Ultimate Cheesy Funeral Potatoes with Crispy Corn Flake Topping: Your Go-To Holiday Side Dish
These Cheesy Potatoes With Corn Flakes are a universally loved side dish, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering! Often affectionately known as “funeral potatoes,” this classic family favorite casserole brings comforting flavors and a delightful crunchy topping, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, and any special occasion where hearty, crowd-pleasing food is a must.
Dive into the irresistible world of creamy, cheesy hash browns crowned with a golden, buttery corn flake crust. This beloved casserole, often referred to as “Funeral Potatoes” or “Hash Brown Casserole,” is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary tradition, a staple at holiday feasts, family gatherings, and potlucks across America. Its comforting blend of tender potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and a satisfyingly crisp topping makes it an instant classic that disappears quickly from any buffet line.
Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving dinner, a festive Christmas brunch, a lively Easter gathering, or simply craving a hearty side for your weeknight meal, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Using frozen hash browns as a convenient base, it comes together in a snap, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Get ready to impress with this easy, cheesy, and utterly delicious potato side dish!
Why Everyone Loves This Cheesy Potato Casserole (Funeral Potatoes)
It’s no secret why cheesy potato casserole, or funeral potatoes, holds a special place in so many hearts and at so many tables. Here’s why this recipe stands out as a true crowd-pleaser and a staple for any occasion:
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget peeling and dicing mountains of fresh potatoes! This recipe brilliantly utilizes frozen hash brown potatoes, significantly cutting down on prep time. You can literally throw it together in just a few minutes of active work, making it ideal for busy cooks or when you need a reliable dish in a pinch. The simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor – in fact, it enhances the joy of cooking, allowing even novice chefs to achieve spectacular results.
- The Epitome of Comfort Food: Imagine warm, tender, creamy potatoes smothered in a rich, savory, and incredibly cheesy sauce. Now, add a perfectly golden, buttery corn flake topping that provides an exquisite textural contrast and an irresistible crunch with every bite. This dish is pure culinary comfort, hitting all the right notes with its satisfying creaminess and delightful crispness. It’s the kind of food that warms you from the inside out, evoking feelings of home, nostalgia, and happiness, making it the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Perfect for Any Special Occasion: From the grandeur of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to the joyous celebrations of Easter brunch, family reunions, potlucks, or even a casual Sunday supper, this cheesy potato bake is always a welcome and much-anticipated addition. Its universal appeal makes it a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. It’s a versatile side dish that complements almost any main course, effortlessly elevating your holiday spread or special meal with its hearty goodness.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since this recipe largely relies on a one-dish baking approach (apart from a quick sauté of aromatics), cleanup is remarkably easy. This means less time scrubbing pots and pans, and more time enjoying your delicious meal and the company of your loved ones, which is a huge bonus during busy gatherings.
The Intriguing Story Behind the Name: Why “Funeral Potatoes”?
The name “Funeral Potatoes” might sound rather somber, but it actually speaks to the dish’s deep cultural significance and its enduring legacy as a symbol of comfort, community, and support. This humble yet beloved cornflake-covered, cheesy potato casserole gained its famous moniker because it became a widespread staple at post-funeral luncheons and other gatherings in the Intermountain West region of the United States, particularly within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints communities. During times of grief, when families are mourning and need practical assistance, a simple, hearty, easily transportable, and endlessly comforting dish like this casserole provides much-needed sustenance without requiring much effort from the bereaved. It’s a tangible gesture of love and support, offering a warm, familiar taste during difficult times. Its ease of preparation for large groups, its ability to feed many with satisfying goodness, and its convenient potluck-friendly nature cemented its place as a go-to dish for such occasions, hence the poignant yet practical nickname.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Cheesy Potato Casserole
Crafting this delightful and easy hash brown casserole requires a simple list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The magic truly lies in their harmonious combination!
- Southern Style Frozen Hash Browns: This is your convenient base! Make sure to choose the small cubed variety, not the shredded kind, for the best textural integrity in your casserole. Crucially, they must be thawed completely, preferably overnight in the refrigerator, to prevent excess moisture and ensure even cooking and a smoother, creamier consistency.
