If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy weeknight dinner, Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes is a must-try. This creamy, cheesy, and crunchy casserole-style dish is effortless to make and delivers big on flavor. Using your slow cooker means you can walk away and let it cook while you focus on other dishes or enjoy your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just mix, pour, and slow cook—no oven required.
- Cheesy & Creamy: Packed with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup for that indulgent flavor.
- Crispy Topping: Corn Flakes and butter create a crunchy, golden topping that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, holiday dinners, or simply a hearty side for your family meal.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture:
- 1 ½ pounds frozen cubed hashbrowns (about 2 12 oz bags)
- 1 cup thick sour cream (Daisy brand works great)
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Topping:
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 cups crushed Corn Flakes cereal
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup melted butter. Use a silicone spatula to fold everything together until smooth.
- Season: Add salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Fold into the mixture until evenly combined.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine Potatoes: Add frozen hashbrowns to the mixture. Fold gently until all the potatoes are coated with the creamy base.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the potato mixture into a greased slow cooker. Smooth out the top so it cooks evenly.
- Cook: Cover with the slow cooker lid. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours. For even cooking, stir halfway through if possible.
- Prepare Topping: While the potatoes cook, melt ½ cup butter and mix it with 2 cups crushed Corn Flakes.
- Add Crunch: About 20–30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the Corn Flakes topping over the potatoes. Cover and let it cook until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Scoop warm, cheesy, and crispy funeral potatoes onto plates and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes
- Use Thick Sour Cream: It gives a richer, creamier texture that holds up during slow cooking.
- Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Colby for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate. Add the topping just before cooking.
- Even Cooking: Stir halfway through to prevent the edges from overcooking.
Why They’re Called “Funeral Potatoes”
This beloved casserole earned its name because it’s a common dish at family gatherings and community events, including post-funeral meals. Its simplicity, comfort, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a staple for sharing with loved ones.
Variations to Try
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the potato mixture.
- Vegetarian: Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped green chilies for subtle heat.
Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside ham, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad for a complete, comforting meal. These creamy, cheesy potatoes pair beautifully with almost any main dish.