Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these incredibly easy and undeniably delicious cheesy funeral potatoes, also known as classic au gratin potatoes! Featuring a rich, creamy homemade sauce—completely free of canned soups—and topped with a irresistible buttery, crunchy cornflake crust, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Prepare to be amazed by a dish that’s been perfected over decades!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is the third time I’ve made these potatoes, and they are simply THE BEST. I’ve been preparing Funeral Potatoes for decades, and this recipe truly stands out!” -Lorie

The Best Cheesy Funeral Potatoes (Classic Au Gratin Potatoes)

There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole of potatoes drenched in a rich, cheesy sauce, especially when it’s crowned with a perfectly golden, crunchy topping. This beloved dish goes by many names—from “Au Gratin Potatoes” and “Cheesy Potatoes” to various family-specific monikers. However, in the Western United States, it’s most famously known as “Funeral Potatoes” due to its frequent appearance at post-funeral luncheons, often served alongside ham. Despite its somber association, this dish is a beacon of warmth and community, bringing people together with its irresistible flavor and hearty appeal.

No matter what you call them, the undeniable truth is that potatoes smothered in a creamy, savory cheese sauce are exceptionally delicious. And after years of perfecting, I can confidently say that this homemade version is truly the best you’ll ever taste. Growing up, funeral potatoes were a staple at our family gatherings—not just funerals, but Easter dinners, Sunday suppers with roast chicken or pork chops, and countless other celebrations. My deep familiarity with this dish has made me somewhat of an expert, and I’m thrilled to share a recipe that elevates this classic to new heights.

What Makes This Funeral Potato Recipe Unbeatable?

This recipe stands apart from the rest, offering a superior taste and texture that will make it your go-to for cheesy potato perfection. Here’s why this version outshines the competition:

• Homemade Cheesy Sauce: The cornerstone of this potato casserole is a luxurious, made-from-scratch cheese sauce. Unlike many traditional recipes that rely on condensed canned soups, our sauce is crafted with fresh ingredients, delivering a cleaner, richer, and far more flavorful experience without any artificial taste or excessive sodium.
• Effortless Preparation: Despite its gourmet taste, the homemade sauce is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic steps and common pantry ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create such a decadent base.
• Versatile Potato Choice: Whether you prefer the classic taste of freshly cooked and shredded potatoes or the convenience of frozen hash browns, this recipe accommodates both, allowing you to tailor the prep to your schedule without compromising on flavor.
• Signature Buttery Cornflake Topping: The crowning glory of these cheesy potatoes is the iconic buttery cornflake crumb topping. It provides an exquisite crunch that contrasts beautifully with the ultra-creamy potato interior, adding a textural dimension that makes every bite truly unforgettable.
• Unrivaled Creaminess and Flavor: The combination of our rich cheese sauce, perfectly cooked potatoes, and crunchy topping results in a casserole that is supremely creamy, bursting with savory flavor, and utterly delicious from the first spoonful to the last.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Funeral Potatoes

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, paying attention to a few key ingredients will ensure the best possible results. Understanding the role of each component is crucial for achieving that signature creamy texture and robust flavor.

• Potatoes: You have two fantastic options here: either 5-6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 pounds), freshly cooked and shredded, or a 26-ounce bag of frozen shredded hash browns for a quick shortcut. If using fresh potatoes, remember to peel, cut into large quarters, and cook them until tender. The absolute key is to prepare your potatoes in advance and allow them to cool completely and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator before shredding. Attempting to shred warm potatoes will result in a gummy, mashed potato consistency, which isn’t ideal for this casserole’s texture. Chilled potatoes shred beautifully and maintain their shape, contributing to the dish’s distinct character.
• Cheese: For the ultimate creamy cheese sauce, I highly recommend using freshly grated cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from clumping in the bag, but these same agents can hinder smooth melting, leading to a slightly grainy sauce. Medium or sharp cheddar works wonderfully, offering a robust cheesy flavor that truly shines.
• Milk: The fat content of your milk plays a role in the sauce’s richness. For the best consistency and flavor, use 1% fat milk or higher. Skim milk is generally not recommended as it can result in a thinner, less luxurious sauce.
• Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is perfect for creating the roux that thickens our homemade cheese sauce. For those with dietary restrictions, several readers have reported excellent results using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute, making this recipe adaptable for more diets.
• Cornflakes: The crispy topping is non-negotiable for authentic funeral potatoes! Be sure to measure the cornflakes *before* crushing them. This ensures you have the correct volume for the topping and prevents you from adding too much once they’ve been crushed. Lightly crushed cornflakes provide the ideal balance of crunch and texture.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cheese and butter. Don’t skip it, as it contributes significantly to the overall depth of flavor.

Make-Ahead & Slow Cooker Options for Ultimate Convenience

One of the many reasons these cheesy funeral potatoes are so beloved is their flexibility. They can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal choice for busy holidays or potlucks, and they even adapt beautifully to a slow cooker for hands-off cooking.

