From Scratch Slow Cooker Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most irresistible Crockpot Funeral Potatoes! This classic Midwestern side dish is renowned for its comforting blend of creamy, cheesy goodness, and our version takes it to the next level by ditching the condensed soup in favor of a richer, more flavorful base of sour cream and whole milk. Whether you call them funeral potatoes, cheesy hash browns, or simply an amazing potato casserole, this recipe promises a decadent, easy-to-make dish that will be the star of any gathering. Prepare for a creamy interior, brimming with savory flavors, crowned with a delightfully crunchy cornflake topping – all with minimal fuss thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

There’s a reason Crockpot Funeral Potatoes are a beloved staple at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday feasts alike. They offer the perfect solution to the eternal dilemma of what to bring to a gathering: minimal prep, hands-off cooking, and a crowd-pleasing flavor that vanishes quickly. This recipe requires only about 10 minutes of active preparation time before you simply toss everything into your slow cooker, allowing it to work its magic. The result is a wonderfully creamy potato casserole with a tantalizingly crunchy cornflake crust, making it a textural delight as much as a flavor sensation.

Looking for more amazing hash brown creations? Don’t miss these other fantastic recipes: Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, Ham & Cheese Hashbrown Casserole, or Crockpot Frozen Hash Brown Potato Soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Funeral Potatoes recipe isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum enjoyment with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s bound to become a new family favorite:

• No Condensed Soup: Unlike many traditional funeral potato recipes that rely on canned condensed soups, our recipe achieves its unparalleled creaminess and rich flavor using a homemade base of sour cream and whole milk. This not only elevates the taste but also allows for greater control over ingredients, resulting in a fresher, more wholesome dish without artificial flavors or excessive sodium.
• Kick of Heat: A subtle yet impactful addition of hot sauce to the creamy potato mixture infuses the dish with a delightful warmth. This isn’t about making it overtly spicy, but rather adding a nuanced layer of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and potatoes, creating a truly memorable profile.
• Crunchy Topping: The contrast between the soft, creamy potatoes and the perfectly crispy cornflake topping is simply divine. Sautéed in butter and a hint of smoked paprika, these cornflakes add an essential textural dimension, transforming a simple casserole into a gourmet experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Cheesy Indulgence: This potato recipe is a true celebration of cheese! Featuring a generous amount of melty cheddar cheese, it delivers an ooey-gooey, stringy texture and a sharp, savory flavor that coats every bite. The cheese isn’t just a topping; it’s deeply integrated into the casserole, ensuring cheesy perfection throughout.
• Irresistibly Creamy: Thanks to the luxurious combination of sour cream and whole milk, this dish boasts an incredibly smooth and luscious consistency. These dairy components melt down to form a silky sauce that perfectly envelops the tender hash browns, creating a mouthfeel that is pure comfort.
• Decadently Rich: Every spoonful of this casserole is packed with a rich, decadent flavor. The full-bodied taste comes from the harmonious blend of savory cheddar, tangy sour cream, and hearty whole milk, all enhanced by carefully selected seasonings. It’s a dish that truly satisfies and feels incredibly indulgent.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Designed with convenience and crowd-appeal in mind, these crockpot funeral potatoes are ideal for potlucks, holiday feasts, family reunions, and any large gathering. It’s incredibly easy to double or triple the recipe for bigger crowds, offering a filling and flavorful side dish that consistently earns rave reviews. Its hands-off nature frees you up to enjoy your guests without being tethered to the kitchen.

The Story Behind Funeral Potatoes: A Midwestern Classic

The name “Funeral Potatoes” might sound unusual, but it tells a significant story about this dish’s origins and enduring popularity, particularly in the Midwestern United States and the intermountain West. Traditionally, this casserole was, and still is, a go-to dish brought to grieving families as a gesture of comfort and support after a funeral service. It’s a practical, portable, and hearty meal that can feed many people during a difficult time, requiring minimal effort from those receiving it.

