The Ultimate Funeral Potatoes Casserole

Nothing fills my kitchen with warmth quite like the smell of Funeral Potatoes bubbling away in the oven. You know that golden, cheesy goodness that brings everyone to the table without fail.

I’ve been baking this dish for years, and it always hits the spot. The golden, crispy topping paired with the rich, creamy potatoes underneath is a combo that never fails.

What makes this Funeral Potatoes a keeper for years to come

The beauty of Funeral Potatoes lies in how effortlessly they come together. I can have this prepped and ready for the oven in about twenty minutes on even my busiest days.

What I love most is how this casserole feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. Every ingredient is something I keep stocked in my kitchen, and yet the result feels special enough for any gathering.

The texture is what really gets me – that satisfying contrast between the golden, crunchy top and the velvety potato mixture below.

If you’re looking for more potato side dishes, you’ll also love my easy mashed potatoes recipe.

Everything you need for the perfect Funeral Potatoes

Here’s what goes into my go-to comfort casserole:

• 2 pounds frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed completely – I spread them on a baking sheet for quicker defrosting)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided – Challenge brand is my favorite for its rich, creamy taste)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground when possible)
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream (full-fat works best for that luxurious texture)
• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (I always grate my own – it melts so much better than pre-shredded)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (the smell of these sautéing in butter is pure magic)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed (or substitute with crushed crackers for a different crunch)

The key is using real butter and freshly grated cheese, those two things alone will take your Funeral Potatoes from good to absolutely irresistible.

How I Make This Funeral Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside while you prep everything else.
2. Combine your cheeses in a medium bowl, mixing the cheddar and Monterey Jack together. This makes it easier to distribute evenly later.
3. Prepare the potato base by placing your thawed hash browns in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.
4. Fold in the sour cream and about 2 cups of your cheese mixture. The potatoes should look creamy and well-coated. Set this aside while you make the sauce.
5. Start your cream sauce by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they’re soft and translucent.
6. Add the garlic and cook for another minute – you’ll smell that incredible aroma when it’s ready. Don’t let it brown.
7. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the base for your creamy sauce.
8. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture should start to thicken slightly.
9. Add the milk gradually while continuing to whisk. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Combine everything by pouring the cream sauce over your potato mixture. Fold gently until everything is evenly distributed, then transfer to your prepared baking dish.
11. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle evenly across the surface.
12. Prepare the crunchy topping by mixing the crushed cornflakes with the remaining melted butter until every piece is coated.
13. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the cheese layer, making sure to cover the entire surface for that perfect golden finish.
14. Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes more until the edges are bubbling and the top is beautifully golden brown.
15. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving – this helps everything set up perfectly for clean serving portions.

My go to methods for Funeral Potatoes success

The most important thing I’ve learned is to make sure your hash browns are completely thawed and well-drained. Any excess moisture will make your Funeral Potatoes watery instead of creamy.

I always taste my cream sauce before combining it with the potatoes. It should be well-seasoned on its own since it’s flavoring the entire dish.

The resting time after baking makes all the difference between a casserole that falls apart and one that serves beautifully with clean, distinct layers.

I’d love for you to follow me on Pinterest where I share all my favorite comfort food recipes and kitchen tips. It’s like having a friend who’s always ready with the perfect dish for any occasion!

Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for advance preparation. Assemble everything up to the point of adding the cornflake topping, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, add your topping, and bake as directed. You might need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven since it’s starting cold.

Print

Can these be frozen?

Yes, Funeral Potatoes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Prepare the entire casserole but skip the cornflake topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add your topping, and bake as usual. The texture holds up remarkably well after freezing.

What can I substitute for the cornflakes?

I love experimenting with different toppings.

Crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips all work wonderfully. The goal is something that adds a salty, crunchy contrast to the creamy potatoes.

Can I add other ingredients?

This recipe is incredibly flexible. I sometimes fold in diced bell peppers, green onions, or even some leftover cooked chicken to make it more of a complete meal.

Just don’t add so much that it overwhelms the creamy potato base.

---

My favorite occasions to make Funeral Potatoes

This casserole has become my go-to whenever I need to feed a crowd or bring something to share. Holiday gatherings, potluck dinners, and family reunions all call for Funeral Potatoes in my house.

I also love making this on busy weeknights when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require much hands-on time.

It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.