If you’ve ever been to a potluck, holiday gathering, or even a post-funeral meal in the Midwest or the South, chances are you’ve encountered Funeral Potatoes. This dish isn’t just a staple—it’s an icon of comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy golden crust that makes every bite pure bliss.

But what’s the story behind the unusual name? Why are they so beloved? And most importantly—how can you make the best batch of Funeral Potatoes ever? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this irresistible side dish.

What Are Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral Potatoes are a classic casserole dish made with shredded or cubed potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, all baked together and topped with a crispy layer of buttery cornflakes or crushed crackers. The result? A rich, creamy, cheesy dish with a golden crunch that’s absolutely irresistible.

This dish is often served at large gatherings, especially funerals, hence the name. But don’t let the somber origin fool you—these potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, and potlucks.

Why Are They Called Funeral Potatoes?

At first glance, the name might seem a little morbid. Why would anyone name a delicious dish after a funeral? 🤔

The answer is simple—tradition. In many cultures, when a family loses a loved one, friends, neighbors, and church members come together to provide food. Funeral Potatoes became a go-to dish for post-funeral meals because they are:

✅ Easy to make – Just mix, bake, and serve!
✅ Feeds a crowd – Perfect for large gatherings.
✅ Comforting and filling – Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
✅ Great for potlucks – Can be made ahead of time.

💬 “They say food brings people together, and Funeral Potatoes are proof of that. Whether it’s a funeral, a family reunion, or Thanksgiving dinner, this dish is always welcome at the table.”

So, while the name has a solemn origin, these potatoes have evolved into a beloved comfort food that’s enjoyed on happy occasions, too!

The History Behind This Comfort Food Classic

Believe it or not, Funeral Potatoes have been around for decades. The exact origin is unclear, but they are particularly popular in Mormon communities in Utah and across the Midwest.

Church groups, particularly The Relief Society (a women’s organization in the LDS Church), are credited with making Funeral Potatoes a household name. The dish became a staple at church gatherings and community potlucks because of its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd.

Over time, the recipe spread beyond religious gatherings and into mainstream American cuisine. Today, you’ll find variations in:

🥔 Southern cooking – Sometimes includes ham or bacon.
🥔 Midwestern potlucks – Typically served with a cornflake crust.
🥔 Thanksgiving dinners – A popular holiday side dish.

💡 Fun Fact: Some brands, like Utah-based grocery stores, even sell pre-made Funeral Potato kits! That’s how popular this dish has become.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Now that you know the history, let’s talk about why YOU need to make Funeral Potatoes ASAP.

The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a random Sunday dinner, Funeral Potatoes fit right in. They’re:

✔️ Easy to make – No fancy ingredients or skills needed.
✔️ Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves creamy, cheesy potatoes!
✔️ Pairs well with anything – Great with ham, turkey, or roast beef.
✔️ Customizable – Can be tweaked to fit any taste preference.

Customizable to Fit Your Taste

One of the best things about this dish? You can make it your own! Here are some popular variations:

🧀 Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
🥓 Meaty version: Throw in some diced ham or crumbled bacon.
🌶 Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños for some heat.
🍞 Different toppings: Try Ritz crackers, Panko, or even potato chips!

💬 “The best part about Funeral Potatoes? You can make them exactly how YOU like them! Add more cheese, switch up the topping, or mix in some extras—it’s totally up to you.”

Ingredients for the Best Funeral Potatoes

Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s go over everything you’ll need to make the best Funeral Potatoes ever. You might already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create that creamy, cheesy goodness:

🟡 Frozen hash brown potatoes – You can use cubed or shredded.
🟡 Sour cream – Adds that rich, creamy texture.
🟡 Cream of chicken soup – The secret to making them extra flavorful!
🟡 Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar works best for a bold, cheesy taste.
🟡 Minced onions – Optional, but they add great flavor.
🟡 Butter – Melted and divided for the casserole and topping.
🟡 Salt & pepper – Just enough to bring out all the flavors.

The Crunchy Topping

The crispy topping is what makes Funeral Potatoes so addicting. You’ll need:

🥣 Cornflake cereal (crushed) – The most traditional topping.
🥣 More melted butter – Helps the topping get golden and crispy.

🔥 Want to switch it up? You can replace cornflakes with:
✔ Panko breadcrumbs – For a crunchier bite.
✔ Ritz crackers – For a buttery flavor.
✔ Potato chips – If you love extra salty crunch!

How to Make Funeral Potatoes: Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Follow these easy steps to create the ultimate comfort food.

Step 1 – Prep Your Oven and Dish

🔹 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
🔹 Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

💡 Pro Tip: This is a great dish to prep ahead if you’re making it for a holiday meal! Just mix everything, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Step 2 – Mix the Base Ingredients

🔹 In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔ Frozen hash browns
✔ Sour cream
✔ Cream of chicken soup
✔ Shredded cheddar cheese
✔ Minced onions (if using)
✔ Melted butter (save some for the topping!)
✔ Salt & pepper

🔹 Stir everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 3 – Assemble the Casserole

🔹 Pour the potato mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
🔹 Spread it out evenly so that it bakes perfectly.

💬 “The secret to the perfect Funeral Potatoes is making sure the mixture is evenly spread. This ensures every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness!”