- Yellow Onion: When diced finely and sautéed, the humble yellow onion transforms, adding a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that layers beautifully into the potato mixture. It’s a foundational flavor enhancer.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential! It brings a pungent, savory kick that elevates the entire flavor profile of the casserole, complementing the richness of the cheese and soup perfectly.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic canned soup forms the luscious, creamy base of our cheese sauce, providing a rich, umami flavor and a wonderfully velvety texture. For a slight variation, you could also use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if those are preferred or on hand.
- Butter: An indispensable ingredient! Butter is used for sautéing the aromatics and, most importantly, for creating that irresistible, golden-brown, and deeply flavorful corn flake topping. It’s key to the casserole’s indulgent taste.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is vital for adding a delightful tangy richness and helping to create the luxuriously creamy texture of the potato mixture. For those looking for a slightly lighter or tangier alternative, plain unsweetened Greek yogurt can be a good substitute.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar is non-negotiable for the best results! Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can make your sauce gritty and prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese, on the other hand, melts beautifully, creating a smoother, more flavorful, and truly superior cheese sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan cheese (not the powdered shelf-stable kind) adds another layer of salty, nutty, and complex savory goodness to the potato mixture, enhancing the overall cheesy experience and providing a depth of flavor.
- Corn Flakes: The undisputed star of the crispy topping! These humble flakes, when gently crushed and mixed with melted butter, transform into a perfectly golden, delightfully crunchy crust that provides the essential textural contrast to the soft, creamy potatoes below.
- Salt: A fundamental seasoning to bring all the flavors together and ensure your casserole isn’t bland. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the saltiness to your personal preference!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Cheesy Cornflake Potatoes
Making this delightful hash brown casserole is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch of cheesy, crunchy, and comforting funeral potatoes every time!
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add your finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté these aromatics for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes beautifully soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This initial step is crucial for building a foundational layer of savory flavor for your casserole. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Combine the Cheesy Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the core ingredients for your creamy, cheesy potato filling. This includes the sautéed garlic and onion mixture (ensure it has cooled slightly), your thoroughly thawed Southern-style hash browns, the entire can of cream of mushroom soup, the tangy sour cream, half of your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (remember to reserve the other half for topping later!), the rich grated parmesan cheese, and the salt. It’s vital that your hash browns are completely thawed to prevent any watery results in the final casserole.
Step 3: Mix and Transfer to Baking Dish
Using a sturdy large spoon or a spatula, mix all the ingredients in the bowl thoroughly until everything is well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce. Take your time to ensure all components are integrated for consistent flavor. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking, then spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Make sure it’s spread out from edge to edge for consistent baking and even browning.
Step 4: Add the Final Cheese Layer
Now, generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the potato mixture. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of grating your own cheese from a block – it truly makes a noticeable difference in flavor, melting quality, and overall texture. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty and less smooth. That extra minute or two spent grating is well worth the superior cheesy outcome and will ensure a wonderfully gooey, melted layer.
Crafting the Perfect Crispy Corn Flake Topping
The buttery corn flake topping is what gives funeral potatoes their signature crunch and beautiful golden finish. This is an essential element, so don’t skip this easy yet impactful step!
Step 5: Prepare the Corn Flake Crust
Measure out 3 cups of corn flakes. For convenience and minimal mess, place them into a large ziploc bag. Gently crush them using your hands or a rolling pin until they are in coarse pieces – the goal is some texture and variation, not a fine powder. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Transfer the crushed corn flakes to a clean bowl, pour the melted butter over them, and mix thoroughly until all the flakes are evenly coated. This buttery coating is the secret to a topping that turns perfectly golden, rich, and irresistibly crunchy in the oven.