Beyond its somber namesake, funeral potatoes have transcended their original purpose to become a beloved staple at virtually any social gathering – from casual potlucks and church dinners to festive holiday celebrations like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, comforting flavors, and ability to be prepared in large batches. The slow cooker version further enhances this convenience, allowing for hours of hands-off cooking that keeps the dish warm and ready to serve without occupying precious oven space. This makes it an absolute lifesaver for hosts and potluck attendees alike, cementing its status as a true culinary classic that embodies warmth, community, and deliciousness.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Crafting the perfect batch of Crockpot Funeral Potatoes starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how to best utilize it:

• Hash Browns: The foundation of our casserole! While this recipe calls for frozen diced hash browns, you have flexibility. You can also use frozen shredded potatoes or even fresh diced potatoes. Using frozen hash brown potatoes is a fantastic time-saver, as they come pre-prepped and don’t require defrosting before being added to the slow cooker. If opting for fresh potatoes, peel and dice about 32 ounces of Russet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. To ensure they cook evenly and become tender in the slow cooker, it’s highly recommended to parboil them for 5-8 minutes and drain thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients.
• Sour Cream & Whole Milk: These two dairy powerhouses form the luscious, creamy base of our funeral potatoes, eliminating the need for condensed soup. The sour cream provides a delightful tang and richness, while whole milk ensures a smooth, velvety consistency. For a slightly lighter version, you could try reduced-fat sour cream, but full-fat offers the best flavor and texture. Avoid skim milk, as it won’t yield the same creamy results.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show for that irresistible cheesy pull! We recommend a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best flavor, freshly shredded from a block. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and result in a grainy texture. You’ll use about 2 cups for the internal mix and the remaining 1 cup for the glorious topping.
• White Onion: Finely diced white onion adds a subtle aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory potatoes and cheese. If you’re not a fan of onion texture, you can use onion powder, but fresh onion provides a more vibrant flavor.
• Hot Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: These ingredients are the secret weapons for adding layers of complex flavor. The hot sauce provides a mild, exciting kick that brightens the dish, while Worcestershire sauce contributes a deep, umami richness. Don’t worry, the casserole won’t be overly spicy; these ingredients simply enhance the overall taste profile.
• Granulated Garlic & Dried Thyme: These classic seasonings provide a warm, aromatic foundation. Granulated garlic offers a consistent garlic flavor without the sharpness of raw garlic, and dried thyme adds an earthy, slightly floral note that pairs beautifully with potatoes and cheese.
• Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning! All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. Its larger flakes and pure flavor make it superior for everyday cooking. If using table salt, which is finer and saltier by volume, be sure to reduce the amount by about one-third. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a pungent warmth that ties all the flavors together.
• Salted Butter & Smoked Paprika: These are for the incredible cornflake topping. Salted butter helps toast the cornflakes to a golden crisp, while smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky aroma and a beautiful reddish hue, elevating the topping beyond mere crunch.
• Cornflakes: The quintessential crunchy topping for funeral potatoes! Crushed cornflakes provide an incomparable texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. Ensure they are lightly crushed, not pulverized, to maintain their integrity. For variations, see the “Additions & Variations” section below.

A complete list of ingredients and precise amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes in the Crockpot

Making these decadent Crockpot Funeral Potatoes is surprisingly simple, especially with the magic of your slow cooker. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and crunchy casserole every time.

Quick Overview

• Prepare the creamy sauce.
• Combine sauce with hash browns, cheese, and onion.
• Slow cook until tender and bubbly.
• Prepare and add the crispy cornflake topping.
• Melt remaining cheese and serve.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: In an extra-large mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the wet ingredients and seasonings for the creamy base. Combine the sour cream, whole milk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, granulated garlic, dried thyme, kosher salt, and fresh cracked black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This ensures all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.

Step 2: Next, gently fold in the frozen hash browns, about two-thirds of the freshly shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the remaining one-third for the topping), and the finely diced white onion. Make sure the potatoes are thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Lightly grease the interior of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom and sides during the long cooking process. Carefully transfer the entire hash brown mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: For best results and to prevent a watery casserole, place a layer of paper towels directly over the top of the slow cooker insert, just underneath the lid. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture that condenses on the lid, preventing it from dripping back into your dish. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours or on LOW for 7 hours. Remember to stir the mixture 1-2 times during cooking to ensure even heating and prevent sticking, especially towards the bottom.

