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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Hash Brown Potato Bake

    Updated: Jun 2, 2026 by Kristin Hayes · This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

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    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.

    Hash Brown Potato Bake served on a white plate with a fork.

    You may have heard this Hash Brown Potato Bake called Funeral Potatoes. Popular throughout the Midwest, this classic hash brown 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

    • Taste: Creamy, cheesy potatoes with a buttery cornflake topping
    • Texture: Soft, tender hash browns with a crispy, golden topping
    • Total Time: 55 minutes
    • Difficulty: Easy, just mix and bake
    • Equipment: 9×13 baking dish, mixing bowls
    • Servings: 8

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    Jump to:
    • Quick Look: Hash Brown Potato Bake
    • A Few Things Before You Start
    • Ingredient Notes
    • How to Make Hash Brown Potato Bake
    • Helpful Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
    • Hash Brown Potato FAQs
    • More Potato Recipes You’ll Love
    • Hash Brown Potato Bake (Funeral Potatoes)

    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 cheesy hash brown casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Add the cornflake topping just before baking to keep it crunchy.

    If you need to free up oven space for a holiday meal, my Slow Cooker Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is another great option.

    Ingredient Notes

    See printable recipe card below for exact ingredients and full directions.

    All the ingredients needed to make Hash Brown Potato Bake.
    • Frozen Hash Browns: Shredded or diced frozen hash brown potatoes both work well in this recipe.
    • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but mild cheddar can also be used.
    • Sour Cream: Gives the casserole its creamy texture and adds a little tang.
    • Cream of Chicken Soup: Helps hold everything together and gives the potato filling its creamy texture.
    • 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.
    • Add some meat: Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken before baking. If you love cheesy potatoes with bacon, try my Mississippi Mud Potatoes too.

    How to Make Hash Brown Potato Bake

    All the ingredients needed to make funeral potatoes added to a mixing bowl.

    Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°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.

    Frozen hash browns combined with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and Cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl.

    Step 2. Stir until evenly combined.

    Hash browns combined with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, seasoning, and cheese and spread evenly into a baking dish.

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

    Cornflakes combined with melted butter in a small bowl.

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

    Crunchy cornflakes on top of a potato casserole in a baking dish.

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

    Funeral potatoes baked in a cream colored ceramic baking pan.

    Step 6. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden brown topping. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Helpful Tips

    • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and melting.
    • 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 minutes before serving to help it set up.

    Serving Suggestions

    This Hash Brown Potato Bake pairs well with all kinds of meals, from weeknight dinners to Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. 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. Keep the cornflake topping separate and add just before baking to keep it crunchy.
    • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered baking dish for up to 4 days.
    • Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without the cornflake topping and add it before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
    • Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
    A metal spoon scooping a serving of hash brown casserole from a baking pan.

    Hash Brown Potato FAQs

    Why are they called Funeral Potatoes?

    The name comes from the tradition of serving this dish at after-funeral meals, especially in church communities. It’s easy to prepare for a crowd and has become a favorite at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.

    Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

    Fresh potatoes can work, but I recommend frozen hash browns for the best results. If using fresh potatoes, shred them and remove excess moisture. They may need to be partially cooked first to ensure they’re tender after baking.

    Can I make this casserole ahead of time for Thanksgiving?

    Absolutely! Assemble the potato mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, keeping the cornflake topping separate. Add the topping just before baking, and allow extra baking time if the casserole is cold.

    More Potato Recipes You’ll Love

    • roasted potatoes coated in crispy Parmesan and butter.
      Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
    • classic potato salad served in a blue bowl.
      Ultimate Potato Salad
    • A top view of a bowl of ultimate potato soup topped with bacon, cheese, and green onions.
      The ULTIMATE Potato Soup
    • flavorful mashed potatoes loaded with bacon,cheese, sour cream, and green onions throughut
      Loaded Mashed Potatoes

    Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.

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    A metal spoon scooping a serving of hash brown casserole from a baking pan.

    Hash Brown Potato Bake (Funeral Potatoes)

    Recipe by: Kristin Hayes
    This Hash Brown Potato Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole topped with buttery cornflakes. Also known as Funeral Potatoes, it's perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
    4.86 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 463 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • 9×13 baking pan

    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 let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    • Shredded or diced frozen hash browns can be used. No need to thaw.
    • Sharp cheddar cheese adds the most flavor.
    • Assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Keep the cornflake topping separate until ready to bake.
    • Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without the cornflake topping.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 463kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 14gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 656mgPotassium: 488mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1094IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 342mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

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    Comments

    1. Carol says

      November 21, 2016 at 10:10 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 26, 2016 at 12:42 pm

        Great idea! I will have to remember that for next time!!

        Reply
    2. Shannon says

      June 06, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      Can this dish be frozen.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        June 11, 2016 at 6:21 pm

        Sure!! No problem on freezing it!!

        Reply
    3. Anonymous says

      March 28, 2015 at 1:13 pm

      We always called these party potatoe,s they are awesome ❤❤❤

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 28, 2015 at 1:41 pm

        Fun name!!! They definitely are delicious 🙂

        Reply
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    4.86 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin’ Chicks! I’m Kristin- mom of 3, wife, and food lover-sharing easy dinners, quick desserts, and family-friendly recipes that make mealtime simple, fun, and delicious. Around here, it’s all about family, faith, and food that brings everyone to the table!

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