The Ultimate Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe: A Comforting Hashbrown Casserole for Any Gathering
Few dishes evoke warmth and nostalgia quite like Funeral Potatoes. This beloved classic, known for its irresistibly creamy, cheesy potato base and a delightfully crispy topping of Ritz crackers and cornflakes, is the quintessential side dish for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for comforting food. It’s a simple recipe that delivers maximum flavor and universal appeal, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make, incredibly satisfying hashbrown casserole.
Why This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
Our Funeral Potatoes recipe stands out not only for its incredible taste but also for its remarkable ease of preparation, making it the perfect choice when you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. With approximately 20 minutes of active prep time, you can transform simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it took all day to make.
The genius of this recipe lies in its smart use of readily available ingredients. We start with frozen diced hashbrowns, eliminating the tedious task of peeling and dicing fresh potatoes. These form the tender, savory core of the casserole, absorbing all the rich flavors around them. The magic happens with a harmonious blend of seasonings, creamy sour cream, and a can of cream of chicken soup – a classic combination that creates an incredibly smooth and savory sauce. Generous amounts of sharp cheddar cheese melt into this mixture, binding everything together with its comforting, salty notes.
But what truly elevates these cheesy potatoes is the iconic topping. A buttery, golden crust made from crushed Ritz crackers and cornflakes provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft, creamy interior. This crispy layer isn’t just for crunch; it adds a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes and cheese. It’s a dish that manages to be both familiar and exciting, a staple that guests will always ask for, whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner.
What Are Funeral Potatoes? Exploring this Comfort Food Classic
The name “Funeral Potatoes” might sound a bit unusual, but it directly reflects the dish’s traditional role. These comforting cheesy potatoes earned their name because they are a common fixture at post-funeral gatherings, offering warmth and sustenance to grieving families and friends. Their ease of preparation for large groups, combined with their universally comforting nature, makes them ideal for such somber occasions. However, don’t let the name limit your perception – this casserole is far from exclusive to funerals!
Beyond funeral luncheons, this versatile side dish is incredibly popular throughout the year, especially during holiday seasons. You might know it by other affectionate names such as “cheesy potato casserole,” “hashbrown casserole,” “party potatoes,” or simply “cheesy potatoes.” It’s a beloved presence at Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas feasts, Easter brunches, potlucks, and family BBQs. Its ability to feed many, be prepared ahead of time, and appeal to almost everyone’s palate has cemented its status as a go-to comfort food across America.
The dish typically features a creamy, cheesy potato base, often made with frozen hashbrowns, and topped with a crunchy element like crushed crackers, cornflakes, or breadcrumbs. While variations exist, the core elements of tender potatoes, a rich sauce, and a crispy topping remain consistent, ensuring a delightful experience every time. This recipe embodies that spirit perfectly, delivering a taste that feels both homemade and effortlessly gourmet.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole
To create this delightful Funeral Potatoes casserole, you’ll need a handful of accessible ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or freezer. For the full list of precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, you can refer to the convenient printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitution Tips for Your Hashbrown Casserole
Understanding the role of each ingredient and knowing how to make smart substitutions can help you customize this funeral potatoes recipe to your liking or adapt it based on what you have on hand. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
POTATOES – We highly recommend using frozen diced hash brown potatoes for ultimate convenience. They are pre-cut and thaw quickly, saving you valuable prep time. Alternatively, frozen shredded hash browns work equally well and can offer a slightly different texture to the finished casserole – equally delicious, just a bit finer. While the ease of frozen potatoes is a major advantage, if you’re feeling ambitious and prefer to use fresh potatoes, you absolutely can! Simply peel and dice (or shred) your potatoes, blanch them briefly, and ensure they are thoroughly drained and patted dry to prevent a watery casserole. This extra step will add to the prep time but offers a fresh-from-scratch feel.
CREAMY SAUCE BASE – The rich and creamy consistency of funeral potatoes comes from a combination of sour cream and cream of chicken soup. For those who prefer alternatives, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used for a different flavor profile. You can also make your own homemade cream of soup substitute if you want to avoid canned options, often involving a roux, broth, and milk. If sour cream isn’t your preference, plain Greek yogurt can be a tangier, lighter alternative, or you could opt for cream cheese for an even richer texture. Some recipes even incorporate mayonnaise for a subtle tang, or a splash of milk to adjust consistency.
CHEESE – Our recipe calls for classic shredded cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully and provides that familiar, comforting cheesy flavor. Feel free to explore other cheese options to personalize your casserole. Monterey Jack offers a milder, meltier quality, while a blend of Colby and Jack can provide a lovely balance. For a sharper flavor, consider adding a touch of aged white cheddar. If you enjoy a bit of spice, a pepper jack cheese would add a delightful kick. Always use freshly shredded cheese if possible, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture. You can even combine two types of cheese for a more complex flavor.
