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Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes {Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole}

October 6, 2021 by Dolly {Dash for Dinner} 10 Comments

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A crock pot filled with hash brown casserole.
A scoop of casserole on a wooden spoon.
A slow cooker filled with funeral potatoes.
A scoop of casserole on a wooden spoon.
A scoop of hash brown casserole.
A slow cooker filled with a cornflake topped casserole.
A slow cooker with a cornflake topped casserole inside.
A scoop of casserole on a wooden spoon.
A slow cooker filled with hash brown casserole.
A scoop of casserole on a wooden spoon.
A slow cooker filled with hash brown casserole.
A scoop of hash brown potatoes.
A scoop of casserole.
A crock filled with casserole.
A scoop of casserole topped with cornflakes.
A crock with a cornflake topped casserole.
A slow cooker filled with hash brown casserole.
A crock filled with hash brown casserole.
A slow cooker filled with casserole.
A large wooden spoon scooping casserole.

Don’t be fooled by the creepy name! These Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Featuring a crispy and crunchy Corn Flake topping, they are the perfect crowd-pleasing side dish for your potluck or holiday dinner. A super simple potato side dish, with all the classic flavors you you’ve come to expect from this Utah comfort food.

A slow cooker full of cheesy hashbrown potatoes, topped with crushed cornflakes.

While the name may be somewhat macabre, these Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes are absolutely delicious! They are often served at big events like potlucks, holiday dinners, and get togethers of all sorts (ahem, like funerals).

Funeral potatoes are often served in big foil pans, but this version is made in the crock pot. This means it is not only super easy to put together, but you can keep it warm wherever you happen to take it! Let everyone else fight over the oven space, you just need an outlet for this delicious, comforting casserole!

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make slow cooker cheesy hashbrown casserole.
  • Frozen hash brown potatoes: You will need 2 (12oz) bags of frozen cubed hash brown potatoes for this recipe. This works out to about 1 1/2 lbs if you buy your hash browns in bulk. They do not need to be thawed to make funeral potatoes, so don’t worry about that extra step.
  • Sour cream: I like to use a thick sour cream like Daisy brand, but you can use whatever happens to be your favorite.
  • Cream of chicken soup: You will need 1 can of undiluted cream of chicken soup for this recipe. Low sodium or standard are both great options.
  • Shredded cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is preferred for this yummy slow cooker funeral potatoes recipe. Cheese that is grated at home tends to melt better than the pre-shredded stuff from the store, and so I would recommend using freshly grated cheese if possible.
  • Other ingredients: melted butter, salt, pepper, onion powder, and for the topping: additional melted butter and corn flakes.
A close up of a crock pot full of funeral potatoes.

Instructions

There are two ways to prepare this easy casserole recipe: mix the ingredients together in a bowl, or mix them together in the crock pot.

I like to mix them together in a bowl first (starting with the sour cream, soup, and butter. Then folding in the seasonings and cheese. Finally, adding the frozen hash brown potatoes), and then spread into a greased crock pot. For an ultra easy method, you can mix the ingredients right in the crock pot. While this doesn’t end up as uniform as the bowl method, you dirty one less dish!

For the purposes of simplicity, the recipe card reflects the bowl method, while the in-post instructions below will show you the in pot method.

How to make slow cooker cheesy hashbrown casserole.

Pour your frozen cubed hash brown potatoes to the insert of a 6qt slow cooker.

Add in the sour cream, the undiluted cream of chicken soup, and then the shredded cheddar cheese.

How to make funeral potatoes in the slow cooker.

Sprinkle in the seasonings, then toss it all together with a silicone spatula until uniformly combined.

Spread this mixture out evenly into your slow cooker and place the lid on the crock pot.

Cook on high for 2 1/2 – 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours. If possible, stir the mixture halfway through to ensure even cooking.

The Crunchy Topping

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make a crunchy casserole topping: corn flakes and butter.
  • Corn flakes: You will need 2 cups of crushed corn flakes cereal. You can buy it pre-crushed, or you can crush it yourself using a freezer bag and a rolling pin (or a food processor). I like my corn flakes still largely intact, but some prefer a fine crumb consistency. This is up to your preferences!
  • Butter: You will need another 1/2 cup of butter.
How to toast cornflakes in butter to make a crunchy casserole topping.

Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.

Add the crushed corn flakes to the melted butter and toss well to coat them.

Lightly toast over medium heat until the corn flakes are browned. Be careful, they can burn easily!

Spread the toasted corn flake topping on top of the cheesy hash brown casserole. Do not place the lid back on the slow cooker, as this will cause the topping to become soggy from the steam.

Serve and enjoy!

A wooden spoon picks up a portion of funeral potatoes from a crock pot.

Substitutions

Cream of chicken: If you prefer not to use cream of soups, you can easily make your own at home. Since cream of chicken is used for this recipe, you’ll want to make a homemade cream of chicken. You can use this recipe for Cream of Chicken Soup from The Cozy Cook.

Fresh Potatoes: If you’d like to use fresh potatoes in place of the hash brown potatoes, you may do so with a few extra added steps. Firstly, use Russet potatoes since they are dry and firm. Secondly, peel them and dice them into 1/2″ cubes. Thirdly, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry them on clean tea towels before proceeding with the recipe. You will also need to increase the total melted butter by about 2 tablespoons, since frozen hash brown potatoes have some oil/fat content.

A crock pot of cheesy hasbrown casserole, topped with a crushed corn flake topping. A wooden spoon and oven mitts on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do they call them funeral potatoes?

Often served at large events, such as funerals, this cheesy hashbrown potato casserole earned its moniker by being a crowd-pleasing side dish during a time when much comfort was needed. They are not only served at funerals, having earned their place at many potluck dinners and holiday dinners such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

What is in funeral potatoes?

Most funeral potato recipes contain sour cream, condensed soup, cheese, and of course: cubed hash brown potatoes. Most often, Funeral Potatoes are topped with a crunchy and buttery crushed corn flake topping.

Can you freeze cooked funeral potatoes?

Yes, you can! Be certain to completely cool the cooked potatoes prior to serving. The consistency will change slightly in the freezer, but they should still be very delicious! Just thaw and reheat.

Can I substitute fresh potatoes for frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, although there are some stipulations. If you’d like to use fresh potatoes, select whole russet potatoes, since they have a firm and dry texture. Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/2″ cubes. Soak in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes, before draining and then drying on clean dish towels. Increase the butter in the casserole portion of the recipe by 2 tablespoons.

A crock pot of cheesy hashbrown casserole resting on top of a napkin.

Main Dishes for Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes

Turkey, ham, and chicken all make great main dishes for slow cooker funeral potatoes. Anything that would be served at a classic Sunday dinner will work well with this tasty side dish.

  • 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

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Crock Pot Glazed Carrots
  • Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
  • Queso Chicken Tacos
  • Lemonade Chicken
A large wooden spoon scoops up a portion of funeral potatoes made in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes

Make this potluck favorite at home in your Slow Cooker! A cheesy hash brown potato casserole, topped with a crunchy and buttery corn flake topping. This is perfect for bringing to your favorite events, as well as serving up throughout the holiday season.
4.53 from 140 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas side dishes, comfort food casserole, crockpot side dishes, hashbrown casserole recipe, hashbrown casserole recipe with cornflakes, potluck side dishes, slow cooker potato recipes, slow cooker potato side dishes, slow cooker side dishes, slow cooker thanksgiving side dishes, thanksgiving side dishes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 764kcal
Author: Dolly (Dash for Dinner)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds frozen cubed hashbrowns about 2 12oz bags
  • 1 cup thick sour cream like Daisy brand
  • 1 10oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup salted butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 2 cups crushed Corn Flakes cereal

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Fold them together with a silicone spatula.
  • Add the salt, onion powder, and pepper. Fold it into the soup mixture to combine.
  • Add in shredded cheddar cheese and fold again
  • Finally, add in the frozen hash brown potatoes. Stir the mixture together until all of the potatoes are coated with the soup mixture.
  • Pour the potato and soup mixture into a greased slow cooker. Smooth it out and ensure it is spread into the crock evenly.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours. If you can, stir the mixture half way through the cook time to ensure for even cooking.

