Cozy Funeral Potatoes

Category: Small Bites, Worldwide Flavors

Dig into this cheesy potato bake with tender chunks covered in a creamy sauce that blends shredded cheddar and sour cream, then brightened up with a pinch of salt and garlic. Pile on plenty of crushed corn flakes mixed with melted butter for a crunchy golden finish. It all cooks up quick in under an hour—just right for a handful of people when you want some comfort food vibes. Every forkful combines the crispy topping and a soft, delicious middle. Best enjoyed hot alongside your go-to mains.

Monica
By Monica Monica
Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:37:20 GMT
A spoon scooping out cheesy potato casserole from a bowl. Pin
A spoon scooping out cheesy potato casserole from a bowl. | flavorsfuse.com

If you ever just want that cheesy, creamy potato comfort food without a giant tray, these small batch funeral potatoes totally hit the spot. You'll still get those layers of soft potatoes, stretchy cheese, and that famous crispy topping. It's just right for family nights or a chill dinner with friends.

The first time I threw this together was on a snowy night for a few neighbors and we polished off every last bite. Anytime folks come by, I love making it again and again.

Delicious Ingredients

  • Corn flakes cereal: makes every bite super crunchy and golden pick a version with just corn for the old-school taste
  • Butter for the topping: melts right into the flakes helping them brown up go with unsalted butter for best flavor
  • Salt: a pinch or two really makes everything taste better
  • Sour cream: gives it tang and a rich creamy texture grab full fat if you can
  • Garlic powder: seasons the dish without any harshness get a fresh bottle for bold taste
  • Frozen cubed potatoes: makes prep a snap just break up any ice chunks before tossing in
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup: bumps up the cozy savory flavor pick one with simple ingredients if possible
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: gives you sharpness and gooey melts shred it fresh from a block for best results

Easy Instructions

Top and Bake:
Shake the buttery cereal over the potato mix and bake uncovered for thirty five minutes till it’s golden and crisp on top. Let it cool five minutes before diving in.
Prepare the Cornflake Topping:
Drop corn flakes into a zip-bag, close it, then gently squish them into rough crumbs with your hands. Pour into a bowl and stir through the melted butter so every flake shines.
Fill the Baking Dish:
Spread out the cheesy potato mix in your greased pan. Smooth the top so it all cooks the same.
Mix the Base:
In a big bowl, blend thawed potato cubes with grated cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and salt. Mix it up until every cube is slathered nicely.
Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Warm your oven to three fifty (fahrenheit). Grease a nine by nine or seven by eleven pan with cooking spray — that way nothing sticks later.
A spoon is in a bowl of food. Pin
A spoon is in a bowl of food. | flavorsfuse.com

Honestly, breaking out the buttery cornflake topping is my favorite part. My grandma always let me do this when I was little — I felt like the boss every time.

Keeping It Fresh

You can stash leftover potatoes in a closed container in the fridge for three days. Want that crispy top again? Just pop ‘em in the oven at three fifty till heated through. The crunch will come right back.

Quick Swaps

Want to skip the chicken? Try cream of mushroom or celery soup instead. Greek yogurt swaps perfectly for the sour cream and bumps up protein too. Or go half cheddar and half Swiss for extra zip.

How to Serve

This goes awesome with roast chicken or baked ham on Sunday. For brunch, dish it up with scrambled eggs and a fruit bowl for a filling meal. It’s also a party favorite next to grill-out meats.

A spoon is in a bowl of food. Pin
A spoon is in a bowl of food. | flavorsfuse.com

Where It Comes From

These potatoes got the name because folks in the Mountain West used to always bring them to gatherings after services. They're all about sharing a little comfort — whether you're celebrating or just getting through tough days.

FAQs About the Recipe

→ Could I swap in fresh potatoes instead of the frozen kind?

Absolutely! Just peel and chop up an equal amount of raw potatoes. Cut them small so they cook fast. You might need to leave them in the oven a few extra minutes until they're soft.

→ Any swaps for cream of chicken soup?

Yep. Try cream of celery or mushroom. They’ll still give you a smooth, creamy bite and work just fine.

→ What's the best way to keep leftovers?

Let the dish cool down, then pop on some plastic wrap or a lid and stash it in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it back up in the oven so it stays nice and crisp.

→ Not a fan of corn flakes—what else can I use on top?

Panko, potato chips, or even those buttery crackers all add a satisfying crunch. Just crush 'em up and sprinkle over the cheesy potatoes.

→ Can I put this together before I need it?

Sure thing. Mix up everything but hold off on the topping. Cover and chill it up to a day ahead. Toss on the crumbs right before you bake for the crunchiest top.

Mini Funeral Potatoes

Warm cheesy potatoes topped with corn flakes. Great for weeknights or get-togethers with just a few folks.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
By Monica: Monica

Category: Global Appetizers

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Yield: 8 Servings (One casserole)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Mixture

01 1 teaspoon salt
02 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 1 cup sour cream
05 15 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
06 3 cups frozen diced potatoes, left out for at least 30 minutes to thaw

→ Corn Flake Topping

07 1/4 cup melted butter
08 2 cups corn flakes, whole

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Hit 350°F on your oven and spray a 7×11 or 9×9 baking pan so nothing sticks.

Step 02

Dump thawed potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, salt, and garlic powder into a big bowl. Stir until it all comes together smoothly and the potatoes are well covered.

Step 03

Slide the potato mix into the greased dish. Smooth it out so it's nice and even.

Step 04

Put those corn flakes in a zip bag and give them a gentle smash with your hands. Move them into a small bowl and stir in the melted butter to coat every piece.

Step 05

Scatter the buttery corn flakes on top. Pop it in the oven with no cover. Bake about 35 minutes till you see the top turn golden and the edges bubbling.

Step 06

Wait about five minutes to let things settle, then dig in and serve.

Additional Notes

  1. Let your potatoes thaw fully before you mix them in. That way it heats up right and bakes evenly.

Essential Tools

  • Oven
  • Large bowl for mixing
  • Baking pan (7×11 or 9×9 inches)
  • Resealable plastic bag
  • Small bowl
  • Spray for nonstick

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient for possible allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Has milk or dairy
  • Wheat included (from soup and corn flakes)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This info is for reference purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 301
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~