Creamy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Funeral potatoes with hashbrowns bring comfort in every bite. This casserole combines crispy hashbrowns, melted cheese, and a rich creamy sauce topped with a crunchy layer. The dish gets its unique name because it’s often served at gatherings after funerals in many communities, especially in the American Midwest and Mountain regions. But don’t let the name fool you – this dish works perfectly for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday meals too. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe when you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Reasons to Try Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

These funeral potatoes stand out for many reasons. First, they offer the perfect balance of textures – the creamy potato center contrasts with the crispy topping. Second, the flavor combination of cheese, sour cream, and seasoning creates a rich taste that keeps people coming back for seconds.

This dish also saves time since it uses frozen hashbrowns instead of raw potatoes. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake when needed. The recipe scales easily for larger groups, making it perfect for gatherings. Finally, kids and adults both enjoy this dish, solving the common problem of finding food everyone will eat.

Where did Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns come from?

Funeral potatoes originated in Utah among Mormon communities in the mid-20th century. The Relief Society, a women’s organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, would prepare meals for families after funerals. They needed dishes that could feed many people, could be made ahead, and would provide comfort during difficult times.

This potato casserole checked all these boxes and became a staple at post-funeral gatherings, earning its somewhat somber name. Over time, the dish spread throughout the Mountain West region and beyond, becoming popular at potlucks and holiday gatherings. Today, many families treasure their own versions of this recipe, passed down through generations with slight variations.

Ingredients Notes

Frozen hashbrowns: Use shredded style for the best texture. Thaw them first for even cooking.

Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the strongest flavor, but medium works well too. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

Sour cream: Full-fat creates the richest texture, but light works if you prefer.

Cream of chicken soup: Forms the base of the creamy sauce. Look for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.

Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the overall saltiness.

Onion: Yellow onions work best, but white onions provide a milder flavor if preferred.

Cornflakes: These create the signature crunchy topping. Choose unsweetened varieties.

Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhance flavors without overwhelming.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Thaw the frozen hashbrowns by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for 30 minutes.
3. Chop the onion into small pieces.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter (reserve 2 tablespoons for the topping), and seasonings.
5. Add the chopped onion and 1½ cups of the grated cheddar cheese to the mixture.
6. Fold in the thawed hashbrowns until they’re evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, crush the cornflakes slightly and mix with the reserved melted butter.
9. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the potato mixture.
10. Top with the buttered cornflakes, spreading evenly to cover the surface.
11. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top.
12. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

What You Must Know About Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Never skip thawing the hashbrowns, as frozen ones won’t cook evenly and will release too much water. If you’re short on time, microwave them briefly instead.

Watch the top carefully during baking. If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for part of the cooking time to prevent burning.

The casserole should be bubbling around the edges when done – this indicates the center has reached the proper temperature.

Let the dish rest before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving cleaner.

Avoid metal utensils when serving, as they might scratch your baking dish. Use a rubber spatula instead.

Helpful Tips

For extra flavor, sauté the onions in a little butter before adding them to the mixture.

To save time, mix the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.

If you prefer a less crunchy top, add the cornflake topping during the last 15 minutes of baking.

For a prettier presentation, use a clear glass baking dish to show off the layers.

When taking this dish to an event, transport it in an insulated carrier to keep it warm.

Variations and Substitutions

Different potatoes: Try cubed hashbrowns instead of shredded for a different texture.

Cheese options: Swap half the cheddar for pepper jack to add a kick, or try Swiss for a milder flavor.

Topping alternatives: Crushed potato chips or buttered breadcrumbs work if you don’t have cornflakes.

Add vegetables: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for color and nutrition.

Seasoning changes: Add ranch seasoning mix or a pinch of paprika for flavor variation.

Lighter version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat soup to cut calories.

Cream soup substitutes: Make a simple white sauce with flour, butter, and milk if you prefer to avoid canned soup.

Serving Suggestions for Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Serve funeral potatoes alongside grilled chicken or roast beef for a complete meal. They pair perfectly with green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a simple garden salad to balance the richness.

For brunch, serve smaller portions with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. At potlucks, place them next to other comfort foods like rolls and vegetable casseroles.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add color and a fresh flavor contrast. For a special touch, offer extra sour cream or hot sauce on the side for guests to customize their portions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping will soften in storage but the flavor remains excellent.

To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

If freezing, prepare the recipe but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions about Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

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Irresistible Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Make the best funeral potatoes with hashbrowns using this simple recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crunchy cornflakes, this classic comfort dish is perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds 900g frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 2 cups 200g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 cup 230g sour cream
• 1 can 10.5 oz/295g cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup 115g butter, melted and divided
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups 60g cornflakes, lightly crushed

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Thaw hashbrowns completely.
• In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, most of the melted butter (reserve 2 tablespoons), salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Add chopped onion and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir well.
• Fold in thawed hashbrowns until evenly coated.
• Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
• Mix crushed cornflakes with remaining melted butter.
• Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over potato mixture.
• Top with buttered cornflake mixture.
• Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbling.
• Allow to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg

Note: These values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Your nutrition facts may vary based on specific products used.

comfort food, casserole, potluck dish, hashbrown casserole, make-ahead dish, cheesy potatoes