These funeral potatoes use caramelized onions for a savory and rich side dish that is oh so cheesy!
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Savory and creamy Funeral Potatoes
If you want a crispy cheesy hash brown casserole with the perfect amounts of savory and sweet, you’ve found your new go-to recipe! And, it’s all thanks to the one simple ingredient.
The secret? Use caramelized onions! Caramelizing the onions creates a sweet and rich flavor a baked raw onion can’t replicate.
Paired with the cheesy goodness in these potatoes, you’ve got yourself the perfect sweet, rich, and creamy side dish.
Funeral Potatoes Ingredients
- Frozen hash browns – Shredded and thawed
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Freshly shredded cheese
- Butter – Melted
- Corn flakes cereal – Kellogg’s or any other brand
- Garlic powder
- Onion – Caramelized
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil – For greasing your pan
How to Make Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with the olive oil.
STEP TWO: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cans of soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, caramelized onions, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until fully incorporated.
STEP THREE: ​Transfer the creamy hash brown mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. You can use a spatula or spoon to make this step easy.
STEP FOUR: ​In a separate small bowl, toss the 2 cups of crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well coated.
STEP FIVE: ​Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the top of the casserole and bake in a 375°F oven for 45-50 minutes. The casserole is ready once the cheese is bubbly and the cornflake topping is crispy and golden brown.
STEP SIX: Allow your cheesy potatoes with corn flakes to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this dish on its own or with some delicious sides.
Why is this dish called funeral potatoes?
This hash brown casserole with corn flakes has historically been linked to members of the Relief Society in the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Because this comforting casserole is commonly served at their gatherings following funerals, the dish received its name from that tradition.
Do I Need to Use Caramelized Onions?
No! If you’re in a rush and need a quick way to get these cheesy potatoes in the oven, you can omit the onions or substitute them with 1/2 cup of diced sweet onion.
The caramelized onions do add a lot of flavor, but the funeral potatoes will taste amazing without them as well!
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes in this recipe! Peel and dice the fresh potatoes then parboil the so they are just slightly softened.
Using frozen hash browns is super convenient though!
What is the best cheese to use for a cheesy hash brown casserole?
Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese pair perfectly in funeral potatoes. It combines a mild and sharp cheese that both melt well.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese can be used when making a cheesy hash brown casserole.
Just keep in mind some pre-shredded cheeses contain a starchy coating on it that can make it more difficult to melt, but I love using pre-shredded cheeses for convenience when possible!
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken is a great alternative to cream of mushroom. While they have slightly different flavors, the combination of either of these creamy soups and sour cream will result in a casserole with a rich, creamy consistency.
What other toppings can I use instead of corn flakes?
Crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips can be used as a substitute for corn flakes.
There are plenty of options that would work well here –– just make sure to use something that will make the top layer nice and crispy.
What should I serve with cheesy potatoes?
Funeral potatoes taste delicious on their own but can also be served with ham, ribs, and a number of savory sides.
Some of my favorite easy recipes to pair with this dish include bacon-wrapped asparagus, roasted carrots, and cheesy garlic knots.
Can I make this hash brown casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time without the corn flake topping and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Once you’re ready to bake it, add the buttery cornflakes and pop it in the oven.
Because this casserole is easy to prepare in advance, it’s a great recipe to pull out for large gatherings or for dinner during busy weeks.
Can I freeze cheesy potatoes with corn flakes?
This potato dish can be frozen, but it is best to leave the cornflake topping off, or else it will get mushy once thawed.
For best results, thaw your frozen potato casserole in the fridge overnight and then add the corn flakes. Reheat it in the oven once ready to serve.
More Easy Casserole recipes:
- 5-Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole With Canned Green Beans
- Broccoli Casserole With Ritz Crackers
- Macaroni Corn Casserole
- Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 32 ounce bags frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 10.5 ounce cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup onion caramelized
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 cups corn flakes cereal
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and grease a 9×13 baking dish with the olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cans of soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, caramelized onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix them until fully incorporated.
- ​Transfer the creamy hash brown mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
- ​In a separate small bowl, toss the 2 cups of crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well coated.
- ​Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the top of the casserole and bake in a 375 degree F oven for 45-50 minutes, until it is bubbly and the cornflake topping is crispy and golden brown.
- Allow your cheesy potato casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving it on its own or with a side.