SEASONINGS – Garlic salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion are the foundation of our seasoning blend, offering savory depth. You can enhance these with other spices like onion powder, paprika for color and a smoky note, or a pinch of cayenne for warmth. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add umami. Fresh chives or green onions stirred into the potato mixture or sprinkled on top after baking can also add a fresh, aromatic lift, making the dish visually appealing and adding a hint of freshness.
TOPPING – The crispy, buttery topping is a hallmark of authentic Funeral Potatoes. Our blend of Ritz crackers and cornflake cereal delivers an unparalleled crunch and savory richness. The buttery Ritz crackers add a salty, rich flavor, while the cornflakes contribute to that satisfying crisp texture. If you want to try other popular variations, breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crispness and a golden hue), crushed potato chips (for a salty, savory layer and an unexpected twist), or even crushed saltine crackers are excellent alternatives. You can also mix and match, for instance, half Ritz and half panko. You can even omit the topping entirely if you prefer a simpler, softer casserole, though we highly recommend keeping it for the full Funeral Potatoes experience! A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also be added to the topping for an additional layer of cheesy flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Follow these detailed step-by-step photos and instructions to visualize the process of making this incredibly satisfying dish. For a convenient printable version of the recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your casserole slides out easily for serving and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes with garlic salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion. Using gloved hands (or a sturdy spoon), gently mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed amongst the potatoes. Thawing the hash browns beforehand is crucial for even mixing and cooking; ensure they are not still frozen in clumps.
- Prepare the Creamy Soup Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the rich and creamy binder for your casserole, providing moisture and a savory depth.
- Combine All Casserole Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, the creamy soup mixture, the seasoned potato mixture, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter into the large bowl. Once again, using gloved hands, thoroughly combine all these ingredients until the potatoes are evenly coated with the cheesy, creamy sauce. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and the casserole bakes uniformly.
- Prepare the Crispy Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the corn flakes and Ritz crackers. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the cereal and crackers. Use gloved hands to toss everything together until the butter evenly coats the topping ingredients. For crushing, transfer the mixture to a large zipper plastic bag and use the back of a measuring cup or a rolling pin to crush it to your desired consistency – some prefer larger chunks for more texture, others a finer crumb.
- Assemble and Top the Casserole: Evenly spread the potato mixture into the prepared 13×9 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s in an even layer for consistent cooking. Then, generously sprinkle the crushed cereal and cracker mixture over the entire surface of the potatoes. This beautiful golden topping will become wonderfully crispy and irresistible during baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the potato mixture is bubbling around the edges and thoroughly heated through. A peek into the center should reveal tender, creamy potatoes. If baking from a refrigerated state, you might need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Funeral Potatoes
Absolutely! Funeral potatoes are an excellent make-ahead dish, which is part of their appeal for events and holidays. You can easily prepare the entire casserole mixture, including the cheesy potato base, up to a day in advance. Simply transfer it to your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of baking, prepare the Ritz and cornflake topping fresh and sprinkle it over the casserole just before baking. This helps maintain the topping’s crispiness. When baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling throughout.
Leftover funeral potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep in mind that the crispy topping tends to soften and lose its crunchiness once refrigerated. To revive some crispiness when reheating, you can warm them in the oven or an air fryer until heated through and the topping crisps up again. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to preserve any crispness.
While frozen hashbrowns are recommended for convenience and ease, you can certainly use fresh potatoes. You’ll need to peel and dice or shred them, and then par-cook them slightly before mixing into the casserole. Boiling or steaming them for about 5-7 minutes until just tender-crisp will prevent the casserole from being undercooked and ensure a creamy texture. Ensure they are thoroughly drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery. This extra step will add to your prep time, but results in a delicious, fresh version.
Beyond the classic Ritz and cornflake topping, there are many delicious variations for your hashbrown casserole. Crushed potato chips (like plain, cheddar, or sour cream & onion flavored) add a salty, savory crunch and an interesting twist. Panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter also make an excellent crisp and lighter topping. For a milder flavor, crushed saltine crackers are a good choice. You can also mix in some shredded Parmesan cheese or a dash of garlic powder with your chosen topping for an extra layer of savory depth and a golden crust.
To add a spicy kick, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even some finely diced jalapeños (deseeded for less heat) into the potato mixture. For more depth of savory flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, or some finely chopped green chilies (canned and drained) to the creamy base. A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, green onions, or smoked paprika after baking also brightens the flavors and adds visual appeal.