Evenly spread this glorious buttery corn flake mixture over the top of the cheesy potatoes and the final layer of cheddar cheese in the casserole dish. Make sure it forms an even layer to ensure every serving gets that satisfying, golden crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully place your assembled cheesy cornflake potatoes in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes. The casserole is ready when it’s bubbling enticingly around the edges, the cheesy interior is piping hot and melted, and the corn flake topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and is wonderfully crispy. Keep a watchful eye on the topping during the last 10-15 minutes to prevent it from burning – if you notice it browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to protect it. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making for easier and cleaner serving.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Cheesy Potato Casserole
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to make, a few insider tips can elevate your funeral potatoes from great to truly unforgettable:
- Thaw Your Hash Browns Completely: This is arguably the most crucial tip! Frozen hash browns, if not thawed, will release excess water as they bake, leading to a watery, soupy casserole rather than a creamy one. Thaw them overnight in the fridge. For an extra step, gently pat them dry with paper towels if they seem excessively moist after thawing.
- Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: As highlighted in the ingredients section, cheese grated from a block melts smoother and tastes far superior to pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can leave a slightly powdery or gritty texture in your luscious cheese sauce.
- Don’t Over-Crush the Corn Flakes: The goal for the topping is a rustic, coarse crumb, not a fine powder. You want distinct, crunchy pieces of corn flakes for that satisfying textural contrast. Crushing them too finely will result in a less impactful topping.
- Season Generously and Taste: Potatoes are notorious for needing ample seasoning. Don’t be afraid to taste the potato mixture before adding it to the baking dish (ensure no raw ingredients are present, such as raw egg if you were to add it in another variation, but for this recipe, it’s safe). Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. A properly seasoned casserole makes all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Sautéed Aromatics: Cooking the onion and garlic first mellows their sharp flavors and enhances their natural sweetness, adding a complex depth that raw aromatics simply wouldn’t provide. This small step makes a big impact on the overall flavor profile.
- Cover if Topping Browns Too Fast: Oven temperatures can vary. If you notice your buttery corn flake topping is browning very quickly before the casserole is fully heated through and bubbling around the edges, simply loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil. This will protect the topping from over-browning while the interior finishes cooking.
Delicious Variations and Creative Add-ins
While the classic cheesy potato casserole recipe is perfect as is, funeral potatoes are incredibly versatile and welcome customization. Feel free to get creative with these delicious additions to make the dish your own:
- Add Protein: For a heartier main dish or a more substantial side, mix in cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, browned ground sausage, or shredded cooked chicken to the potato base. These additions pair wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy potatoes.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some finely diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) can add a pleasant kick to the casserole.
- Vary the Cheese: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! Experiment with other fantastic melty cheeses like nutty Gruyère, mild Colby Jack, spicy Pepper Jack, or even a smoked cheddar for different and exciting flavor profiles. A blend of cheeses can also be delightful.
- Herbaceous Touches: Fresh or dried herbs can add an aromatic freshness. Finely chopped chives, parsley, or a touch of dried thyme or rosemary (use sparingly) can enhance the savory notes.
- Alternative Crunchy Toppings: While corn flakes are traditional, you can substitute them with other crunchy options. Consider crushed Ritz crackers (mixed with butter), Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture, or even crushed potato chips for an ultra-indulgent twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies! Finely chopped bell peppers (sautéed with the onion and garlic), a handful of frozen peas, or corn kernels (added directly to the mix) can add color and nutrients.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Potatoes
Cheesy potatoes are a phenomenal side dish that effortlessly complements a wide array of main courses. Their rich, comforting profile makes them suitable for almost any meal. Here are some ideas to inspire your next dinner:
- Holiday Mains: This casserole is the quintessential accompaniment to all your holiday favorites, including a succulent roasted turkey, a glazed ham, a tender prime rib, or a perfectly roasted chicken.
- BBQ & Grilling: For backyard barbecues and grilled feasts, cheesy potatoes offer a comforting and hearty counterpoint to grilled steaks, juicy burgers, savory pulled pork, or sticky ribs.
- Weeknight Dinners: Elevate your everyday meals by pairing this side with classic weeknight proteins such as hearty meatloaf, pan-seared pork chops, simple baked chicken breasts, or a flavorful sausage and vegetable roast.
- Breakfast/Brunch: Don’t reserve this dish just for dinner! It makes for a decadent and satisfying addition to any breakfast or brunch spread, served alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy breakfast sausage, or savory bacon.
