Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Funeral Potatoes in a Crock Pot

Making this easy casserole is incredibly straightforward. You have two main approaches for mixing the ingredients: in a separate bowl for a more uniform blend, or directly in the slow cooker for ultimate convenience. Both methods yield delicious results!

Preparing the Potato Mixture

• Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the insert of your 6-quart slow cooker. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Add Hash Browns: Pour the entire contents of your frozen cubed hash brown potatoes into the prepared slow cooker insert.
• Combine Wet Ingredients & Cheese: Add the sour cream, undiluted cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese directly over the potatoes.
• Season Generously: Sprinkle in the salt, onion powder, and ground black pepper.

Mixing and Cooking

• Mix Thoroughly: Using a sturdy silicone spatula or spoon, toss all the ingredients together until the hash browns are uniformly coated with the creamy soup and cheese mixture. Ensure no dry spots remain. (Alternatively, for a slightly more uniform mix, you can combine all ingredients except hash browns in a large bowl first, then fold in the potatoes, and transfer to the slow cooker.)
• Evenly Spread: Spread the mixture out evenly into your slow cooker, creating a flat surface for consistent cooking.
• Cook to Perfection: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours. For optimal, even cooking, it’s recommended to stir the mixture gently about halfway through the cooking time. The potatoes should be tender and the cheese fully melted and bubbly.

Crafting the Perfect Crunchy Topping

The buttery, crispy corn flake topping is the hallmark of classic Funeral Potatoes, adding an essential texture contrast to the creamy potatoes below. Don’t skip this step!

Topping Ingredients

• Crushed Corn Flakes: You’ll need 2 cups of crushed corn flakes cereal. You can buy them pre-crushed, or easily crush them yourself using a freezer bag and a rolling pin (or a food processor). Your preference dictates the fineness of the crumb – some like a coarse crunch, others a finer texture.
• Melted Butter: Another ½ cup of melted butter (salted is best here) is used to toast the corn flakes, giving them their golden color and rich flavor.

Adding the Cornflake Topping

• Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized skillet, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat.
• Toast Corn Flakes: Add the crushed corn flakes to the melted butter. Toss well with a spatula to ensure they are fully coated. Lightly toast the corn flakes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Be vigilant, as they can burn quickly!
• Apply Topping: Once the cheesy hash brown casserole is cooked and ready, spread the toasted corn flake topping evenly over the surface.
• Important Note: To maintain the crispness of the topping, do NOT place the lid back on the slow cooker after adding the corn flakes. The trapped steam will make them soggy.
• Serve Immediately: Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes right away and enjoy the comforting flavors and textures!

Variations & Customizations

This classic recipe is wonderful as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and additions to make it your own:

• Cream of Soup Alternatives:
  • Homemade Cream of Chicken: If you prefer to avoid canned condensed soups, you can easily make your own! Recipes like The Cozy Cook’s Cream of Chicken Soup are a great option.
  • Other Cream Soups: Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a mix can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Potato Choices:
  • Fresh Potatoes: To use fresh potatoes, select Russet potatoes due to their firm, dry texture. Peel and dice them into ½-inch cubes. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry thoroughly with clean tea towels. You’ll also need to increase the melted butter in the potato mixture by about 2 tablespoons, as frozen hash browns have some inherent oil/fat content.
  • Shredded Hash Browns: While cubed hash browns are traditional, shredded hash browns can also be used for a different texture.
• Cheese Swaps:
  • Mixed Cheese: Combine sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little Parmesan for added complexity.
  • Spicy Kick: Add some pepper jack cheese for a subtle heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free casserole, ensure you use gluten-free cubed or shredded hash browns (shredded are more commonly GF). Swap the condensed soup for a gluten-free version (brands like Pacific Foods offer good options), and use gluten-free corn flakes (Nature’s Path is a popular choice). For a detailed ingredient list, refer to a dedicated gluten-free funeral potatoes recipe.
• Oven Method: If you prefer to bake this casserole in the oven, you can easily adapt the recipe. Check out a recipe for classic funeral potatoes that specifically uses the oven for cooking instructions.
• Add-Ins:
  • Crispy Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon can be folded into the potato mixture or sprinkled on top with the corn flakes for a smoky, salty addition.
  • Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of color, either mixed in or used as a garnish.
  • Diced Ham: Leftover diced ham can turn this side dish into a more substantial meal.

This comforting cheesy hash brown potato casserole earned its distinctive name because it’s a popular and practical dish often served at large events, particularly post-funeral luncheons in communities, especially in Utah and the Intermountain West. It provides much-needed comfort during somber times. However, their deliciousness has ensured they’re now a staple at potluck dinners, holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and family celebrations of all kinds.

Most classic funeral potato recipes feature a base of frozen cubed hash brown potatoes, combined with creamy ingredients like sour cream and condensed cream of chicken soup, and a generous amount of shredded cheese (typically sharp cheddar). The dish is almost always finished with a signature crunchy and buttery crushed corn flake topping, adding an essential texture contrast.

Yes, absolutely! Ensure the cooked potatoes are completely cooled before freezing. While the consistency may change slightly after freezing and thawing (it might be a little softer), they will still be incredibly delicious. Simply transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, thaw in the refrigerator, and reheat thoroughly.

Yes, you can substitute fresh potatoes for frozen hash browns, but with a few extra steps. Opt for whole Russet potatoes, which have a firm and dry texture. Peel and dice them into ½-inch cubes. Soak the diced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and thoroughly dry them on clean dish towels before proceeding with the recipe. Also, increase the melted butter in the casserole portion of the recipe by 2 tablespoons, as frozen hash browns typically contain some oil/fat.

Main Dishes to Pair with Funeral Potatoes

Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. They shine alongside classic comfort meats, making them perfect for any hearty meal, especially those typically served at a Sunday dinner or holiday feast.

• Crock Pot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze – Dinner at the Zoo
• Pork Loin – Café Delites
• Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – Recipe Tin Eats
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken – Café Delites