Creamy Cornflake-Crusted Funeral Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the perfect crust, ensure the butter is fully melted and mixed thoroughly with the cornflakes before applying. This ensures that every flake browns evenly in the oven.

If you find the crust browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the top with a sheet of aluminum foil for the final 10 minutes of baking to protect it while the center continues to heat through.

If you are serving this for a large crowd, you can easily double the recipe by using two separate baking dishes rather than trying to fit a larger volume into one.

This maintains the proper ratio of crust to potatoes and ensures that the cooking time remains consistent across both dishes. Always serve with a sturdy spatula to ensure you maintain the integrity of the layers when plating.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce mixture for a subtle, spicy heat that complements the cheddar cheese perfectly.
• Bacon Infusion: Fold in a half-cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the hash brown mixture for an added layer of smoky, savory flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the potato base.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the creamy sauce and potato texture may degrade upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or use a microwave for individual portions.

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best quality, try to store the casserole in a way that minimizes moisture exposure, which helps keep the crust from losing its crispness. When storing, ensure the casserole has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than 2 hours.

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the base and the cheese layer, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator.

Wait to prepare and add the cornflake topping until just before you are ready to bake, as this will ensure the crust remains as crunchy and fresh as possible when it comes out of the oven.

Serving ideas

Funeral potatoes are best served warm, shortly after the resting period. They make an excellent side dish for roasted meats, baked hams, or even as the main event for a brunch gathering. The creamy, rich nature of the dish pairs beautifully with a fresh, acidic green salad, which helps to balance the heaviness of the potatoes and cheese.

When serving, use a sharp-edged spatula to cut through the crust and lift the portions out cleanly. If you are serving at a potluck or buffet, consider keeping the casserole in a chafing dish to maintain the ideal serving temperature.

The contrast between the crunchy topping and the soft, creamy center is the highlight of the dish, so try to serve portions that include a generous amount of both.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Cornflake-Crusted Funeral Potatoes

Prep 15 minCook 45 minRest 10 minTotal 1 h 10 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 30 oz frozen hash brown shreds, thawed
• 2 cups creamy white sauce, prepared
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cornflake crumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns with the creamy white sauce until evenly coated. Spread the mixture into the 9x13 inch ceramic baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the bottom for consistent baking.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potato mixture. In a separate small bowl, toss the cornflake crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Shower the buttered cornflake mixture over the layer of cheddar cheese to create the final crust.
3. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cornflake crust is golden brown and crunchy. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

9 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.