- Potlucks & Picnics: Its ability to feed a crowd and travel well makes it a guaranteed hit at any potluck, picnic, or church gathering. It’s often the first dish to disappear!
Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Your Cheesy Potatoes
One of the many great qualities of this cheesy potato casserole is that it’s just as delicious the next day, making it excellent for meal prep or enjoying convenient leftovers! Proper storage also allows you to prepare it in advance for busy times.
- Storing Leftovers: Once your cheesy potatoes have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will help maintain their freshness and flavor. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:
- Microwave (for individual portions): Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. This is the quickest method for a single serving.
- Oven (for larger portions): To reheat a larger portion or the entire casserole, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly warm throughout. For a crispy topping, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of heating.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes surprisingly well, giving you the option to prepare it in advance for future meals or special occasions. You can freeze it either baked or unbaked.
- To Freeze Unbaked: Prepare the casserole exactly as directed, up to the point of adding the corn flake topping. Cover the baking dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with the date. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Just before baking, add the corn flake topping (prepare it fresh as per the recipe). Bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
- To Freeze Baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Label with the date. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 30-45 minutes), removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to help re-crisp the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this beloved hash brown casserole:
- Can I use shredded hash browns instead of cubed for this recipe?
- While you technically *can* use shredded hash browns, cubed hash browns are highly recommended for their superior texture in this casserole. Cubed potatoes provide more distinct, tender pieces that hold up better in the creamy sauce, whereas shredded hash browns tend to become much softer or even mushier when baked in a creamy mixture.
- Is it absolutely necessary to thaw the frozen hash browns?
- Yes, absolutely! Thawing your hash browns completely (preferably overnight in the refrigerator) is crucial. Frozen hash browns will release a lot of water as they bake, which can lead to a watery, soupy casserole rather than the desired thick, creamy consistency. If you’re short on time, you can spread them on a baking sheet at room temperature for an hour or two, then pat them dry.
- Can I make this cheesy potato casserole recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, funeral potatoes are an excellent make-ahead dish! You can prepare the potato mixture and spread it into the baking dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the corn flake topping just before baking to ensure it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy. If baking from cold, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? Are there any substitutes?
- Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are excellent and popular substitutes for cream of mushroom soup in this recipe, and they will still provide a delicious, creamy base. You can also look for recipes to make a homemade condensed cream soup if you prefer to avoid canned options.
- How do I prevent the corn flake topping from burning while baking?
- Oven temperatures can sometimes vary, and toppings can brown quickly. If you notice your buttery corn flake topping is turning too dark before the casserole is fully heated through and bubbling, simply loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the dish for the remainder of the baking time. This will protect the topping from over-browning while allowing the interior to finish cooking perfectly.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
- Making this recipe entirely dairy-free would require significant substitutions for butter, sour cream, and all the cheeses, which would fundamentally alter the flavor profile and texture of this specific dish. For a gluten-free version, ensure that your chosen cream of mushroom soup and corn flakes are certified gluten-free, as some brands can contain wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients.
The symphony of rich, creamy, cheesy flavor perfectly balanced with that signature crispy, buttery corn flake topping is truly unmatched. This is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience that brings joy and comfort to any table!
You simply must try making these cheesy potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes, for your next holiday feast, family gathering, or whenever you need a reliable and delicious crowd-pleasing side. They’re guaranteed to become a cherished tradition!
Explore More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
- Creamed Corn
- Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Broccoli Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Cheesy Cornflake Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes)
Save RecipeSaved!
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 oz southern style hash browns, cubed potatoes, not shredded, thawed overnight in the fridge
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream , or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided
- 1/2 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 3 cups corn flakes, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled onion-garlic mixture, thoroughly thawed Southern-style hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and 1 cup of the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.
-
Mix all ingredients well until the hash browns are evenly coated and everything is thoroughly combined.
-
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the hash brown mixture.
-
For the topping: Place 3 cups of corn flakes in a large ziploc bag. Gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin until they are in coarse pieces.
-
Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter, stirring until the flakes are evenly coated.
-
Evenly spread the buttery corn flake topping over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
-
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges, the potatoes are tender, and the corn flake topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
-
Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!