Funeral Potatoes: Crispy golden perfection

Why They Call It That

This dish has a funny name. It is called Funeral Potatoes. I know, it sounds sad. But it is not! It got its name because people often make it for big gatherings after a funeral. It is a warm, comforting dish that feeds a crowd.

We make food to show we care. Bringing a hot casserole to a friend says, I am here for you. That is why this recipe matters. It is more than food. It is a hug on a plate. Have you ever had a food that makes you feel safe and loved?

The Secret is in the Mix

Let’s get cooking. First, you cook the onion in butter. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes the whole kitchen feel like home. Then, you mix everything in a big bowl. The sour cream, cheese, and soup make a creamy sauce for the potatoes.

My grandson once tried to skip the sour cream. I told him not to! It makes the potatoes so rich and tender. Stir it all up until every potato is covered. This part is messy, but it is so much fun. What is your favorite part of making a casserole?

A Crunchy Surprise on Top

Now for the best part. The crunchy corn flake topping! You put the flakes in a bag and crush them. I use my hands. It is a great way to get your energy out. I still laugh at that.

Fun fact: The corn flakes were an accident! A long time ago, someone ran out of breadcrumbs. They used cereal instead. And everyone loved it. You bake the casserole until it is bubbly. Then you add the flakes for just five minutes. Watch it closely so it does not burn.

More Than Just a Side Dish

This casserole is always at our family parties. It is a simple dish. But it brings everyone together. Sharing a meal is how we connect. That is why this recipe matters. It builds community.

It is also a great way to get kids to eat their potatoes. The cheesy, crunchy mix is a winner every time. Do you have a dish that your whole family requests for special days?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This recipe is very forgiving. If you only have one kind of cheese, use that. No corn flakes? Try crushed crackers. Cooking should be fun, not stressful. Use what you have.

The most important ingredient is love. Really, it is. When you cook for others, you are sharing a piece of your heart. I hope you try this recipe. Tell me, what comforting dish would you bring to a friend in need?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
frozen hash browns	30 ounces	thawed 30 min before cooking
yellow onion	½ large	chopped
butter	1 tablespoon
salt	1 teaspoon
ground black pepper	½ teaspoon
garlic powder	½ teaspoon
sour cream	2 cups
shredded cheddar cheese	2½ cups
cream of chicken soup	1 can
corn flakes	3 cups	crushed

Funeral Potatoes: A Cozy, Crispy Story

Now, the name “Funeral Potatoes” might sound a little sad. But I promise, this dish is pure joy. It got its name because it’s so easy to bring to a friend’s house. You just want to give them a warm, comforting hug in a pan.

My grandkids just call them “Grandma’s Crunchy Potatoes.” They ask for them on rainy days and sunny days alike. The secret is that golden, crispy cornflake topping. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Let’s get that oven warm and make some memories together.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (2 lb) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 oz) container sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed

Instructions

Step 1: Grab a skillet and melt your butter. Toss in those chopped onions. We cook them until they’re soft and smell sweet. This little step makes the whole house smell like home. I still laugh at how my dog always comes to the kitchen when the onions sizzle.

Step 2: Now, get your biggest mixing bowl. Dump in the hash browns, all your spices, sour cream, cheese, and soup. Don’t forget those lovely cooked onions! Stir it all up until it’s a happy, creamy mess. (A hard-learned tip: Make sure those hash browns are thawed, or your arm will get very tired from stirring!)

Step 3: Time to heat things up! Turn your oven on to 375°F. While it warms, spread your potato mixture into a 9×13 dish. I always use my old, blue ceramic one. It has seen so many family dinners over the years.

Step 4: Bake your casserole for 30 minutes. Then, take it out and give it a good stir. This helps it cook evenly. Put it back in until you see bubbles dancing all over the top. Those bubbles tell you it’s perfectly hot inside.

Step 5: While that bakes, let’s make the crunch! Put your corn flakes in a big bag. Now, gently roll a rolling pin over them. It’s a fun way to get out any little frustrations. You want little pieces, not dust.

Step 6: Take the hot casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle your crushed corn flakes all over the top. Put it back for just 5 minutes. Watch it closely! We want golden, not burned. The smell is just incredible.

Step 7: You did it! Take your masterpiece out of the oven. Serve it right away while the topping is still super crispy. I love the sound of spoons scraping against the dish. It means everyone enjoyed it.

Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish

Make It Your Own

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up. Here are a few fun twists we love. Try one next time you make it.

The Veggie Lover: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom. It makes a wonderful vegetarian version. Add some chopped broccoli for a green surprise.

The Little Spice: Mix in a can of diced green chiles. It gives the potatoes a gentle, warm kick. My grandson says this is his “fancy” version.

The Holiday Twist: Use crispy fried onions instead of corn flakes. It tastes just like a green bean casserole’s cousin. Perfect for a festive table.

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

These potatoes are the star of any table. But they love having good friends beside them. I like to serve them with a simple baked ham or roasted chicken. A bright, green salad on the side is perfect. It cuts through all that wonderful richness.

For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is just right. The tangy sweetness is so good with the cheesy potatoes. For the grown-ups, a crisp lager beer is a lovely pairing. It cleanses the palate between each delicious bite.

Keeping Your Funeral Potatoes Perfect

This casserole keeps well in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with foil. It will stay good for about three days.

You can also freeze it for later. Assemble the whole dish but skip the corn flakes. Wrap it well and freeze for up to two months.

I remember my first time freezing it. I forgot to write the date on the container. Now I always use a marker. This helps me remember what is in my freezer.

Batch cooking like this saves you time on a busy week. It means a warm, home-cooked meal is always ready for you. That is a wonderful feeling.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Funeral Potato Problems

Is your casserole too watery? Make sure your hash browns are thawed completely. Squeeze out any extra water with a clean towel.

I once used frozen hash browns straight from the bag. The dish was a bit soupy. Now I always let them sit on the counter first.

Are the corn flakes getting soggy? Sprinkle them on right at the end. Only bake for five minutes until they are golden and crispy.

Is the middle not bubbling? Your oven might be a little cool. Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature. This ensures everything cooks evenly.

Getting the texture right makes the dish so much better. A crispy top and creamy middle is pure comfort. Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Funeral Potato Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and corn flakes. It works just as well.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

A: Absolutely. Assemble it the night before. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

Q: What cheese can I swap for cheddar?

A: Colby Jack or a Mexican blend are great choices. Use what you have in your fridge.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

A: You sure can. Just use two casserole dishes. The baking time might be a little longer.

Q: Do I have to use the onions?

A: No, you can leave them out. The dish will still be delicious and creamy.

Fun fact: This dish is called “Funeral Potatoes” because it’s often shared with families after a funeral. It is a warm, comforting gift.

Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Kitchen Creations

I hope you love making this cozy recipe. It has warmed many hearts in my family. Your kitchen will smell wonderful.

I would love to see your version of these funeral potatoes. Your stories and photos make my day. It feels like we are cooking together.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.