Hash Brown Potato Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole made with frozen hash browns and a crunchy cornflake topping. Also known as Funeral Potatoes, this classic side dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.

You may have heard this Hash Brown Potato Bake called Funeral Potatoes. Popular throughout the Midwest, this classic potato casserole is often served at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings alongside favorites like Easy BBQ Baked Beans. The nickname comes from its tradition of being served at after-funeral meals, but don’t let the name fool you, this dish is anything but sad!
Growing up, my mom made this potato bake for just about every gathering, and it was always one of the first dishes to disappear. The crunchy cornflake topping paired with the creamy, cheesy potato filling is what keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Quick Look: Hash Brown Potato Bake
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Servings: 8
- Main Ingredients: Frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cornflakes
- Best For: Potlucks, holidays, family dinners, and special gatherings
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A Few Things Before You Start
- Frozen hash browns work best and can be used shredded or diced.
- No need to thaw the hash browns before mixing everything together.
- The crunchy cornflake topping is what gives this casserole its classic texture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Ingredient Notes
See printable recipe card below for exact ingredients and full directions.

- Frozen Hash Browns: Shredded or diced hash browns both work well in this recipe.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but mild cheddar can also be used.
- Cornflakes: These create the classic crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy potato mixture.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Switch up the cheese: Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack in place of the cheddar cheese.
- Change the topping: Use crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or buttery breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes.
- Swap the soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of potato soup works well in place of the cream of chicken soup. If you’re a fan of creamy comfort food casseroles, you’ll also love my Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
- Make it heartier: Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken before baking.
How to Make Hash Brown Potato Bake

Step 1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, hash browns, and onion.

Step 2. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed cornflakes.

Step 5. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the potato mixture.

Step 6. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and melt.
- If using shredded hash browns, break up any large frozen clumps before mixing.
- Allow the topping to become golden brown for the perfect crunchy texture.
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set up.
Serving Suggestions
This Hash Brown Potato Bake pairs well with all kinds of meals. Here are a few family favorites:
- Brunch: Serve alongside Breakfast Sliders, Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche, or fresh fruit.
- Weeknight Dinner: Pair with Melt in Your Mouth Chicken, Ranch Breaded Pork Chops, or Mom’s Classic Meatloaf.
- Holiday Meals: Add it to your table with Smoked Deviled Eggs, Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potatoes, or Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered baking dish for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 350 degree oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

Hash Brown Potato Recipe FAQs
Funeral Potatoes are a cheesy hash brown casserole traditionally served at potlucks, church gatherings, and after-funeral meals. Today, they’re also a favorite for holidays, family dinners, and special occasions.
Yes, but frozen hash browns are recommended because they save time and provide a consistent texture.
Absolutely. Freeze the casserole before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
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Hash Brown Potato Bake (Funeral Potatoes)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint sour cream
- salt & pepper to taste
- 10 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 lbs frozen hash browns shredded or diced
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal crushed
- ¼ cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, hash browns, and onion until evenly mixed.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and crushed cornflakes until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the potato mixture.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden brown topping.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Shredded or diced frozen hash browns can be used.
- Sharp cheddar cheese adds the most flavor.
- The casserole can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.










Carol says
When I lake the hash brown recipe, I mix in the cheddar cheese to the other ingredients, it keeps the cheese from over browning or burning that way.
Kristin says
Great idea! I will have to remember that for next time!!
Shannon says
Can this dish be frozen.
Kristin says
Sure!! No problem on freezing it!!
Anonymous says
We always called these party potatoe,s they are awesome ❤❤❤
Kristin says
Fun name!!! They definitely are delicious 🙂