There is just something irresistibly cozy and satisfying about a classic Funeral Potato Recipe that makes it a beloved staple at family gatherings and potlucks alike. This cheesy, creamy, and crunchy casserole brings together golden hash browns, a luscious homemade white sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy cornflake topping that adds a delightful crunch. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to accompany your holiday ham or longing for a warm comfort food to brighten your day, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Funeral Potato Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating that rich, hearty, and inviting flavor profile. From the sharpness of cheddar cheese to the buttery crunch of crushed corn flakes, every component contributes texture, flavor, or that golden hue we all love in a casserole.
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns: The hearty potato base that holds the dish together and soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick): Used to coat the potatoes and add richness right from the start.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp and melty cheese that delivers that unmistakable cheesy bite.
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess that balances the dish perfectly.
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick): For sautéing onions and building the white sauce foundation.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings mild sweetness and depth to the white sauce.
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic warmth and a subtle punch of flavor without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup flour: Thickens the white sauce to create that silky texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens and rounds out the white sauce while keeping it creamy.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish’s savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: A gentle heat to brighten the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick): Melted to coat the crunchy cornflake topping.
- 3 cups corn flakes: The crispy, golden topping that adds irresistible texture and a buttery finish.
How to Make Funeral Potato Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
If you have some extra time, thaw your frozen hash browns in a colander over the sink for 2 to 4 hours. This softens the potatoes and makes for a creamier casserole. However, if you’re in a rush, feel free to toss them straight into the dish from frozen—the texture will just be a bit firmer but still delicious. Either way, you’re off to a fantastic start.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and warm. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or a bit of butter so your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly every time.
Step 3: Butter Coat the Potatoes and Add Cheese
In a large bowl, melt 1/4 cup of butter, then pour it over your potatoes and stir to coat them evenly. Next, mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups of sour cream. This combination guarantees a creamy and flavorful base that will make your casserole shine.
Step 4: Make the Creamy White Sauce
Time for the magic sauce! In a medium skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they start to turn translucent and sweet. Add the minced garlic and cook for an extra minute until it’s fragrant — this will awaken layers of flavor. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour gradually, stirring constantly to form a roux while avoiding lumps. Cook that for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Add Liquids to the Sauce
Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, a little at a time, stirring constantly to blend smoothly. Do the same with 1/2 cup milk next. This method keeps your white sauce silky and perfectly thickened. Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then stir until everything is combined.
Step 6: Combine Sauce and Potato Mixture
Pour the luscious white sauce into the bowl with your potatoes, cheese, and sour cream. Stir everything gently until all the ingredients are perfectly incorporated. Your casserole base is ready for the oven!
Step 7: Prepare Topping and Bake
Spread the potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Melt another 1/4 cup butter in a medium bowl. Crush 3 cups of corn flakes slightly by hand—you want a few larger flakes for extra texture, so no need to be precise. Toss the corn flakes with the melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this buttery crunch generously over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cornflakes turn golden brown and the casserole bubbles along the edges, promising a delightful crunch with every creamy bite.
How to Serve Funeral Potato Recipe
Garnishes
Although the casserole is wonderful on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits can add a pop of color and a burst of flavor that elevates the whole dish. A light dusting of smoked paprika offers subtle warmth and eye-catching color if you want to get a bit fancy.
Side Dishes
This Funeral Potato Recipe pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains like glazed ham or roast turkey. For a lighter contrast, serve it alongside fresh steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the creamy richness of the potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for a twist? Try making individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off those inviting layers of cheesy potatoes and crunchy topping. Either way, it’s sure to impress your guests and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. The casserole will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or a quick comforting snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it has cooled. If freezing unbaked, wrap tightly and store up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed. Baked leftovers freeze well too; just reheat gently to preserve the texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out, and warm for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned cream of chicken soup instead of making the white sauce?
Absolutely! Using canned cream of chicken soup is a time-saving shortcut that still yields a delicious dish. If you go this route, skip the flour, broth, milk, and butter in the white sauce steps and simply mix the soup with your potatoes, cheese, and sour cream before baking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Funeral Potato Recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and ensure your cheddar cheese is vegetarian-friendly. The recipe is inherently meat-free aside from that broth, so it’s very easy to adapt.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the white sauce, and double-check that your corn flakes are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options which work perfectly for the crunchy topping.
Why do some recipes call this a ‘funeral’ potato dish?
This casserole got its name because it often appeared at gatherings after funerals, offering comfort and easy serving for many guests. The creamy, cheesy nature of the dish is perfect for bringing people together during difficult times.
Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?
Of course! Some folks love tossing in diced ham, cooked bacon, or green chilies for extra flavor. Just be mindful of how these additions affect the moisture and seasoning balance—it’s all about what makes the dish your own.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with this ever-comforting Funeral Potato Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, bringing cheesy, creamy, crunchy bliss to every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every cozy forkful as much as I do. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that belongs on your recipe rotation!
Print
Funeral Potato Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Funeral Potato recipe combines tender hash browns with a creamy homemade white sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttered cornflake topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting casserole perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, delivering a rich, cheesy, and crispy potato dish that’s truly satisfying.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (packed)
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
White Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick)
- 3 cups corn flakes
Instructions
- Preparation Note: This recipe uses a homemade white sauce. For convenience, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup as noted in the recipe notes.
- Thaw Potatoes (Optional): If time allows, place frozen hash browns in a colander over a sink and let thaw for 2-4 hours to achieve softer potatoes. You can also use them frozen, but they will be firmer.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Coat Potatoes in Butter: In a large bowl, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add the thawed or frozen hash browns and stir well to evenly coat with butter.
- Add Cheese and Sour Cream: Mix in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups sour cream thoroughly with the potatoes.
- Make the White Sauce: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add the chopped onion and saute for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Gradually add 1/4 cup flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for an additional minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids Gradually: Slowly incorporate 1/2 cup chicken broth by adding small amounts while stirring. Then repeat with 1/2 cup milk, stirring to combine.
- Cook Sauce to Thicken: Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy white sauce.
- Season Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then mix well.
- Combine Sauce and Potatoes: Pour the white sauce into the potato mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Evenly spread the potato mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
- Prepare Topping: Melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, crush 3 cups of corn flakes by hand or using a ziplock bag slightly.
- Mix Topping: Combine the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter, ensuring the flakes are evenly coated.
- Top Casserole: Spread the buttered corn flakes evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes, until the corn flakes are lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly at the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. It pairs excellently with ham or other savory dishes.
Notes
- You can substitute the homemade white sauce with a 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup for convenience; simply mix the soup in place of the white sauce ingredients.
- Thawing the hash browns before assembly results in a softer texture, but the recipe works well with frozen potatoes straight from the freezer.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken broth and substitute with vegetable broth.
- This recipe is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated; add a little milk if it seems dry when reheating.
- Use sharp cheddar for a pronounced cheesy flavor, but mild cheddar or a blend can be used as preferred.