Make-Ahead Instructions: To simplify your meal prep, assemble the entire potato mixture in your 9×13-inch baking dish, but hold off on adding the cornflake topping. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, remove from the fridge, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes to warm through. Then, uncover, sprinkle with the buttery cornflake mixture, and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden and crisp. This method is perfect for stress-free entertaining!

Slow Cooker Instructions: For a truly effortless approach, after combining the potatoes with the delicious cheese sauce, spread the mixture into a greased slow cooker. Cook on low for approximately 4 hours, or until the potatoes are heated through and the sauce is bubbly. If you choose this method, wait to add the buttery cornflake topping until the last hour of cooking. This ensures the cornflakes remain delightfully crispy and don’t become soggy from prolonged cooking in the moist environment of the slow cooker.

For nearly two decades, these cheesy funeral potatoes have held a cherished place in our home, gracing our holiday tables and elevating countless weeknight dinners. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their simple yet profound deliciousness. In all those years, with all the variations I’ve tried or seen, I’ve never found a recipe that could rival this one. They truly are the best, embodying the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy in every comforting bite.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While often paired with ham, these versatile cheesy potatoes complement a wide array of dishes. Consider serving them alongside roasted chicken, juicy pork chops, a classic meatloaf, or even a simple grilled steak. For brunch, they’re a fantastic addition to eggs and bacon. To make them a more complete meal, you can stir in cooked, diced ham or shredded chicken with the potatoes before baking. A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions before serving adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Want to experiment? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle smoky depth, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. You could also mix in a different type of cheese, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, to customize the flavor profile. The beauty of this casserole lies in its adaptability!

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes {Au Gratin Potatoes}

Yield: 8 Servings

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 55 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Average Rating: 4.75 stars (171 ratings)

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Ingredients

Potatoes:

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• ½ cup diced white or yellow onion
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 cups (228 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 5 to 6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled, cooked, cooled and shredded (see note) OR a 26-ounce bag frozen shredded hash browns
• ½ cup (113 g) sour cream

Topping:

• 3 cups (106 g) cornflakes, lightly crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. For the potatoes: In a large pot set over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir in the ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about one minute to create a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until fully incorporated. Stir in the salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and smooth. Incorporate the sour cream, stirring until thoroughly combined into the cheesy sauce.
6. Add the shredded potatoes (either cooked and cooled fresh potatoes or frozen hash browns) to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until the potatoes are evenly coated with the rich sauce.
7. For the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the lightly crushed cornflakes with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, tossing until the cornflakes are well coated.
8. Evenly spread the potato mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes over the top of the potatoes.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges, and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy.
10. Allow the cheesy funeral potatoes to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes for easier scooping. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Potatoes: This recipe works beautifully with either freshly cooked potatoes or a 26-ounce bag of frozen shredded hash browns. If using fresh potatoes, peel them, cut into halves or large quarters, and simmer in water on the stovetop for about 15-18 minutes until tender. Alternatively, cook them in an Instant Pot with 1 cup of water on high pressure for 7 minutes. The most important step is to prepare the potatoes in advance so they can cool completely and chill thoroughly in the fridge before shredding (or cubing into small pieces). Shredding warm potatoes will result in a mashed potato consistency, which alters the desired texture of this dish.

Make ahead: To get a head start, assemble the potato mixture in the baking dish (without the cornflake topping). Cover it securely and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, then uncover, add the cornflake topping, and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until piping hot and bubbly.

Author: Mel

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Method: Bake

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Serving: 1 Serving
• Calories: 393kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 59mg
• Sodium: 796mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Potatoes

Why are they called Funeral Potatoes?

The name “Funeral Potatoes” comes from the dish’s historical popularity as a comforting side served at luncheons following funeral services, particularly in the Western United States. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole that travels well and offers warmth during difficult times.

Can I use cubed potatoes instead of shredded?

While shredded potatoes are traditional for their creamy texture, you can certainly use cubed potatoes for a different consistency. Ensure they are cooked until tender and cooled before mixing with the sauce. The baking time might need slight adjustment.

What kind of cheese is best for funeral potatoes?

Sharp or medium cheddar cheese is ideal for its robust flavor and excellent melting properties. Using freshly grated cheese will always yield a creamier, smoother sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe notes mention that a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute can be used for the all-purpose flour in the sauce, with good results. Ensure all other ingredients, like chicken broth, are also certified gluten-free if strict adherence is necessary.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or warm the entire casserole in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until heated through, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Recipe Source: Inspired by a recipe in Cook’s Country, blended with my mom’s timeless au gratin potato recipe.

Recipe originally published April 2011; updated March 2018 with new pictures, commentary, and recipe notes; further updated on February 2026 for enhanced clarity, SEO optimization, and additional tips.