
Lauren, your husband told me about your blog and I love it! We had him over for dinner a few times and are going to miss him-but I am so glad for your sake that his training is all over and you get to be a family again. I love this recipe. Years ago in a desperate bid to not run to the grocery store I used frosted flakes on top-now my family prefers them that way.; sounds crazy but it is delicious. Since it’s not really healthy anyways you might as well really go for it! Best of luck in New York! You are welcome anytime you want an island vacation!
That is so cool!! Thank you for taking care of him while he was away 🙂
Just started to follow Lauren and I have made funeral potatoes many times and when I run across a recipe for them I’m always curious to read the recipe and the remarks to see if there are any added twists. When I read this comment about the Frosted Flakes I thought next time I will have to try it!!! I’m just wondering do you simply crush them on top or sauté them in butter before you put them on top of the potatoes? Thank you to all of the service men and their families for without you we wouldn’t have a what we do!!! ❤️???
Why not the grated hash browns? Or can I use grated?
Can you use tator tots for this recipe??
6 days! That sounds exhausting. Hope you get some much needed rest. And these potatoes look delicious!