Expert Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes
Achieving consistently perfect funeral potatoes is easy with a few expert tips:
- Thaw Hash Browns Completely: Ensure your frozen hash browns are fully thawed and, if they seem overly wet, gently pat them dry with paper towels. This prevents excess water from making your casserole soggy and helps them cook evenly, contributing to that perfect creamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: While you want ingredients well combined, avoid overmixing the potato mixture. Gentle folding will keep the potatoes from breaking down too much, maintaining their diced shape and tender bite.
- Crush Topping to Preference: Whether you prefer a fine, even crumb for a delicate crust or larger, more rustic chunks for extra textural contrast, adjust the crushing of your Ritz crackers and cornflakes accordingly. The buttery coating is key for that golden, crispy finish.
- Evenly Spread Topping: Make sure the topping is spread in a uniform layer across the entire casserole surface to ensure even browning and crispiness. Pockets without topping will result in a less satisfying texture.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the potato mixture is bubbling around the edges. If baking from refrigerated, allow a little extra time and ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe and pleasing warmth.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve clean, appealing portions.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
These cheesy Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic complement to a wide array of main courses. They’re hearty enough to stand alone as a vegetarian main in a pinch, but truly shine as a rich side dish that enhances any meal.
They are a classic pairing for holiday roasts such as succulent beef tenderloin, juicy roasted turkey, a festive glazed ham, or even a flavorful pork loin, making them a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables. The creamy potatoes beautifully balance the rich flavors of roasted meats, adding a comforting texture.
Beyond the holidays, they’re perfect for everyday meals and casual gatherings. Serve them alongside grilled chicken breasts, baked salmon fillets, or tender pork chops for a satisfying dinner. For a casual potluck, barbecue, or family get-together, they pair wonderfully with pulled pork sandwiches, grilled burgers, hot dogs, or BBQ ribs. Their comforting nature also makes them a welcome addition to brunch spreads alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and savory sausages. You can even serve them as part of a hearty breakfast with a fried egg on top! No matter the occasion, Funeral Potatoes add a touch of home-style comfort that everyone will appreciate and enjoy.
More Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish Recipes to Explore
If you loved these cheesy Funeral Potatoes, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful side dish recipes from our kitchen. Perfect for any meal, they offer more delicious ways to complete your plate and impress your guests:
- Creamed Corn: A sweet and creamy classic that’s always a hit, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your savory spread.
- Broccoli Casserole: A cheesy, savory vegetable dish that makes eating your greens deliciously easy, ideal for family dinners.
- Slow Cooker Pinto Beans: Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, a perfect companion for comfort food meals.
- Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes: For those who love even more cheese and the irresistible crunch of bacon, taking cheesy potatoes to the next level.
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: All the beloved flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy casserole form, an ultimate comfort food.
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Cheesy Funeral Potatoes with Crispy Topping
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen diced hashbrown potatoes thawed, 1 bag
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups corn flakes
- 2 cups Ritz crackers
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted and divided
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Vinyl gloves
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin & Expert Tips
- Customize Your Topping: Depending on your personal tastes, you can lightly crush the crackers and cereal so that there are large chunks for more bite, or crush them more finely for a consistent, crisp crust. The buttery coating is key for a golden finish.
- Make Ahead Option: This casserole is fantastic for preparing in advance! You can easily assemble the entire casserole mixture (the cheesy potato base) up to a day in advance. Cover the prepared casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Just before baking, prepare the Ritz and cornflake topping and sprinkle it on. This keeps the topping fresh and crispy. When baking from cold, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time, or until hot and bubbling.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover funeral potatoes, covered or in an air-tight container, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be aware that the crispy topping tends to lose its crunchiness once refrigerated. To best revive leftovers, reheat in the oven or air fryer to help crisp up the topping again.
- Potato Options: For convenience, we use frozen diced hashbrowns. However, you can substitute with frozen shredded hashbrowns instead for a slightly different texture, or even par-cooked fresh diced/shredded potatoes (ensure they are well-drained!).
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine the potato mixture to ensure even distribution of ingredients without breaking down the potatoes too much.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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In a large bowl, using gloved hands, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, garlic salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion. Mix until seasonings are evenly distributed.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth.
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Add shredded cheddar cheese, the creamy soup mixture, the seasoned potato mixture, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter to the large bowl. Use gloved hands to combine all ingredients thoroughly until the potatoes are evenly coated.
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For the topping, combine corn flakes and Ritz crackers in a medium bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss with gloved hands to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a large zipper plastic bag and use the back of a measuring cup or a rolling pin to crush it to your desired consistency.
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Evenly spread the potato mixture into the prepared 13×9 inch baking pan. Generously sprinkle the crushed cereal/cracker mixture over the entire surface.
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Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the potato mixture is bubbling around the edges.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.