Cheesy potatoes topped with crunchy cornflake topping are going to be the first to go at your next holiday dinner or potluck meal! Everyone loves funeral potatoes, almost as much as they like my Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole or Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes!
Why Are They Called Funeral Potatoes?
This easy-to-make potato casserole is a staple at funerals in some communities across the US, which is how they got their name. You might even hear them called Amish funeral potatoes or Mormon funeral potatoes. While hot, cheesy potatoes are a lovely comforting dish to serve for a somber event, they are also very welcome at happy celebrations too! You can make funeral potatoes for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, or you can make them to serve with your family meal this weekend. This recipe for funeral potatoes easily serves 12 people and can be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. If you’re looking for a cheesy potato dish that is a full meal, try my Hamburger Potato Casserole next!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients In Funeral Potatoes with Corn Flakes
Here’s what you need to make this classic potato casserole: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Cream of Chicken Soup: I don’t often use cream soup in my recipes, but in this recipe, cream soup can’t be beat when it comes to convenience and flavor. Sour Cream: Mixed with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream makes the potatoes rich and extra creamy. Melted Butter: I use unsalted butter so that I can control how salty the dish is. You’ll need melted butter for the potatoes and for the cornflake topping. Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper give these potatoes a great flavor that’s not overpowering. Frozen Hashbrowns: A bag of cubed frozen potatoes is the right amount for making funeral potatoes. I like to keep a bag in the freezer so that I’m always ready to make these! Cheddar Cheese: Cornflake potatoes are topped with cornflakes of course, but they’re mixed with cheddar cheese to make the topping extra delicious. Corn Flakes: The traditional topping for funeral potatoes is made with crushed cornflakes. Put the cereal in a zipper bag and use a rolling pin to crush it.
How To Make Funeral Potatoes
Tips for Making Funeral Potatoes
You can use fresh potatoes instead of frozen ones. Peel and cube enough potatoes to get enough to fill your casserole dish most of the way. Add the cubed potatoes to a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil on the stove. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the potatoes are softened most of the way. Drain and allow to cool before continuing. Shredded Hashbrowns can be used as well. The casserole has a different, but still very delicious texture when made this way. Feed a larger crowd by doubling this recipe. You can even multiply it a few times if you need to! Cook in multiple 9×13-inch pans, or use large disposable pans instead. You will likely need to bake the casserole for longer if you use a larger pan.
How to Thaw Cubed Frozen Hashbrowns
It’s important to thaw the potatoes before mixing them into your casserole, and there are a few ways to go about it. It all depends on how much time you have.
In the Fridge (8 hours): Leave the hashbrowns in the packaging, or remove them and place them on a cookie sheet or in a casserole dish. Cover, and let them sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours to thaw. Dry the potatoes gently once they’ve thawed. At Room Temperature (less than an hour): Place them in a colander over a bowl and let them thaw at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. Any excess water should fall into the bowl, but you can gently dry the potatoes with paper towels if they’re wet. In the Microwave (a few minutes): You should thaw frozen hashbrowns in the microwave in batches. Spread some of them on a plate in a single layer, and microwave for 30 – 90 seconds, or until the potatoes are no longer frozen. Be careful not to cook them though!
Make Ahead Funeral Potatoes
You can make cheesy potatoes ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to a day or in the freezer for up to 3 months before baking. Follow the recipe, stopping after the potato mixture is added to the baking dish. The cornflake topping will be added fresh, just before baking, so that it doesn’t get soggy. If you’re going to bake the potatoes tomorrow, Cover the casserole and put it in the fridge. When you’re ready, add the crushed cornflake topping and then bake as directed. For longer storage, wrap the casserole dish well with plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the cornflake topping and baking as directed.
Storing Tips
Keep leftovers covered and in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the whole pan in the oven, or individual servings in the microwave.
What To Serve With Funeral Potatoes
When serving a crowd, it’s easiest to serve funeral potatoes with roasted meats, sandwiches, or other simple to prepare main dishes. Try some of these options that I like to make when everyone’s over:
Instant Pot Meatloaf Swiss Steak Mississippi Chicken Garlic Herb butter Roast Chicken Cheeseburger Sliders Pineapple Ham Roast Spatchcock Turkey Instant Pot Pulled Pork Italian beef Sandwiches
Are you looking for a side dish that you can deliver to a friend in need? Try Stuffed Pepper Casserole or Sloppy Joe Casserole. Both are classic comfort food meals. My favorite comforting, sharable desserts include Cinnamon Coffee Cake and Pecan Sticky Buns. I know these are called funeral potatoes, but you don’t need to save them for that! These cornflake cheesy potatoes are perfect for any occasion and easily feed a crowd. Save this recipe for the next holiday or family gathering. © Little Sunny Kitchen
