This Amish Funeral Potatoes Recipe is cheesy, creamy, and topped with crispy cornflakes—perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners!
Let’s talk about funeral potatoes. A name like that doesn’t exactly scream “delicious comfort food”, but trust me, once you’ve had a bite, you’ll understand why this dish is legendary at potlucks and family gatherings.
The first time I had Amish Funeral Potatoes, I was probably 10 years old at a post-church meal. You know those potluck tables—twenty different casseroles, five different kinds of deviled eggs, and always one big pan of cheesy, golden-brown potatoes. I remember scooping a big spoonful onto my plate, taking a bite, and immediately wondering where this dish had been my whole life. It was warm, gooey, crunchy on top, and just pure happiness in food form.
Despite the name, these potatoes aren’t just for funerals. They show up at holidays, Sunday dinners, BBQs, baby showers, and literally any gathering where people need a hearty, soul-warming dish. Basically, if there’s food and people, funeral potatoes belong on the table.
And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. A handful of ingredients, a little mixing, and a trip to the oven—it’s almost too simple for something this good.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Funeral Potatoes Recipe?
- Effortless comfort food – Just mix, dump, bake, and enjoy.
- Feeds a crowd – Serves 12 people, making it the perfect potluck dish.
- That golden, crispy topping! – Buttery cornflakes add the most satisfying crunch.
- Totally customizable – Easily tweak it for different flavors or dietary needs.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together in the best way.
- Hash Browns – Frozen diced hash browns keep things easy, but you can use fresh potatoes—just boil, peel, and dice them.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – The key to making the sauce ultra-creamy. Swap for cream of mushroom or celery for a vegetarian version.
- Sour Cream – Adds that signature rich, tangy flavor.
- Butter – Because of course butter makes everything better.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Colby for an extra-cheesy twist.
- Cornflakes – The classic crunchy topping. If you’re out of cornflakes, try Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips.
Pro Tip: Want to kick up the flavor? Stir in ½ teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika.
How To Make Amish Funeral Potatoes?
If you can mix and pour, you can make this recipe.
Step 1. Prep the Oven & Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2. Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the potato mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t pack it down too much—you want it light and fluffy.
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Step 4. Make the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle it evenly over the casserole. This is what gives it that irresistible crunch.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Pro Tip: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving—it helps everything set up perfectly.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in smaller portions.
- Freeze: Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as usual.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance, store in the fridge, and bake right before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Try these twists:
- Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen – Use 4 cups of cooked, diced potatoes.
- Make It Vegetarian – Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Spice It Up – Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Different Toppings – Swap cornflakes for panko breadcrumbs, Ritz crackers, or even crushed potato chips.
What to Serve with Amish Funeral Potatoes?
These potatoes go with just about everything. Some of my favorite pairings:
- Baked Ham – A classic duo, especially for Easter or Christmas.
- Roast Chicken – The perfect cozy meal.
- BBQ Ribs – The tangy, smoky BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
- A Simple Green Salad – To balance out all that cheesy, buttery goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are they called “funeral potatoes”?
They’re often served at funeral gatherings because they’re easy to make, comforting, and feed a lot of people. But don’t worry—you don’t need a funeral to enjoy them!
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yep! Just boil, peel, and dice about 4 cups of potatoes and swap them in.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything (except the topping) a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and add the topping before baking.
The Coziest Side Dish Ever
There’s a reason Amish Funeral Potatoes have been around forever—they’re cheesy, creamy, crispy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re making them for a potluck, a holiday meal, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, they’ll be the first thing gone from the table.
So tell me—do you go classic with cornflakes, or do you have your own topping hack? Drop a comment below!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Amish Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Casserole Base:
- 2 pounds frozen diced hash browns thawed (or fresh potatoes, peeled, boiled, and diced)
- 1 can 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- ½ cup crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Combine the Casserole Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Do not pack the mixture down too firmly—this ensures a light and creamy texture.
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crispy, golden crust.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the dish set and enhances the overall texture when serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using gluten-free broth and thickener (such as cornstarch).
- Replace the cornflake topping with crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Double-check the hash browns to ensure they are gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