Step 5: Approximately 15-20 minutes before the casserole is fully cooked, begin preparing the crunchy cornflake topping. In a medium skillet, melt the salted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, stir in the smoked paprika until fragrant and combined.

Step 6: Add the crushed cornflakes to the butter and paprika mixture in the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cornflakes are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7: Once the potatoes are tender and cooked through, turn off the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the remaining reserved cheddar cheese over the top of the hash browns. Place the lid back on (without the paper towels) and let stand for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and gloriously gooey.

Step 8: Just before serving, generously sprinkle the warm, crispy cornflake topping over the melted cheese layer. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting and crowd-pleasing side dishes you’ll ever make!

Recipe Serving Suggestions

These Crockpot Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of main courses, making them perfect for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday spread. Their rich, creamy, and cheesy profile complements both savory meats and lighter dishes.

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish your crockpot funeral potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color, a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of savory goodness, or even an extra dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit more kick. A dollop of extra sour cream or some finely chopped chives would also be fantastic!

I especially love serving these cheesy hash browns alongside hearty, slow-cooked meats for a truly cozy and satisfying meal. Here are some fantastic ideas for main courses that complement this dish perfectly:

• Sticky Asian Pork Ribs in the Oven
• Baby Back Ribs in the Oven
• Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Ribs
• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The creamy potatoes are an ideal counterpoint to succulent roasted poultry, especially during holiday meals.
• Ham or Pork Loin: The savory, slightly salty notes of ham or pork are a classic match for cheesy potatoes.
• Grilled Steaks or Chops: For a backyard BBQ or a more substantial dinner, these potatoes make a fantastic side to grilled meats.
• Meatloaf: A comforting pairing that evokes classic American home cooking.
• Casual Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages for an indulgent weekend brunch spread.

Expert Tips for Success

Achieving perfectly creamy and cheesy Crockpot Funeral Potatoes is easy with a few insider tricks. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your casserole is a resounding success every time:

• Do Not Use Pre-Shredded Cheese: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for a truly smooth, melty cheese experience. Pre-grated cheeses, while convenient, often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch. These agents are designed to keep the shreds from clumping together in the bag but unfortunately prevent the cheese from melting properly and can leave a slightly grainy or gritty texture in your casserole. Always opt for a block of cheese and freshly grate it yourself for the best ooey-gooey results.
• Stir Occasionally: While the slow cooker is known for its hands-off approach, giving these crockpot funeral potatoes an occasional stir (1-2 times during cooking) is highly beneficial. This helps to distribute the heat evenly, prevents the bottom layer from sticking or burning, and ensures all the potatoes cook to a uniform tender consistency. It also helps to re-incorporate any liquid that might separate.
• Reserve the Cornflakes Until Serving: The crispy cornflake topping is a signature element of funeral potatoes, providing a wonderful textural contrast. To maintain its delightful crunch, it’s essential to prepare and add the cornflakes only just before serving. If you sprinkle them on too early, especially if the casserole is kept warm for an extended period or if you anticipate leftovers, the moisture from the potatoes will cause them to become soggy. For ultimate crispiness, add them right before dishing out, or even offer them on the side for individual portions.
• Utilize Paper Towels Under the Lid: As mentioned in the instructions, placing a layer of paper towels between the slow cooker insert and the lid is a game-changer. Slow cookers naturally produce condensation, which can drip back into your casserole, making it watery. The paper towels absorb this excess moisture, ensuring your funeral potatoes remain perfectly creamy and not diluted.
• Consider Your Slow Cooker Size: This recipe is typically designed for a 6-quart oval slow cooker. If your slow cooker is significantly smaller or larger, you may need to adjust cooking times or the amount of ingredients. A smaller slow cooker might require a longer cooking time on low, while a larger one could cook faster.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before adding the hash browns, taste your creamy sauce mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt preferences vary, and ensuring the base is well-seasoned will result in a more flavorful final dish. Remember, it’s easier to add more salt than to remove it!

