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This best-loved cheesy family favorite feeds a crowd making it perfect for holidays!
A Holiday Must-Have!
There are certain side dishes that have to be made on Thanksgiving for our family. Some of those include my aunt’s famous Ham, my mom’s famous rolls, and several side dishes, including funeral potatoes (also known as cheesy potato casserole).
We also make Classic Mashed Potatoes as well, but we always have at least two pans of funeral potatoes because we love them that much!!
Why we love Funeral Potatoes
- They are sinfully delicious!! So flavorful and filled with ingredients we all love – it’s the ultimate comfort food!
- So many variations! Add onions, leave them out, or add ham or change up the toppings based on preference.
- Can be made ahead of time. Funeral potatoes are the perfect side dish for large gatherings, parties, and holidays (like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 45 minutes
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced hash browns – Use shredded hash browns instead of cubed potatoes – we have a similar recipe using them for Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole.
- 2 cups sour cream – we recommend full-fat sour cream but reduced fat works as well as plain Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup – You can use other flavors of soup such as cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even cream of chicken soup.
- ½ cup unsalted butter – used for flavoring within the casserole
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – You can also use medium or mild cheddar cheese or another favorite like Monterey jack cheese.
- 1 teaspoon salt – you can also add some black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – or ¼ cup diced onions
- 2-3 cups corn flakes – unfrosted cornflake cereal works the best, but you can also use Panko, bread crumbs, Lays Potato Chips, and most kinds of crackers will do, but Ritz crackers work best.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter – flavors and crips up the cornflake topping.
Use Fresh Potatoes
Peel about 6-7 medium russet potatoes and cut into small cubes. Add the cubes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a dash of salt and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain potatoes and allow to cool to room temp before adding the cubes to the cream mixture
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
- PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- POTATOES. Place 1 (32-ounce) package hash browns in a colander and let sit until fully thawed and drained.
- COMBINE. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 2 cups sour cream, 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup melted butter and mix well.
- Add 2 cups shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon onion powder and mix until well combined.
- Add potatoes to cheese mixture and stir until combined. Place in a lightly greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish.
- Combine 2-3 cups cornflakes and the remaining ¼ cup melted butter in a large resealable plastic bag and shake until cereal is coated.
- Sprinkle buttered cornflakes over potatoes.
- BAKE. Bake for 42–46 minutes. Serve warm.
Crock Pot Method
We like this version in the oven, but we do have a similar Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes recipe that you’ll love!
Complete the Meal
- MAIN DISHES: Crockpot Ham, Crock Pot Pot Roast, Best Roast Chicken
- DESSERTS: Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Easy Chocolate Cake
- More SIDE DISHES: Glazed Carrots, Favorite Dinner Rolls, Roasted Vegetables, Green Bean Casserole
More collections: Potato Side Dishes, Vegetable Side Dishes, Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Family-favorite funeral potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and crispy on top. It's perfect for holidays and is the ultimate comfort food!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen diced hash browns, (or shredded potatoes)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, optional
- 2-3 cups corn flakes, crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place 1 (32-ounce) package hash browns in a colander and let sit until fully thawed and drained.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 2 cups sour cream, 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup melted butter and mix well.
- Add 2 cups shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon onion powder and mix until well combined.
- Add potatoes to cheese mixture and stir until combined. Place in a lightly greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish.
- Combine 2-3 cups cornflakes and the remaining ¼ cup melted butter in a large resealable plastic bag and shake until cereal is coated.
- Sprinkle buttered cornflakes over potatoes.
- Bake for 42–46 minutes. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
Make ahead of time. Make potatoes as directed, but do not add the buttered cornflake topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the buttered cornflake topping and bake as directed.
Topping variations. We think cornflakes work the best, but you can also use Panko breadcrumbs or even crushed Ritz crackers.
STORE. Place the potatoes in an air-tight container and leave them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just place on a plate and reheat in the microwave until heated through.
Make for a LARGE crowd. Funeral potatoes are a great dish to make for a crowd! If you want to make this recipe for 50 or more people – just triple the recipe or more. This recipe serves about 16 people. Make sure you have a few 9×13 pans lying around to bake all the potatoes in! Or better yet – buy large disposable pans to bake them in.
Nutrition
Calories: 244kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 61mg, Sodium: 516mg, Potassium: 69mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 770IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 140mg, Iron: 1.4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Why are They Called Funeral Potatoes?
- At some point, someone noticed that this side dish had become a staple at funeral luncheons and the nickname has stuck. They’re an easy side dish to feed a crowd which means they are great for holiday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings all year long.
Added Flavor?
- Use extra salt, pepper, garlic salt, paprika, chili powder, or red pepper flakes. Toss on cooked crumbled Bacon or ham (similar to our Ham and Potato Casserole).
Make it for a Crowd?
- To make this recipe for 50 or more people – triple the recipe or more. This recipe serves about 16 people. Make sure you have a few 9×13 pans lying around to bake all the potatoes in! Or better yet – buy large disposable pans to bake them in.
Can I Make it ahead of time?
- Make them as directed, but don’t add the cornflake topping or butter. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the butter and cornflake topping and bake as directed!
How to Store Funeral Potatoes?
- Place the leftover cheesy potatoes with cornflakes in an airtight container and leave it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place the desired amount on a plate and reheat in the microwave until heated.
How to Freeze?
- Make as directed and spread in the baking dish (use a disposable pan if freezing). Do not add the cornflakes, instead cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I’m definitely going to try these out for thanksgiving! the crunch with the creaminess sounds really good
I have made this dish for so very many years but with shredded hash browns. Never knew they had another name other than “Harvest Potatoes”. My husband’s absolute favorite. They are also a hit and requested often by family and friends. I give credit to my best friend’s mother who made them for a gathering many years ago and graciously shared the recipe which she had actually found in a magazine.
Here in Idaho we love our potatoes! 😉 We call them funeral potatoes too. We live in an agricultural area with lots of potatoes, and this is one of my favorite potato recipes. I like the tips and variations your recipe gives! This recipe gets my vote for a great Thanksgiving side. Delicious and feeds a crowd!
I hope to be able to make these for Thanksgiving this year <3
I have tried a lot of funeral potato recipes, but this recipe is by far the best! No need to look further.
❤️❤️❤️
My mind was blown! After taking a bite I complete forgot I was at my Uncles funeral! Would definitely eat and make again!
I’ll definitely be making the Funeral Potatoes for our Thanksgiving meals. I’ve been making this recipe for a couple of years now and it never disappoints. My family loves it.
This recipe works every time. It’s not Thanksgiving without it!!
The best potatoes I’ve ever had!! Absolutely love these! 💯😋
Trying something new this year and making these for my traditional family…