Ultimate Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe: The Beloved Comfort Food Casserole for Any Gathering

Prepare to fall in love with Funeral Potatoes, a truly iconic American side dish that delivers ultimate comfort and cheesy deliciousness with every bite. This classic casserole masterfully combines tender shredded hash browns with a rich, creamy sauce made from cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, all crowned with a golden, crispy topping of buttered cornflakes. Whether you’re planning a Sunday dinner, a festive holiday feast, a casual potluck, or a large family gathering, Funeral Potatoes are the perfect addition, offering a warm and inviting dish that everyone will adore. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a reason!

Potatoes are incredibly versatile and form the base for many of my favorite side dishes. If you’re a potato enthusiast like me, you’ll be thrilled to explore other fantastic recipes. My Twice Baked Potatoes are a new favorite, offering a delightful twist on a classic. You’ll also undoubtedly enjoy the rich and decadent Creamy Scalloped Potatoes, and for something truly elegant yet simple, my Hasselback Potatoes are a must-try. Each recipe showcases the incredible potential of potatoes to transform into something extraordinary.

What Are Funeral Potatoes? The Story Behind the Name

Funeral Potatoes — also affectionately known as cheesy potatoes, party potatoes, or cheesy potato casserole — have earned their iconic name from being a classic, often-served side dish at funeral luncheons, particularly within the culture of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their popularity at these solemn gatherings stems from their comforting nature, ease of preparation, and remarkable ability to scale up to feed large crowds. It’s a dish that embodies warmth, care, and familiarity during times when comfort is most needed, extending beyond funerals to become a staple at church potlucks, family reunions, and holiday celebrations across America. This hearty casserole brings people together, offering a taste of home and a sense of tradition.

Why This Funeral Potatoes Recipe Works Every Time

• Uses Simple, Accessible Ingredients: One of the greatest strengths of this Funeral Potatoes recipe is its reliance on readily available and affordable ingredients. You won’t need to hunt for exotic items; everything can be found at your local grocery store. This simplicity, combined with the convenience of using pre-shredded, frozen hash browns (after thawing, of course), means you can whip up this incredible comfort food dish surprisingly fast, making it ideal for busy schedules or last-minute meal planning.
• Incredibly Cheesy and Creamy: This isn’t just a potato dish; it’s a celebration of creaminess and cheese! My Funeral Potatoes recipe ensures a luxuriously smooth and rich texture that perfectly coats every strand of potato. The generous amount of cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, flavorful embrace, making each bite utterly irresistible. The combination of sour cream and cream of chicken soup creates a velvety base that elevates this casserole far beyond ordinary potato dishes.
• Perfect for Large Gatherings and Potlucks: If you’re looking for an easy and dependable dish to serve at funerals, potlucks, family gatherings, or any event where you need to feed a crowd, this hash brown casserole is your answer. Its ability to serve a large group means less stress for the host. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to scale up. Whether you need to double it for an extra-large party or simply want more leftovers (and trust me, you will!), adjusting the ingredient quantities is straightforward, ensuring you can always feed everyone with ease and deliciousness.
• Ultimate Comfort Food Status: There’s a reason Funeral Potatoes are synonymous with comfort. The warm, savory flavors, the soft, tender potatoes, and the crispy topping evoke a sense of nostalgia and hominess. It’s the kind of dish that brings a smile to your face and a feeling of contentment, making it a beloved staple in many households.