Additions & Variations

While this classic Crockpot Funeral Potatoes recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these delicious additions and variations to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Condensed Soup Option: If you prefer a more traditional shortcut or simply want to use up a can of soup, you can replace the whole milk with one 10.75-ounce can of cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option). This will undeniably boost the umami flavor and creaminess. When making this swap, you might want to omit the added salt from the original recipe or significantly reduce it, as condensed soups are typically very high in sodium.
• Top with Bacon: Bacon truly does make everything better! For an extra layer of savory flavor and crispy texture, stir in pre-cooked crumbled bacon bits into the potato mixture or sprinkle them generously over the top when you add the final cheese topping. Crisp bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that is absolutely irresistible.
• Try Other Cheeses or a Mix: Don’t feel limited to sharp cheddar! While it’s a fantastic choice, other cheeses can offer delightful variations. Consider smoked gouda for a rich, smoky depth, mozzarella for extra stretchiness and mild flavor, Colby Jack for a milder, well-balanced cheesy taste, or a Mexican blend for a touch of spice. A blend of a few different cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile.
• Use Fresh Potatoes: If you prefer to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, that’s perfectly fine! Peel and cut about 32 ounces of Russet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. To ensure they cook properly and become tender in the slow cooker, you’ll need to parboil them first for 5-8 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain them thoroughly before incorporating them into the creamy mixture and following the remaining steps.
• Add a Different Crispy Topping: If cornflakes aren’t your preference, there are many other excellent options for a crunchy topping. Try crushed butter crackers (like Ritz crackers) for a rich, buttery, and salty crunch. Crushed potato chips (plain or your favorite flavor) offer a salty, savory crispness. Even crushed crispy fried onions can add a wonderful savory depth and texture.
• Incorporate Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding some finely chopped vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas or corn (added towards the end of cooking) can be great additions. Just ensure any fresh vegetables are softened slightly before adding to the slow cooker to ensure they cook through.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture. For a smoky kick, increase the amount of smoked paprika. You could also experiment with a dash of chili powder for a different flavor profile.

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Easy Crockpot Funeral Potatoes

Brianna May

5.0 from 96 votes

These Crockpot Funeral Potatoes are one of the best Midwestern side dishes. They’re made with sour cream and whole milk as their base instead of condensed soup. They’re creamy, cheesy, decadent, and uber-tasty!

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
3 hours 45 minutes

Total Time:
3 hours 55 minutes

Servings:
12

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Cheese Grater with Handle

Ingredients

• 16 ounces sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 Tablespoon EACH hot sauce & Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon EACH dried thyme & Morton kosher salt*
• fresh cracked black pepper
• 32 ounces diced hash browns* (frozen)
• 12 ounces (3 cups) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup finely diced white onion

Topping

• 3 Tablespoons salted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed

Instructions

1. In an extra large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, hot sauce, Worcestershire, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Fold in the hash browns, about 2 cups of the cheese, and the onion.
3. Lightly grease the slow cooker. Transfer the hash brown mixture into the greased slow cooker.
4. Place paper towels over the top of the slow cooker (underneath the lid). Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours or on LOW for 7 hours, stirring 1-2 times.
5. Once the casserole is almost done, over medium-low heat, melt the butter and paprika. Stir to combine.
6. Stir in the cornflakes and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until golden.
7. Turn the slow cooker off. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the hash browns. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
8. Top with the cornflakes.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Notes

• Hash Browns: You can also use frozen shredded potatoes or frozen diced potatoes for this crockpot funeral potatoes dish. Using frozen hash brown potatoes instead of fresh potatoes helps save time when making this dish.
• Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
• Do not use pre-shredded cheese. When making these easy crockpot funeral potatoes, use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese has an agent that helps keep the shreds from sticking together. This same ingredient prevents the cheese from melting properly, which can result in a grainy texture.
• Stir. Don’t forget to stir these crockpot funeral potatoes occasionally as they cook. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents sticking at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Reserve the cornflakes until serving. If you think you will have leftovers, sprinkle the cornflakes over individual portions instead of the whole casserole so they don’t get soggy when stored in the fridge. Otherwise, leave the cornflakes off until you’re ready to serve the potatoes to maintain maximum crispness.

Nutrition

Calories: 442kcal |
Carbohydrates: 52g |
Protein: 13g |
Fat: 21g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 62mg |
Sodium: 565mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 7g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.