There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that feels like a big, cozy hug from the inside out. The Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—rich, buttery, and loaded with melty cheddar cheese, tender hash browns, and a crunchy cornflake topping that makes every bite pure joy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a decadent side, this recipe hits all the right notes and brings a bit of nostalgia to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe is rooted in a handful of humble ingredients that work together perfectly. Each one brings a unique texture or flavor that creates that signature creamy, cheesy, and crispy casserole experience you’ll fall in love with.
- Butter (1 stick, divided): Provides rich flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy topping.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 oz, thawed): The hearty base, offering a wonderful texture and body.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds mild sweetness and depth when softened.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the creamy sauce for that luscious mouthfeel.
- Milk (1 cup): Creates a smooth, velvety sauce when combined with the soup and flour.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): Brings comforting savoriness and creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully for a rich, cheesy flavor throughout.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and creaminess, balancing the rich flavors.
- Corn flakes (3 cups, crushed): Creates the signature crunchy topping that elevates this casserole.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring everything into harmony.
How to Make Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Sauté the Onion
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Smear 1 tablespoon of butter over a 9×13 casserole dish and pop it in the oven to melt; this simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will have a buttery base. Meanwhile, melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in your diced onion. Cook it gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant—this sweet base is a key flavor builder for the recipe.
Step 2: Add Flour to Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and stir for another 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and sets you up for a silky, lump-free sauce that binds everything together wonderfully.
Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Cream of Chicken Soup
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then, add both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, whisking until the sauce is smooth and homogenous—this creamy mixture is what ties all the flavors and textures into that luscious classic cheesy goodness everyone loves.
Step 4: Incorporate Sour Cream and Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce looks rich and smooth. Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper as needed—this is where your flavor really comes alive!
Step 5: Mix in Hash Browns and Transfer to Casserole Dish
Add the thawed hash browns in batches to the sauce, folding them in gently until every shred is coated in the cheesy mixture. This might be a little easier if your skillet is big and deep, but patience here pays off in every comforting bite. Once mixed, transfer the entirety to your buttered casserole dish.
Step 6: Prepare the Crunchy Cornflake Topping
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss them with the crushed corn flakes until they’re well coated. Sprinkle this golden, buttery mixture evenly over your creamy potatoes, creating that crave-worthy crunchy topping that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the topping is beautifully golden and the casserole is bubbling happily around the edges. Let it sit for 15 minutes before serving to allow everything to set just right.
How to Serve Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to this rich casserole. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also bring a subtle warmth that balances the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
This Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, bright salads or roasted veggies to cut through the richness. It’s also a delicious side alongside roasted chicken or a juicy grilled steak for a classic comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for portion-controlled servings at a dinner party. You can also layer the mixture with cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor variations that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool completely, then cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. This lets the flavors deepen even more and makes for an excellent next-day comfort food.
Freezing
If you want to keep the goodness longer, you can freeze the casserole before baking or after it has cooled post-baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in an airtight container, freezing for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through and bubbly again. To preserve the crispy topping, avoid microwaving if possible, or microwave gently and then give a quick oven broil to bring back the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh, shred potatoes yourself and be sure to squeeze out excess moisture so the casserole doesn’t turn watery. The texture will be just as delightful with a bit of extra prep.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup, and check your toppings are free of animal products. This swap keeps the casserole comforting and cheesy without the meat.
Can I add other cheeses to the recipe?
Definitely! While cheddar is classic, mixing in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add interesting flavor layers and gooey texture. Feel free to experiment according to your taste.
What type of corn flakes work best for the topping?
Plain, unsweetened corn flakes work best as they provide the perfect crunchy texture without too much extra sweetness. Crushing them finely helps them crisp evenly on top.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double or even triple the ingredients, but make sure to use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes to ensure even cooking and that golden crispy topping on every portion.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the warmth and cheesy goodness of this Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe to lift your spirits and satisfy your comfort food cravings. It’s a timeless favorite that brings people together and makes any table feel a little more special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of those creamy, crunchy, cheesy layers—your family and friends will thank you!
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Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a comforting, creamy casserole made with shredded hash browns, sautéed onions, a cheesy sour cream sauce, and a crunchy cornflake topping, baked until bubbly and golden brown. Perfect as a hearty side dish for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 stick (8 tbsp) butter, divided
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 3 cups corn flakes, crushed
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and grease the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a 9×13-inch casserole dish and place it in the oven as it heats to melt the butter. This will grease the pan to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the onions: In a large, deep skillet, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Make the sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk to the onion-flour mixture, ensuring there are no lumps. Then add both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup and whisk until smooth and lump-free.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with hash browns: Add the thawed shredded hash browns to the sauce in batches, stirring to fully coat the potatoes. Once combined, transfer the mixture into the greased 9×13 casserole dish.
- Prepare the topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and pour over the crushed corn flakes. Stir until the corn flakes are evenly coated with melted butter.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the buttered corn flakes evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly on the sides.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to sit for 15 minutes after baking to set. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting cheesy funeral potatoes!
Notes
- For best results, thaw the hash browns before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
- Use a deep skillet to comfortably mix ingredients without spilling.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian twist, but this changes the flavor.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set for easier serving.
- Adjust the salt and pepper seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the soup and cheese add saltiness.