Ingredient Notes for Perfect Funeral Potatoes

• Shredded Hash Browns: For the best results, it’s crucial to use thawed hash browns for this Funeral Potatoes recipe. Using frozen hash browns directly can lead to a watery casserole as the ice crystals melt during baking, diluting the creamy sauce. I find that a standard frozen bag of pre-shredded hash browns (usually 30 oz) is the easiest and most convenient option. Simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make Funeral Potatoes with fresh potatoes, check out my Recipe Tips section for detailed instructions on how to prepare them.
• Butter: Butter plays a vital dual role in this casserole. First, a portion is used to sauté the onion, building a foundational layer of aromatic flavor. Second, and equally important, extra melted butter is tossed with the cornflakes to create that iconic, golden, crispy topping that provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft, creamy potatoes. Beyond its functional roles, butter is simply a requirement for any dish aiming for that coveted “comfort food” status, adding richness and depth.
• Onion: Adding cooked, finely diced onions to this Funeral Potatoes recipe introduces a subtle sweetness and an essential aromatic base that truly enhances the overall flavor profile. Beyond flavor, the softened onion pieces provide a lovely texture difference within the otherwise smooth casserole, and it’s always nice to sneak in a vegetable element! You can use yellow, white, or sweet onions depending on your preference.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic canned soup is a cornerstone of the Funeral Potatoes’ creamy texture and savory flavor. It acts as a binder, helping to hold the casserole together, and contributes a distinctive richness that is hard to replicate. If you prefer to avoid canned soups, a fantastic homemade cream of chicken recipe can be used as a substitute, offering a fresher, customizable alternative while maintaining the dish’s signature creaminess.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream is indispensable for adding an additional layer of luxurious creaminess and a delightful tangy flavor that brightens the richness of the cheese and cream of chicken soup. This creates a more complex and nuanced flavor depth in the potato sour cream casserole. Feel free to use light sour cream if you’re looking to reduce some calories without compromising on the creamy texture or tangy taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: These cheesy funeral potatoes wouldn’t be the same without a generous amount of cheddar! Cheddar cheese, whether mild or sharp, melts beautifully into the casserole, providing that irresistible gooey texture and a robust, savory flavor that makes the dish incredibly satisfying. For the best melt and flavor, I recommend grating your own block of cheddar, though pre-shredded works in a pinch.
• Cornflakes: While you don’t strictly *have* to make potato casserole with cornflakes, this ingredient is what gives Funeral Potatoes their signature crunchy topping. When tossed in butter and baked, they become golden and delightfully crisp, offering a perfect textural contrast to the creamy potato mixture below. It’s a hallmark of the dish and highly recommended for an authentic experience.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings elevate all the other flavors in the casserole. Don’t skip them, as they are crucial for balancing the richness and bringing out the best in the potatoes and cheese. Adjust to your taste, but the recommended amounts provide a perfect baseline.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Funeral Potatoes

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven: Begin by buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking and add extra flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook the Onion. In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add your finely diced onions to the skillet and cook them gently until they have softened and become translucent, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Be careful not to brown them too much. Once cooked, transfer the softened onions to a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients. To the large bowl containing the cooked onions, add the thawed 30 oz bag of shredded hash browns, one 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 1/4 cups of sour cream, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.

3. Transfer to Baking Dish. Carefully spoon the potato mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of your spoon or a spatula to spread it out into an even layer, ensuring consistent baking.

4. Prepare and Add Cornflake Topping. In a separate medium bowl, combine 2 cups of slightly crushed cornflakes with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the cornflakes are evenly coated. Generously sprinkle this buttery cornflake mixture over the top of the cheesy hash brown casserole, creating a beautiful, crunchy layer.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the sour cream potato casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the cheesy potato mixture underneath is bubbly and hot throughout. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm to allow the flavors to set. Enjoy this comforting dish!

Recipe Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes

While this recipe is designed to be straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your Funeral Potatoes from good to absolutely amazing. Paying attention to these details ensures a perfectly creamy and crispy casserole every time.

Frozen vs. Fresh Hash Browns: A Crucial Choice

When it comes to the hash brown base, I highly recommend using thawed, pre-shredded frozen hash browns. The key word here is “thawed.” If you use frozen hash browns directly, the excess moisture released during baking can make your casserole watery and dilute the rich, creamy sauce. To properly thaw them, simply place the bag in your refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can spread them out on a clean kitchen towel on your counter for a couple of hours, then gently pat them dry to remove any lingering moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that desired creamy consistency.