Once the time is up, turn off the slow cooker and begin to prepare the crunchy corn flake topping.Topping:

  • Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the crushed corn flakes to the melted butter and toss well to coat them. Lightly toast over medium heat until the corn flakes are browned. Be careful, they can burn easily!
  • Spread the toasted corn flake topping on top of the cheesy hash brown casserole. Do not place the lid back on the slow cooker, as this will cause the topping to become soggy from the steam.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Alternate preparation of topping: If you don’t have access to a stove top to brown the corn flake topping, you can simply combine the melted butter and crushed corn flakes and sprinkle over the top of the casserole. The toasting makes for a better crunch and flavor, but this method will work in a pinch. Cut the butter for the topping back 2 tablespoons, making it about 6 tablespoons instead of the 1/2 cup.
Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes: Use the cubed, frozen hash brown potatoes. You do not need to thaw them for using in this recipe. You will need 1 1/2 pounds, which is equivalent to 2 (12oz) bags.
Fresh Potatoes: If you’d like to use fresh potatoes in place of the hash brown potatoes, you may do so with a few extra added steps. Firstly, use Russet potatoes since they are dry and firm. Secondly, peel them and dice them into 1/2" cubes. Thirdly, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry them on clean tea towels before proceeding with the recipe. You will also need to increase the total melted butter by about 2 tablespoons, since frozen hash brown potatoes have some oil/fat content.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 764kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 1332mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g

Please note that some of my blog posts here at Dash for Dinner may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.

Resouces:

  • Cream of Chicken Soup – The Cozy Cook

Filed Under: 10 Ingredients or Less, Christmas, Holidays, Recipes, Side Dishes, Slow Cooker, Thanksgiving

Previous Post: « Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Next Post: Halloween Layered Jello »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. J. Nevitt

    July 4, 2022 at 12:15 am

    Can I double the recipe in the crock pot?

    Reply
    • Dolly {Dash for Dinner}

      August 15, 2022 at 10:58 am

      Yes, you can! I would just make sure to cook it on “low” and increase the cooking time so it can cook through to the center.

      Reply
  2. Teru

    November 28, 2022 at 4:20 pm

    Can you use Cheez-it crackers rather than cornflakes?

    Reply
    • Dolly {Dash for Dinner}

      November 28, 2022 at 5:53 pm

      You could definitely try it, although it would be quite different in flavor and texture. I’ve used them to top regular casseroles before (no additional butter), but I have not for slow cooker recipes. I think I would add them after the cooking time for sure.

      Reply
  3. Andrea

    December 5, 2022 at 1:30 pm

    Can you bake these the night before and warm them in the crock pot the next day? I would have to double the recipe and I don’t think I would have enough time to cook it for the time needed in the crock pot. It’s for a potluck at work. I would still continue to do the corn flakes separately.

    Reply
    • Dolly {Dash for Dinner}

      December 16, 2022 at 11:56 am

      I think you probably could, but I’m not sure how exactly you would warm them in the crockpot. The warm setting might be enough, but it may take a while to heat it through the center. You could try low, but that may overcook the edges a bit.

      Reply
  4. Diane

    December 7, 2022 at 10:22 pm

    Can u make this the night before and cook it the next morning for a noon lunch and how long should u cook it

    Reply
    • Dolly {Dash for Dinner}

      December 16, 2022 at 11:57 am

      You could probably assemble the potato portion and place it in the slow cooker. Then in the morning you could take it out and allow the crock to come to room temperature (1 hour maybe?) and then cook according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a bit of time (1 hour I would guess) since the mixture would be cold. Then add in the cornflake topping.

      Reply
  5. Judy Ridley-Kennedy

    December 26, 2022 at 8:55 pm

    Made this recipe and everyone really enjoyed them. Tried other recipe calling for onions and they really overpowered the other flavors. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Dolly {Dash for Dinner}

      February 17, 2023 at 8:34 am

      My pleasure Judy! I’m glad everyone enjoyed it!

      Reply

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