Easy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles to every table, let me introduce you to Easy Funeral Potatoes. This creamy, cheesy casserole is the stuff of pure nostalgia, often appearing at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any meal where you want happy bellies and satisfied hearts. Golden hash browns mingle with sour cream, sharp cheddar, and a crunchy buttery topping, making it simply irresistible with every forkful. In just an hour—minimal mess, maximum creamy-cheesy satisfaction—this side dish is sure to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Funeral Potatoes is all about humble ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable. Every item is essential, working its own brand of cozy magic for flavor, texture, or that crave-worthy golden color. Here’s exactly what you’ll need (with a few tips to help you nail it):
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 oz, thawed): The potato base! Thawing helps everything bake evenly and absorb flavor.
- Canned condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): Adds creamy richness and classic casserole flavor. Cream of mushroom works for a vegetarian twist.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Lends tangy creaminess and helps bind it all together.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Ensures lush texture throughout and blends the flavors beautifully.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds sweet-savory depth without overpowering the potatoes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Gives gooey, melty cheesiness—don’t skimp here!
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A subtle, savory boost.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and contrast.
- Crushed cornflakes or potato chips (2 cups, tossed with 2 tbsp melted butter): The signature crunchy topping; either choice turns golden and delightful.
How to Make Easy Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Ingredients
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s good and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, and make sure your hash browns are completely thawed—either overnight in the fridge or a quick zap in the microwave works like a charm. This prep guarantees a tender, evenly-baked casserole.
Step 2: Bring Together the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, finely chopped onion, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until everything is beautifully mixed and coated. This ensures that each bite is a glorious blend of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful potatoes.
Step 3: Load Up the Baking Dish
Spread your potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Use a spatula to nudge it all the way into the corners for even baking and maximum cheesy coverage.
Step 4: Top with Buttery Crunch
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes or potato chips with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the mix glistens. Sprinkle this topping generously over the casserole—this is what gives classic Easy Funeral Potatoes that eye-catching golden crust and satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the top is beautifully golden. The aroma is a sure sign it’s ready! Let it rest for about 5 minutes before you serve—it’ll firm up slightly, and every scoop will come out just right.
How to Serve Easy Funeral Potatoes
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, sprinkle on a bit of chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or even a pinch of smoked paprika. These simple garnishes brighten up the rich casserole and add color that pops on your table.
Side Dishes
Easy Funeral Potatoes pair beautifully with roasted or grilled meats—think ham, roast chicken, or beef brisket. Add a crisp green salad or steamed veggies on the side to round out a crave-worthy comfort meal everyone will be talking about.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks, serve the potatoes straight from the baking dish for classic hospitality. Hosting brunch? Spoon portions into small ramekins for individual servings. For gatherings, you can dress things up by layering the potatoes in a cast-iron skillet or colorful casserole for extra style points. However you present them, expect the crowd to ask for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Easy Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they chill, making leftovers just as dreamy as the freshly baked casserole!
Freezing
If you want to freeze, assemble the casserole (just hold off on the crunchy topping). Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked leftovers, but the topping may lose a little crispness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20–25 minutes, or until piping hot. For single servings, a quick stint in the microwave works too. If the topping’s gotten a bit soft, broil uncovered for a minute or two for that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Just shred about 5–6 medium russet potatoes, then rinse and squeeze them dry with a clean towel to prevent excess moisture. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor still shines.
Is it possible to make Easy Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?
Definitely—simply swap in condensed cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. This gives the same lush creaminess while keeping the dish meat-free.
Can I prep Easy Funeral Potatoes in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add the crunchy topping and proceed as usual. It’s a dinner host’s best friend.
What type Side Dish
Sharp cheddar brings amazing flavor, but you can use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack if you want to add a kick. Don’t skip the cheese—it’s what makes every bite magical!
Why are they called “Funeral Potatoes”?
This beloved dish got its nickname from being a popular comfort food at post-funeral gatherings and potlucks, especially in the Midwest and Mountain West. But don’t let the name fool you—Easy Funeral Potatoes are welcome any time you crave homey, crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try Easy Funeral Potatoes soon—whether you’re making them for a big family dinner, a celebration, or just for some cozy comfort at home. Trust me, this casserole has a way of turning any meal into a little celebration of good food and togetherness. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy, heartwarming bite!
Print
Easy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the comforting richness of Easy Funeral Potatoes, a classic American side dish that combines creamy hash browns with a crispy, buttery topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering, these cheesy potatoes are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or potato chips
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Layer and Top: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine crushed cornflakes or chips with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden crust.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
