Funeral potatoes are a beloved comfort food casserole, especially popular in the American Midwest and Mountain West, where they are a staple at potlucks, holiday dinners, and, yes, post-funeral gatherings. This version uses dehydrated hash browns, which are not only convenient but also create a slightly firmer, more distinct potato texture that holds up beautifully in the creamy, cheesy sauce. The dehydrated potatoes absorb the rich sauce as they bake, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and indulgent, with a crispy, buttery cornflake topping that adds the perfect crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz / 850 g) bag dehydrated hash browns (about 8 cups)
- 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup / 75 g)
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 cups (60 g) cornflakes cereal, slightly crushed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dehydrated hash browns, both cans of soup, sour cream, chicken broth, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the melted butter, chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups (170 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt (if using). Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly dry-looking; that’s normal—the potatoes will absorb the liquid as they bake.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup (60 ml) of melted butter. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. If the top starts to get too dark, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (56 g) of cheddar cheese over the top just before serving, if desired.
Tips
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve neat squares.
- Adjust the moisture: If you prefer a creamier, saucier casserole, add an extra 1/4 cup (60 ml) of broth. If you like it firmer, use only 3/4 cup (180 ml) of broth. The dehydrated potatoes will absorb liquid differently depending on the brand.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the cornflake topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the topping and increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes, since you’re starting from cold.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely (with topping), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Funeral potatoes are a hearty side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Serve them alongside baked ham, roasted turkey, or meatloaf for a classic comfort food meal. They also work wonderfully at a brunch buffet next to scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For a complete potluck contribution, bring a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Substitute the sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick.
- Add Protein: Stir in 2 cups of diced cooked ham or crumbled cooked bacon along with the potato mixture for a more substantial main dish.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth instead of chicken soup and chicken broth. This will still be rich and creamy.
- Crunchy Topping Alternatives: Instead of cornflakes, use crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz), French-fried onions, or a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in a cup of thawed frozen peas and carrots or sautéed mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If the top has lost its crunch, sprinkle a little extra crushed cornflakes on top before reheating. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of dehydrated? Yes, you can. If using frozen shredded hash browns, thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Reduce the chicken broth to 1/2 cup (120 ml) since frozen potatoes contain more water. Baking time may also be slightly shorter, so check for doneness at 45 minutes.
Do I need to rehydrate the hash browns before mixing? No, that’s the beauty of this recipe. The dehydrated hash browns will absorb the liquid from the soups, sour cream, and broth as they bake. This creates a creamy texture without extra steps.
Can I make this without cream of chicken soup? Absolutely. You can use all cream of mushroom soup, or substitute with a homemade white sauce (butter, flour, and milk) for a from-scratch version. If you go the homemade route, you may need to add a bit more salt and seasoning.
Why are my funeral potatoes dry? This usually happens if you bake them too long or at too high a temperature. Be sure to check them at the 55-minute mark. Also, make sure you’re using enough liquid—if your hash browns are particularly dry, add an extra splash of broth.
Can I use low-fat or fat-free ingredients? Yes, you can use low-fat soups, reduced-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese. However, keep in mind that the dish may be slightly less creamy and flavorful. The cornflake topping will still provide a nice crunch.
Is it safe to leave this out at a potluck? Per food safety guidelines, perishable foods like this casserole should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you’re serving at a potluck, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, or place it on a warming tray. After 2 hours, refrigerate any leftovers.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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