These Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection.

With shredded hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and plenty of cheddar cheese, it’s no surprise why this dish is a favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, and yes… even funerals.

Don’t let the name fool you—this casserole is welcome at any table where warmth and comfort are on the menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-pleaser – perfect for holidays, potlucks, and Sunday dinners

Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy – every bite is loaded with texture and flavor

Easy to make – simple ingredients and minimal prep

Make-ahead friendly – can be prepped and refrigerated or frozen

Customizable – change up the topping or add protein and veggies

Bakes beautifully – golden, bubbly, and satisfying

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Frozen shredded hash browns – no need to thaw

Sour cream – adds tang and creaminess

Cream of chicken soup – the classic creamy base

Sharp cheddar cheese – melty, bold flavor

Butter – for richness and the crunchy topping

Onion – fresh, diced for aromatic depth

Salt & pepper – essential seasoning

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use frozen hash browns straight from the bag – no thawing required

Shred your own cheese – it melts smoother than pre-shredded

Don’t overbake – just enough for a golden top and bubbling edges

Let it rest before serving so it slices nicely

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat oven

Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the filling

In a large mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, salt, pepper, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter (reserving some for the topping).

Fold in the frozen hash browns.

Step 3: Transfer to baking dish

Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed with the remaining melted butter.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until hot and bubbly, and the top is golden and crisp.

Step 6: Cool and serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy with your favorite main dish or as a star on its own!

What to Serve It With

Roast chicken or turkey

Ham or pork chops

Steamed green beans or roasted carrots

Fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette

Dinner rolls or crusty bread

Variations / Substitutions

Use cream of mushroom or celery soup for a vegetarian version

Add diced ham or bacon for extra protein

Mix in green chilies or jalapeños for a spicy kick

Top with more cheese instead of cereal for an ultra-gooey finish

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked (without topping) for up to 2 months

Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warm or microwave individual portions

Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate 1–2 days in advance, then add topping and bake

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but shred and rinse them well to remove starch, then dry before using.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup and certified gluten-free cornflakes.

What’s a good substitute for cornflakes?
Crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or even potato chips work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use cream of mushroom soup and skip any meat additions.

How do I reheat leftovers without losing the crisp topping?
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep the crunch intact.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use two 9×13-inch pans or a large deep roasting pan for big crowds.

Why are they called “funeral potatoes”?
It’s a classic dish often served at post-funeral gatherings in the Midwest for its comforting and crowd-feeding qualities.

Final Thoughts

Whether you know them as cheesy potato casserole, party potatoes, or Funeral Potatoes, there’s no denying this dish is pure comfort food.

It’s easy, creamy, and delicious—and perfect for just about any occasion, from holidays to weeknight dinners.