Step 4 – Make the Crunchy Topping

🔹 In a small bowl, mix together:
✔ Crushed cornflakes (or your topping of choice)
✔ Remaining melted butter

🔹 Sprinkle the topping evenly over the potatoes.

🔥 Want extra crunch? Add more cornflakes for a thicker topping layer!

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection

🔹 Place the casserole in your preheated oven.
🔹 Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:
✔ The top is golden brown and crispy.
✔ The cheese is bubbling around the edges.

Pro Tips for Perfect Funeral Potatoes

Want to take your Funeral Potatoes to the next level? Here are some expert tips to make sure they turn out perfect every time.

Don’t Thaw the Hash Browns

Using frozen hash browns keeps the texture perfect. If they thaw before baking, they can become too soft and mushy.

Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make it less creamy. Grate your own cheddar for the best melt and texture!

Add Some Protein

Want to make this a main dish? Try adding:
✔ Diced ham for a classic touch.
✔ Rotisserie chicken for extra heartiness.
✔ Crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty flavor.

💬 “I always add a handful of crispy bacon bits for extra flavor—it makes them even more irresistible!”

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even though this is a simple recipe, a few mistakes can make or break your Funeral Potatoes. Let’s go over the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them like a pro!

1. Using Thawed Hash Browns

🚫 Mistake: Letting your hash browns thaw before mixing.
✅ Solution: Always use frozen hash browns! If they thaw, they release extra moisture and make the casserole mushy instead of creamy.

2. Not Mixing Ingredients Evenly

🚫 Mistake: Dumping everything in the dish without properly mixing.
✅ Solution: Take time to mix all the ingredients well before spreading them in the dish. This ensures every bite is packed with cheesy, creamy goodness!

3. Skipping the Butter in the Topping

🚫 Mistake: Just sprinkling dry cornflakes or breadcrumbs on top.
✅ Solution: Always mix your topping with melted butter so it gets crispy and golden instead of dry and powdery.

💡 Pro Tip: If you love an extra crunchy topping, use crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers instead of cornflakes!

4. Overbaking or Underbaking

🚫 Mistake: Taking it out too early or leaving it in too long.
✅ Solution: Bake until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Usually 40–45 minutes at 350°F is the sweet spot!

💬 “You know your Funeral Potatoes are ready when the top is golden and crispy, and you can’t resist the cheesy smell filling your kitchen!”

How to Store and Reheat Funeral Potatoes

One of the best things about Funeral Potatoes? They store beautifully! Whether you want to make them ahead or save leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

✔ In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
✔ In the freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months (just leave off the topping before freezing).

Reheating Funeral Potatoes

For best results, reheat in the oven:

✔ Oven (best method): Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
✔ Microwave (quick method): Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, but the topping won’t be as crispy.

🔥 Pro Tip: If reheating frozen potatoes, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to put your own twist on Funeral Potatoes? Here are some creative ways to customize this classic dish!

1. Meat Lovers’ Funeral Potatoes

🥓 Add crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
🍗 Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a full meal.
🍖 Mix in diced ham for a holiday-style twist!

2. Extra Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

🧀 Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack.
🧀 Add a layer of cheese on top before the crispy topping for extra gooey goodness.

3. Spicy Jalapeño Funeral Potatoes

🌶 Stir in diced jalapeños for a kick.
🌶 Sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
🌶 Top with crushed spicy chips (like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos) instead of cornflakes!

🔥 Spicy lovers, this one’s for you!

4. Vegetarian-Friendly Version

🥦 Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
🧄 Add roasted garlic and sautéed mushrooms for more flavor.
🧀 Use a mix of cheddar and parmesan for an extra cheesy bite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Funeral Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything except the topping, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add the topping and pop it in the oven!

2. Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?

Yes, but you’ll need to prep them first:

✔ Peel and dice about 6 medium potatoes.
✔ Boil them for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender (not mushy!).
✔ Drain and use in place of frozen hash browns.

💡 Pro Tip: Using fresh potatoes gives the dish a homemade feel, but frozen hash browns save tons of time!

3. Can I Freeze Funeral Potatoes Before Baking?

Yes! Prepare the casserole without the topping, then freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake:

✔ Thaw in the fridge overnight.
✔ Add the crispy topping.
✔ Bake as usual!

4. What Should I Serve with Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral Potatoes go with almost anything, but they’re especially great with:

✔ Honey-glazed ham
✔ Roast beef or turkey
✔ BBQ ribs or pulled pork
✔ Grilled chicken

💬 “This dish is the ultimate sidekick for any comfort food meal!”

5. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Funeral Potatoes can be made in a slow cooker for an even easier version. Here’s how:

✔ Mix everything and place in a greased slow cooker.
✔ Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
✔ Add topping during the last 30 minutes so it stays crispy!

Final Thoughts

Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy, buttery crunch! Whether you’re making them for a holiday, potluck, or just a cozy dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

✔ Easy to make
✔ Perfectly cheesy and creamy
✔ Great for holidays, potlucks, and family meals

Now it’s your turn! Have you tried Funeral Potatoes before? What’s your favorite way to customize them? Drop a comment below and let’s talk potatoes! 🥔💛