Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes Recipe (Guide)

Let’s talk about funeral potatoes-yes, that might sound a bit morbid if you’re hearing the name for the first time, but trust me, the dish is anything but grim. This classic comfort food is creamy, cheesy, buttery, and perfectly crunchy on top. Originating from the American Midwest, it earned its nickname because it was a staple at community gatherings, potlucks, and, of course, post-funeral meals where friends and family came together to share comfort food and memories.

The beauty of making funeral potatoes in a slow cooker is that you get all the rich, melty goodness without ever worrying about the oven, and it stays warm for hours-perfect for hosting, potlucks, or simply making an extra-large batch for leftovers. This dish is basically the culinary equivalent of a warm hug, and once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever baked them in the oven in the first place.

Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Here’s the plan: creamy, cheesy potatoes that cook low and slow, topped with a buttery, crunchy layer of cornflakes or breadcrumbs. It’s all about texture contrast-melty softness underneath, satisfying crunch on top, and that deep, comforting flavor that makes every bite feel like home.

Ingredient List

For the classic slow cooker version, gather the following:

• Potatoes

  • 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed) or diced potatoes
  • You can also use fresh potatoes, but make sure they’re par-cooked

• Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, based on preference)
  • Optional: a handful of mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra melty gooeyness

• Creaminess

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist)
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% for best creaminess)

• Onion & Seasonings

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped or 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional but highly recommended)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Topping Crunch

  • 2 cups crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • Optional: paprika or smoked paprika for a touch of color and depth

Instruction Guide

Here’s the step-by-step, slow cooker magic:

1. Prep The Potatoes

   • If using frozen hash browns, make sure they are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture. Pat them dry slightly with a paper towel.
   • For fresh potatoes, boil or steam until just tender but not mushy.

2. Mix The Creamy Base

   • In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until everything is evenly coated.

3. Combine With Potatoes

   • Gently fold the potatoes into the creamy mixture. Ensure every potato piece is coated in cheesy goodness.

4. Transfer To Slow Cooker

   • Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray to avoid sticking.
   • Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and spread it evenly.

5. Prepare The Topping

   • Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the potatoes.
   • Optional: sprinkle a bit of paprika for color and subtle smokiness.

6. Cook Low And Slow

   • Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crispy.
   • Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often-you want to trap that slow cooker heat.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the topping to firm up slightly.

Ingredient Swaps

• Cheese: Gruyère, Havarti, or Colby work beautifully.
• Soup Base: Use cream of celery, cream of mushroom, or even homemade béchamel.
• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter version, or Yukon Golds for a creamier texture.
• Dairy: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat while keeping creaminess.
• Crunch Topping: Panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even fried onions for a southern twist.

Helpful Tips

• Avoid watery potatoes: Make sure frozen hash browns are well-thawed and patted dry; excess water will make the dish mushy.
• Cheese layering: Reserve 1/2 cup of cheese for sprinkling over the top before adding the cornflake mixture for extra cheesy goodness.
• Slow cooker quirks: Every slow cooker heats differently; if the potatoes seem undercooked after 4 hours on low, cook an extra 15-30 minutes.
• Make ahead: Assemble everything the night before, store in the fridge, then cook in the slow cooker the next day.

Customization Ideas

• Meat lovers: Add diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra heartiness.
• Veggie twist: Mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for color and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Stir in diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or red pepper flakes.
• Herbs & flavor: Fresh chives, thyme, or rosemary added to the cream mixture elevate the flavor profile.

FAQs

What Are Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral potatoes are a traditional comfort food dish from the American Midwest, typically made with hash browns, cheese, cream of soup, sour cream, and a crunchy topping like crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. They are called ’funeral potatoes’ because they are often served at gatherings after funerals, although they are popular at many family events.

Can I Make Funeral Potatoes In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, using a slow cooker is a convenient way to prepare funeral potatoes. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and creates a creamy texture without needing to bake the dish in the oven.

What Ingredients Are Needed For Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes?

The basic ingredients include frozen or fresh hash browns, shredded cheese (typically cheddar), cream of chicken or mushroom soup, sour cream, diced onions, butter, and a topping like crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter. Optional ingredients include garlic powder, paprika, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.

How Long Should I Cook Funeral Potatoes In A Slow Cooker?

Typically, you should cook funeral potatoes on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The dish is ready when it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted throughout.

Do I Need To Thaw The Hash Browns Before Using Them In A Slow Cooker?

It depends on the recipe and the type of hash browns. Some recipes allow you to use frozen hash browns directly, but using thawed hash browns can help prevent excess water in the dish and result in a creamier texture.

Can I Make Funeral Potatoes Ahead Of Time And Reheat Them?

Yes, funeral potatoes can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. After slow cooking, leftovers can be reheated in the slow cooker or oven until heated through.

Is It Possible To Make A Vegetarian Version Of Funeral Potatoes In A Slow Cooker?

Absolutely. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a vegetarian cream soup, and use vegetable broth if needed. Ensure that any additional toppings or cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.

How Can I Make The Topping Extra Crispy In A Slow Cooker?

For a crunchier topping, you can add the cornflake or breadcrumb topping during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. Some people also transfer the slow-cooked potatoes to an oven-safe dish and broil the topping briefly to achieve extra crispiness.

Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead Of Frozen Hash Browns?

Yes, you can peel and cube fresh potatoes, but you may need to par-cook them slightly before adding to the slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve the same creamy texture as frozen hash browns.

What Sides Pair Well With Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral potatoes are rich and creamy, so they pair well with roasted or steamed vegetables, green salads, ham, turkey, or baked chicken. They also complement other comfort foods like green bean casserole or dinner rolls.