These “Funeral Potatoes” (also known as Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole) are a classic comfort food dish, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering. The creamy, cheesy potatoes with a crispy cornflake topping are always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole is pure comfort food.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a breeze to prepare.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves this dish, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when needed.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Funeral Potatoes:
- Unsalted butter: Divided, for sautéing and topping.
- Diced onion: Adds flavor to the potato mixture.
- Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant aroma and flavor.
- Thawed shredded hash brown potatoes: The base of the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup: Provides a creamy base.
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhances the overall flavor.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Divided, for the filling and topping.
- Crushed cornflake cereal (or panko bread crumbs): For a crispy topping.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Dish and Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the diced onions to a medium-sized skillet. Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked onions and garlic, thawed shredded hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and combine it with the crushed cornflake cereal (or panko bread crumbs) in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use good-quality cheese: The cheese is a key ingredient, so use a good-quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
- Thaw the hash browns completely: This will prevent the casserole from being watery.
- Don’t skip the onion and garlic: Sautéing them adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the topping: If you prefer a less crunchy topping, use panko bread crumbs instead of cornflakes.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Serve
- Potlucks and Gatherings: This is a classic potluck dish that’s always a hit.
- Holiday Meals: Serve it as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Comfort Food Dinner: Enjoy it as a comforting side dish with roasted chicken, ham, or other main courses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of thawed?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or green onions.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free cornflakes or bread crumbs.
PrintThe Best Funeral Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Funeral Potatoes are a classic comfort food casserole, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering. Shredded hash browns are combined with a creamy, cheesy mixture and topped with a crunchy cornflake crust, creating a warm and satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3/4 cup diced onion, about half a large onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 (30-ounce) bag thawed shredded hash brown potatoes, or 12 small potatoes parboiled and shredded
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 cups firmly packed, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cup crushed cornflake cereal, or panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ¾ cup diced onion, about half a large onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 (30-ounce) bag thawed shredded hash brown potatoes, or 12 small potatoes parboiled and shredded
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 cups firmly packed, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 ½ cup crushed cornflake cereal, or panko bread crumbs
Notes
- You can use frozen hash browns, but make sure they are fully thawed.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and cornflakes.
- You can substitute other cheeses like Colby Jack or mozzarella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 766 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 46g