Recipe Funeral Potatoes: How to Make Them in 30 Minutes

Did you know that recipe funeral potatoes are searched over 12,000 times monthly, making them one of America’s most beloved comfort food dishes? Despite their somber name, these creamy, cheesy potato casseroles have become a staple at gatherings across the country—and not just at post-funeral luncheons.

What makes this dish truly remarkable is how something so deliciously indulgent can be prepared in just 30 minutes, compared to the traditional hour-long recipes. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish for a weeknight dinner or need to bring something heartwarming to a potluck, this streamlined recipe funeral version will save you time without sacrificing the nostalgic flavor that has made this dish a cherished tradition.

Ingredients List

• 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (low-sodium version works well)
• ½ cup melted butter (can substitute with ¼ cup butter + ¼ cup olive oil)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed (or panko breadcrumbs for a modern twist)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

The combination of creamy sour cream and sharp cheddar creates that unmistakable tangy-rich flavor that makes recipe funeral potatoes so irresistible, while the cornflake topping delivers the perfect golden crunch.

Timing

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes (60% faster than traditional funeral potato recipes that typically require 75+ minutes)

This expedited cooking time is achieved by using pre-shredded potatoes and optimizing oven temperature, giving you the same beloved dish in less than half the usual time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) – hotter than traditional recipes to speed cooking time. While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. The higher temperature is key to achieving our 30-minute goal while still ensuring a golden, crispy top.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup melted butter. Whisk until smooth and well-integrated. The consistency should be rich and velvety – this forms the luxurious base that makes recipe funeral potatoes so comforting.

Step 3: Add Flavor Elements

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. The sharp cheddar provides the perfect flavor contrast to the creamy base, while the onion adds a gentle aromatic quality that enhances without overpowering.

Step 4: Incorporate Potatoes

Fold in the thawed hash browns gently until they’re evenly coated with the mixture. Tip: Don’t overmix – gentle folding preserves the texture of the potatoes, preventing them from breaking down and becoming mushy.

Step 5: Transfer and Top

Spread the potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the potatoes. The corn flake topping is what gives this recipe funeral dish its signature crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The high heat quickly crisps the topping while allowing the interior to become perfectly hot and creamy without drying out.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 2g

This classic comfort food is undeniably indulgent, with 38% of its calories coming from carbohydrates and 62% from fats and proteins.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this beloved comfort food with these nutritionally enhanced modifications:

• Replace regular sour cream with Greek yogurt to save approximately 70 calories and 9g of fat per serving while adding extra protein
• Use low-fat cheese to reduce fat content by up to 30% without significantly affecting taste
• Substitute sweet potatoes for regular hash browns to increase vitamin A content by over 400%
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and rice-based cereal instead of corn flakes
• For a lower-carb option, replace half the potatoes with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrates by approximately 40%

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your recipe funeral potatoes with these serving ideas:

• Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or ham for a complete meal
• Add a dollop of fresh salsa or pico de gallo on top for a southwestern twist
• For brunch, top with a fried egg for a decadent morning meal
• Garnish with sliced green onions or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not thawing hash browns completely – this leads to excess moisture and uneven cooking
• Overmixing the potatoes – gentle folding preserves texture
• Using too low an oven temperature – the higher heat is crucial for the 30-minute cooking time
• Forgetting to crush the corn flakes – whole flakes won’t adhere properly to the casserole
• Adding the topping too early if not baking immediately – this causes the corn flakes to become soggy

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk if they seem dry
• For best results when reheating larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
• Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking
• Store components separately if prepping ahead – combine just before baking for optimal texture

Conclusion

These 30-minute recipe funeral potatoes prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a dish that feels like home. By streamlining the preparation process, we’ve preserved all the creamy, cheesy, crunchy goodness that makes this casserole a beloved classic while fitting it into your busy schedule. Whether you’re serving these potatoes for a family dinner, bringing them to a gathering, or seeking the perfect comfort food on a chilly evening, this expedited recipe delivers all the warmth and satisfaction of the traditional version in half the time. Try this recipe this week and discover why funeral potatoes continue to be a treasured part of America’s comfort food tradition!

FAQs

Why are they called funeral potatoes?
They earned their name because they’re traditionally served at post-funeral luncheons, particularly in Mormon communities in Utah and surrounding areas. The dish is easy to make in large quantities and offers comforting familiarity during difficult times.

Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole without the cornflake topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

What are the best potatoes to use if I want to make this from scratch?
If not using frozen hash browns, Russet potatoes work best. Grate them, rinse under cold water, and pat very dry before using to remove excess starch and moisture.

Can I make funeral potatoes in a slow cooker?
Yes, though you’ll lose the crispy top. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cornflake topping during the last 30 minutes of cooking with the lid off.

Are funeral potatoes suitable for vegetarians?
To make vegetarian funeral potatoes, simply substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup. All other ingredients in this recipe funeral version are vegetarian-friendly.