Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish of funeral potatoes—warm, creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy on top. Despite the name, these potatoes aren’t just for somber occasions. They’ve been a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners for generations.

Originating from the Midwest and often associated with Mormon communities, funeral potatoes earned their name because they were commonly served at post-funeral luncheons. But over time, their popularity spread far beyond those gatherings. Today, they’re a favorite at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole.

This recipe uses hashbrowns instead of cubed potatoes, making it even easier to prepare. The result? A perfectly textured, ultra-creamy dish that balances rich flavors with a crispy, golden topping. If you love comfort food, you’re going to adore these funeral potatoes with hashbrowns.

Why I Love This Recipe

A dish that’s effortless, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd? Yes, please!

One of the best things about funeral potatoes is how simple they are to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just frozen hashbrowns, cheese, sour cream, and a few pantry staples. It all comes together in minutes, and the oven does the rest of the work.

But what really makes this dish special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy base, made with sour cream and condensed soup, keeps the potatoes rich and indulgent, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Then comes the topping—a crunchy, buttery crust made from crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers) that adds just the right amount of crispiness.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy Sunday dinner, a church potluck, or a holiday feast, it’s guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear.

Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

The best part about this recipe? You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Frozen hashbrowns (shredded): The key to making this dish extra easy—no peeling or dicing needed!
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Colby for variety.
• Sour cream: Adds a creamy tang that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Cream of chicken soup: The secret to a smooth, velvety texture. If you want a vegetarian version, swap it for cream of mushroom soup.
• Onion: A little finely diced onion adds extra flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter keeps everything rich and delicious.

For the Crispy Topping:

• Cornflakes (crushed) or Ritz crackers: The classic crunchy topping—cornflakes give a slightly lighter texture, while crackers add a buttery richness.
• Melted butter: Coating the topping in butter ensures a golden, crispy crust.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Diced ham or bacon for a meaty twist
• Green onions or chives for a bit of freshness
• Jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick

How Much Time Will You Need

This dish is incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy cooks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

While the oven does the heavy lifting, you’ll have time to prep other dishes or just relax.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes with Hashbrowns

Follow these simple steps to make the perfectly creamy, crispy funeral potatoes.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, and melted butter. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers) with the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit, making it easier to scoop out.

Substitutions

Want to make this dish a little different? Here are some great swaps!

• Vegetarian Option: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.
• Lighter Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, and use reduced-fat cheese.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream soup and replace the topping with crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Best Side Dishes for Funeral Potatoes

This casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are three great options:

1. Glazed Ham – A classic pairing that makes this dish perfect for holiday dinners.
2. Roasted Green Beans – A fresh and healthy contrast to the rich potatoes.
3. Buttermilk Biscuits – Because who doesn’t love extra buttery carbs?

Serving and Presentation Tips

The best comfort food deserves the best presentation!

Funeral potatoes might be a humble dish, but with a few simple touches, you can make them look as amazing as they taste.

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, chives, or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in a Beautiful Dish: Transfer the casserole to a pretty ceramic baking dish for a more elegant look.
• Use a Crispy Finish: For an even crunchier topping, pop the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.

Serve straight from the dish, or scoop individual portions onto small plates with a side of roasted vegetables or ham.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Want to take your funeral potatoes to the next level? Here’s how!

• Thaw the Hashbrowns: Using frozen hashbrowns will make the casserole watery. Let them thaw completely and pat them dry with paper towels before mixing.
• Mix the Cheese for More Flavor: Instead of just cheddar, try using a combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan for a richer taste.
• Toast the Topping First: For an extra crispy, golden crust, toast the cornflakes or crackers with melted butter in a pan before adding them to the casserole.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can affect melting. Grating your own cheese will give you a smoother, creamier texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong—here’s what to watch out for.

• Using Frozen Hashbrowns Without Thawing: This leads to a watery, mushy texture. Always thaw and drain them first.
• Skipping the Butter in the Topping: The butter helps the topping crisp up—without it, your crust won’t have the same crunch.
• Overbaking the Casserole: If you bake it too long, the cheese can become grainy. Stick to the recommended time and check at the 45-minute mark.
• Not Letting It Rest: Giving the dish a few minutes to set after baking makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Store It

Funeral potatoes store and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for leftovers.

Refrigerating:

• Let the casserole cool completely.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze before baking for the best texture.
• Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish without the topping.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as usual.

Reheating:

• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• For a single serving, microwave for 1-2 minutes, but note that the topping won’t stay as crispy.

FAQ

1. Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the topping right before baking.

2. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a vegetarian option, or make a homemade version with butter, flour, broth, and milk.

3. How do I make funeral potatoes less rich?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and swap out some of the cheese for a lighter version.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the topping at the end and let it crisp up under the broiler.

5. Why are my funeral potatoes runny?

This happens if you use frozen hashbrowns without thawing them first. Always thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture.

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