Funeral potato casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food packed with rich, savory flavors. Made with tender hash browns, melted cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy golden topping, it’s the perfect balance of smooth and crispy.
Perfect for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or just a cozy Sunday dinner with the fam!
I grew up not knowing about “funeral potatoes,” but moving to Utah introduced me to this classic dish. It’s essentially a cheesy potato casserole or a hash brown casserole, and the funny name comes from its tradition as a side dish often served at funeral luncheons.
This comforting, popular dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or even as a main dish when paired with ham. While I’ve never actually had it at a funeral, I’ve enjoyed it countless times during the holidays, and it’s always a hit!
Why Do They Call It Funeral Potatoes?
You might wonder why these cheesy delights are called “funeral potatoes,” and let me tell you, it’s not as gloomy as it sounds! Everyone—seriously, everyone—has their own special recipe for this potluck superstar. While they’re known by different names all over the place, the tradition of serving them at funeral luncheons in Utah is what sticks. I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking, “How good can cheesy potatoes really be?” But after one bite, I was a total convert! The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with that crunchy topping is pure magic. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a family gathering, these potatoes are always a hit and bring a comforting vibe to the table. So, let’s celebrate this quirky name and dig in!
Variations
Swap the Soup
For a deeper, earthier flavor, substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken soup. It adds a subtle richness that pairs perfectly with the cheesy potatoes.
Change Up the Topping
Instead of the classic cornflake topping, sprinkle one of these delicious alternatives on top for a different texture and flavor:
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz Crackers add a buttery, golden crunch.
- Potato Chips: Crushed potato chips create a salty, crispy topping that complements the creamy casserole.
- Bread Crumbs: Use plain or seasoned bread crumbs for a lightly crisp topping.
- Extra Cheese: Skip the crunch and sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the casserole for an extra layer of gooey, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients Needed for Funeral Potato Casserole
Ok, I’m not going to lie about this dish, there is nothing healthy about it. Haha! That is probably why it is so dang good! It’s a dish you want to have on special occasions, but probably not multiple times a week. Here is your grocery list:
- Cream of Chicken Soup – You can use store-bought or make it from scratch yourself. Head to our Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole post for a from-scratch recipe. You’ll want to double the recipe and omit the mushrooms to make cream of chicken soup.
- Sour Cream (light)
- Butter
- Salt
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Pepper
- Hash Browns (frozen)
- Cheddar Cheese
- Corn Flakes
The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! You can use fresh potatoes in place of frozen hash browns for your funeral potatoes recipe. Simply peel and shred the potatoes, then rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch for a crispier texture. While fresh potatoes do require a bit more prep time, their fresh flavor adds a homemade touch to this comforting dish. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing them into your casserole for the best results!
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
This recipe is so easy! Of all the reasons to love it, this is probably my favorite! I’m not sure what it is that makes these so irresistible—maybe it’s the ultimate comfort food vibes—but they’ve become a must-have for our family every Christmas and Easter. You can feed a crowd something everyone loves and it can be done with almost no work at all! Here are the basic steps:
- Pull the potatoes out of the freezer to let them defrost while you make the sauce.
- Combine sour cream, soup, and butter in a bowl until smooth and then add the seasonings and cheese.
- Add in the potatoes and fold them into the sauce.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornflakes and butter.
- Put the potato mixture into a a 9×13 baking dish and top with the cornflakes.
- Bake.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
All the specific instructions for this recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Can You Make Funeral Potatoes Ahead Of Time?
Yes, funeral potato casserole is a great make-ahead dish! To freeze, prepare the recipe as instructed, but leave off the cornflakes. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (aluminum foil pans work great), cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month.
When you’re ready to bake, move the dish from the freezer to the fridge the day before to thaw completely. Once thawed, add the cornflake topping and bake as directed in the recipe. If you’re making them just a day ahead, you can also assemble the dish (without the topping) and store it in the fridge overnight. Then, simply top with cornflakes and bake!
How Long Will Funeral Potatoes Keep?
Leftover funeral potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the oven. Keep in mind that reheating in the microwave may cause the cornflake topping to lose its crunch, so the oven is a better option if you want to maintain that crispy texture.
Are Corn Flakes Gluten-Free?
Many cereals made with gluten-free corn or rice are not gluten-free. Malt flavoring is often added to cereal. Malt is made from barley, which contains gluten. Corn Flakes contain malt flavoring so cornflakes are not gluten-free.
Don’t let the name “funeral potatoes” make you think these potatoes are sad. There is nothing sad about them at all! They are cheesy, crunchy, creamy and so addicting. It will be a hit at any gathering you go to!
More Irresistible Potato Recipes
Description
Funeral potato casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food packed with rich, savory flavors. Made with tender hash browns, melted cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy golden topping, it’s the perfect balance of smooth and crispy.
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Place the frozen hash browns in a colander while you prepare the sauce to defrost them
24 Ounces Shredded Hash Browns
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Combine the sour cream, soup and butter in a bowl until smooth. Add in the seasonings and cheese.
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup, 2 Cups Sour Cream, 1/2 Cup Butter, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese
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Mix in the frozen hash browns, lifting and folding the mixture until well combined.
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In a medium bowl, toss the lightly crushed cornflakes with the butter until evenly combined.
2 ½ Cups Corn Flakes, 1/2 Cup Butter
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Scoop out the potato mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the buttered cornflakes.
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Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly around the edges.
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Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving!
Cream of chicken from scratch – if you prefer to make your cream of chicken soup from scratch, head to this post and follow the “From Scratch” instructions in the recipe card. You’ll want to double the recipe and omit the mushrooms.
Calories: 448kcal
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