If you’re a purist and want to use your own fresh potatoes, the process is simple but requires a bit more prep time. First, bake your potatoes (Russets work best for grating) until they are tender. Allow them to cool completely; in fact, I recommend letting them chill in the fridge for a couple of hours or even overnight. This cooling process firms up the starches, preventing them from turning to mush when you grate them. Once thoroughly chilled, grate them using a box grater, and they’ll be ready to mix into your casserole base.

Customizing Your Cheesy Potato Casserole

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing for various customizations to suit your taste:

• Add More Flavor: For an extra layer of savory depth, consider stirring in a teaspoon of garlic powder, a pinch of smoked paprika, or dried chives into the potato mixture.
• Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of cheeses can add unique flavor profiles. For the best melt, always opt for freshly shredded cheese over pre-shredded, as the latter often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
• Boost the Protein: Make this side dish even heartier by adding cooked and crumbled bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken to the potato mixture. These additions are fantastic for potlucks and holiday meals.
• Extra Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers (red or green) or a small amount of finely chopped celery can be sautéed with the onion to add more vegetables and a subtle crunch. For a pop of color and fresh flavor, top the baked casserole with freshly diced green onions or chives just before serving.

Making it Lighter or More Indulgent

You can adjust this recipe to fit your dietary preferences:

• Lighter Version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. As mentioned, if you’re not fond of canned cream of chicken soup, using a homemade version allows you to control the fat and sodium content.
• More Indulgent: For an even richer casserole, use full-fat ingredients and consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the potato mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Funeral Potatoes are such a crowd-pleaser and a delicious comfort food side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. It’s truly versatile for holidays, Sunday meals, potlucks, and more! It complements roasted meats like ham or turkey beautifully, and it’s a fantastic accompaniment to grilled chicken, pot roasts, or even hearty stews. The creamy, savory potatoes provide a perfect balance to richer main dishes. My family particularly loves this alongside dishes like Mississippi Pot Roast, Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken, or even lighter options like Lemon Honey Glazed Salmon.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Funeral Potatoes

The make-ahead capabilities of Funeral Potatoes are one of their many advantages, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining. Knowing how to store and freeze them properly means you can enjoy this comfort food whenever a craving strikes.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can easily prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe through step 3 (combining all ingredients and placing the mixture in the baking dish). Do not prepare or add the cornflake topping at this stage, as it can get soggy if left refrigerated for too long. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge, prepare the cornflakes topping, sprinkle it over, and then bake according to the instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is very cold.

Storing Leftovers:

Any leftover Funeral Potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container or simply covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can either warm individual portions in the microwave or, for a crispier topping, place the entire dish back in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, loosely covered with foil to prevent over-browning of the cornflakes.

Freezing Instructions:

Funeral Potatoes freeze beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping. To freeze, prepare the dish as directed, combining all ingredients and placing them in a freezer-safe baking dish, but omit the cornflake topping entirely. Cover the dish exceptionally well to prevent freezer burn – typically with one layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the potatoes, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can store the casserole in the freezer for 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator and let it thaw completely overnight. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Then, prepare the buttered cornflake topping fresh and sprinkle it over the casserole. Bake according to the original instructions. If baking directly from frozen (not recommended for best quality, but possible in a pinch), increase the baking time significantly, likely by an hour or more, covering with foil for the first half of the baking to ensure it cooks through without burning the topping.

Funeral Potatoes Recipe FAQs

More Delightful Potato Recipes to Try

If you’ve enjoyed the comforting goodness of these Funeral Potatoes, you’ll surely love exploring other fantastic potato dishes. From creamy soups to crispy wedges, there’s a potato recipe for every occasion:

• Buttery Parsley Potatoes: Simple, elegant, and packed with fresh flavor.
• Potato Pepper Jack Soup: A warming, cheesy soup with a delightful kick.
• Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup: The perfect hearty and comforting meal in a bowl.
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Achieve perfectly crispy potato wedges with minimal oil.
• Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream: A classic side elevated with a creamy, tangy twist.