Crock Pot Funeral Potatoes

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A crowd pleasing side dish, Crock Pot Funeral Potatoes are cheesy hashbrown potatoes cooked easily in the crock pot and finished with a crunchy, buttery cornflake topping.

Made with frozen diced hashbrowns, this slow cooker version is incredibly easy—just mix, dump, and let the crock pot do the work. No oven space needed, which makes this perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.

This classic casserole is always a hit for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Sunday dinners. Serve this comforting side with a delicious Apricot Glazed Ham, Honey Baked Ham, Roasted Turkey, or Beef Tenderloin and a simple vegetable like Roasted Asparagus, Balsamic Carrots or a Lemon Vinaigrette Side Salad to round out your meal.

What are Funeral Potatoes?

“Funeral Potatoes” are a classic comfort food casserole popular in the Midwest and Western U.S., often served at gatherings and potlucks. The name comes from being a go-to dish for large groups, especially after church services or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set it and forget it slow cooker recipe
• Uses frozen hashbrown pre-diced potatoes (no prep needed!)
• Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
• Classic buttery cornflake topping
• Perfect for feeding a crowd
• Great for holidays and potlucks

What You’ll Need

Find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips! On the recipe card below, click “print recipe” and from there you can print out the page or screenshot it to save to your phone’s photo album.

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I’ve put all the ingredients and supplies you’ll need to make this Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes into a grocery list for you to add to your next Walmart order. Grab the full Shopping List here.

Ingredients

Slow Cooker– 6 quart size or larger

Potato Mixture:

• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen diced hashbrown potatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream, choose a thick sour cream like the Daisy brand
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cornflake Topping:

• 2 cups cornflakes (lightly crushed)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

How To Make It

1. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Stir until everything is evenly coated.

2. Add to Crock Pot

Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray and spread the mixture evenly inside.

Cover and cook:

• LOW: 4–5 hours
• HIGH: 2–3 hours

3. Prepare the Topping

In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and toast 2-3 minutes until crisp. Just be careful not to burn them. Set aside.

4. Add the Cornflake Topping

When the potatoes are finished cooking, give them a good stir. Sprinkle the cornflake topping evenly over the potatoes. Serve immediately. Do not re-cover the crock pot after add the cornflakes; they will become soggy.

Optional: For a crispier topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2–3 minutes.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @StephGigliotti on social media and #StephRealLife. I would absolutely love to see your finished dish! ⭐ Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comment section. 📌Save this recipe to make later and share with a friend!

Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes

Don’t Thaw the Hashbrowns

Using them frozen helps maintain the perfect texture.

Use Sharp Cheddar

It gives the casserole a richer, more pronounced cheesy flavor.

Add the Topping at the End

This keeps it from getting soggy and ensures that classic crunch. Do not recover after adding the topping. The condensation from the lid will make the cornflakes soggy. Add the cornflakes right before serving to keep them crisp.

Make It Ahead

Assemble everything (except topping) in the crock pot base and refrigerate overnight. Just add the crock into the metal part and cook the next day!

Variations

• Loaded Funeral Potatoes: Add crispy bacon and green onions for a loaded potato twist.
• Ham & Cheese Version: Mix in diced ham—perfect for using holiday leftovers!
• Spicy Version: Add diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

FAQ’s

Why did my cornflake topping get soggy?

The topping can become soggy if it sits too long in the crock pot or absorbs too much steam. Slow cookers trap moisture, which can soften the cornflakes over time.

How do I fix soggy cornflake topping?

The easiest way to fix it is to transfer the potatoes to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2–3 minutes until the topping crisps back up. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Can I add a new topping if it’s too soft?

Yes! If the topping is too soggy, mix a fresh batch of crushed cornflakes and melted butter, sprinkle it on top, and broil until golden and crunchy.

When should I add the cornflake topping?

For the best texture, add the topping right before serving. This helps keep it crisp instead of soft.

How do I keep the topping crunchy for serving?

For the crispiest results, you can prepare the topping separately and add it right before serving. This is especially helpful for holidays or potlucks.

Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the potato mixture and store it in the fridge overnight. Cook it the next day and add the topping at the end for the best texture.

Can I bake this instead of using a crock pot?

Absolutely. Bake in a 9×13 dish at 350°F for about 40–45 minutes, adding the topping during the last 10–15 minutes so it gets golden and crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Thawing the Hashbrowns First

It might seem helpful, but thawing can make the potatoes watery and mushy. Use them straight from frozen for the best texture.

❌ Adding the Cornflake Topping Too Early

If you add the topping at the beginning, it will absorb moisture and turn soggy. Always add it right before serving to your guests.

❌ Overcooking the Potatoes

Cooking too long can make the potatoes overly soft and mushy. Stick to the recommended cook times and check for doneness.

❌ Not Seasoning Enough

Potatoes need a good amount of seasoning! Don’t skip the salt, and taste before serving to adjust as needed.

❌ Skipping the Butter in the Topping

The butter is what helps the cornflakes get golden and crispy. Without it, the topping can turn dry instead of crunchy.

❌ Lifting the Lid Too Often

Every time you open the crock pot, heat escapes and moisture builds up, which can affect both texture and cook time.

❌ Not Letting It Rest Before Serving

Letting the casserole sit for about 10-20 minutes helps it set up and thicken, making it easier to serve and even creamier.

❌ Forgetting to Grease the Crock Pot

This can lead to sticking and messy cleanup. A quick spray of nonstick cooking spray makes a big difference.

More Crowd Pleasing Side Dishes

• Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Glazed Buttery Carrots
• Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
• Mashed Cauliflower
• Bacon Corn Casserole
• Bacon Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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