Name: Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 14.5 ounces cream of chicken soup; 1 ½ cups sour cream; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ cup yellow onion (grated); 2 cups cheddar cheese; 32 ounces package frozen shredded or cubed hash browns (thawed); 2 ½ cups corn flakes (crushed); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

Table of Contents

The soft afternoon light filters through the kitchen window, casting a gentle glow on my slow cooker. The rhythmic bubbling of ingredients blends harmoniously with the hushed sounds of daily life, creating a soothing atmosphere. As the steam rises, it carries the comforting aroma of cream, cheese, and just a hint of garlic, welcoming anyone who enters. In moments like these, Funeral Potatoes come to life, not just as a dish, but as a warm embrace, a reminder of connection, nourishment, and love that we share around the table.

Why Funeral Potatoes Deserves a Place at Your Table

Funeral Potatoes carry with them a sense of warmth and community. Traditionally served at gatherings during times of sorrow, this dish speaks to the heart and soul of comfort food. It has transformed over the years from simply a meal to a symbol of Southern hospitality, representing love and care for those we cherish.

Imagine coming home after a long day and finding a bubbling dish of creamy hash browns, crisp corn flakes, and melted cheese waiting for you. It feels calming, doesn’t it? The delicate balance of flavors, combined with the velvety texture, wraps around you like a favorite quilt. This dish does more than just fill your stomach; it nourishes your spirit.

Moreover, Funeral Potatoes embody practicality. They require minimal preparation, making them perfect for busy days. The simplicity of the recipe allows for a lot of flexibility and creativity, letting each cook put their own personal touch on it. Each bite offers a little nostalgia while being easy enough to throw together during a hectic week or special occasion. There is something timeless about this dish, a healing salve for weary spirits and an invitation to slow down and savor life’s gracious moments.

The Slow-Cooker Process, Simplified

“There’s something comforting about letting a meal take its time the kitchen fills with warmth, and the day slows down too.”

Preparing Funeral Potatoes is both satisfying and uncomplicated. Picture yourself stirring a hearty mixture, the ingredients gliding together in perfect harmony. The kitchen begins to fill with warmth as the slow cooker does its work, allowing you to focus on other parts of your day. You will feel the soothing rhythm of slow cooking as it transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking, let’s gather what we’ll need. Keeping the ingredients simple and accessible is part of the charm of Funeral Potatoes. You might find most of these ingredients right in your pantry or grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
14.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
1 ½ cups sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ cup yellow onion (grated)
2 cups cheddar cheese
32 ounces package frozen shredded or cubed hash browns (thawed)
2 ½ cups corn flakes (crushed)
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

Make sure your ingredients are fresh, especially that lovely cheddar cheese, which adds richness and depth. If you prefer a lighter flavor, feel free to use low-sodium broth instead of cream of chicken soup. This small change can add a delicate touch while keeping the dish comforting.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s get to the heart of it and create this delightful dish.

Thaw hashbrowns in the refrigerator overnight. This will help them blend seamlessly into the dish.
Preheat oven to 350℉ and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by coating it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures an easy release after baking.
In a large bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion. Mix until well combined; the aroma will begin to waft invitingly.
Add hashbrowns and cheese. Gently fold them into the mixture until everything is well-coated.
Place the entire mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly; this way, every corner gets that delicious crust.
Crush the cornflakes in a large freezer bag. Add ¼ cup of melted butter and mix until coated.
Sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the hashbrown mixture. This will create a delightful crunch on top.
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. Check for a golden-brown top; this is the moment of triumph.

Don’t forget to check tenderness at the 30-minute mark with a fork. You want everything to meld together while keeping that comforting creaminess.

Bringing Funeral Potatoes to the Table

Once your Funeral Potatoes are golden and warm, it’s time to bring them to the table. There is a certain joy in serving this dish, as it looks incredibly inviting, with the crunchy topping contrasting beautifully against the creamy base.

This meal naturally pairs with roasted vegetables, a simple garden salad, or grilled chicken. It embodies the essence of easy Southern hospitality, making it perfect for both family dinners and gatherings with friends. Each serving is an invitation, reminding those around you that they are valued and cared for.

Saving Funeral Potatoes for Tomorrow

As heartwarming as it is to serve warm and bubbly Funeral Potatoes, this dish is also a delight for the next day. Storing leftovers is simple, and in many cases, the flavors deepen overnight, making the meal even more satisfying.

To keep your Funeral Potatoes fresh, transfer any unused portions to an airtight container. You can either refrigerate them for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. When reheating, gently warm in the oven at 350℉ until heated through, or in the microwave for a quicker option. If you reheat in the oven, covering the dish with foil will help keep moisture in, preserving that luscious texture.

Savannah’s Slow-Cooker Tips

While I love the oven-baked version, you can also adapt this recipe for the slow cooker for an effortless dinner option. Here are a few insightful tips to keep in mind:

Layer your ingredients. Start with a layer of hashbrowns, followed by half the cheese mixture. Repeat with a final layer of cheese on top. This ensures rich flavor and texture in every spoonful.
Cooking time will vary. On low, it usually takes about 6-7 hours. It’s a lovely way to allow the flavors to meld beautifully without fuss.
Adjust for your crowd. If you plan to serve more people, consider doubling the recipe. Just be mindful that a larger slow cooker might require a bit more time.

These thoughtful techniques ensure that your Funeral Potatoes will burst with flavor and delightful texture.

Family Twists on Funeral Potatoes

Every family has their own way of making Funeral Potatoes unique. In the South, it is common for families to put personal spins on this comforting classic.

Some may add a pinch of cayenne pepper for warmth or chopped green chilies for a hint of zest. Others might include diced bell peppers to bring in some color and crunch, or swap the cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.

And let’s not forget about the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or scallions can add a touch of brightness to the dish, elevating it to something special.

Sharing these creative choices makes every gathering even richer, as you come together to savor treasured traditions and the stories behind them.

FAQs About Funeral Potatoes

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of your favorites. Each cheese brings its own personality to the dish.

What if I can’t find cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or even make a homemade sauce. A simple white sauce with broth and spices can work wonderfully as a base.

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep the entire dish the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you are ready to serve.

How do I make it vegetarian-friendly?
Simply replace the cream of chicken soup with a vegetable base, and you can opt to skip adding meat altogether. The dish remains robust and flavorful.

A Final Thought

As you set the table and serve your Funeral Potatoes, take a moment to appreciate the nourishment of not just food but the connections we forge over meals. This dish represents more than just the ingredients; it’s about coming together, sharing stories, and embracing the warmth of home.

Every scoop offers comfort, a quiet moment of reflection, and the love that goes into sharing a meal. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought to my family. Until our next cozy meal, may your kitchen be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of comforting dinners.

Let’s Get Cozy in the Kitchen!

Hey y’all if slow-cooked comfort food makes your heart happy, you’re in the right place. 💛 Follow Crock Cozy on Pinterest for hearty casseroles, tender roasts, and weeknight dinners that taste like home.

Follow Crock Cozy

Savannah Mae Dubois

Savannah Mae Dubois is a celebrated slow cooker expert, inspiring countless home cooks to embrace the joy of Southern-inspired comfort food with minimal effort. Her recipes, rooted in family tradition and everyday ingredients, transform busy weeknights into cherished culinary experiences.

Funeral Potatoes