If you’ve ever been to a potluck in the Midwest or a post-service gathering in a small-town church basement, chances are you’ve had the joy of tasting Funeral Potatoes. This warm, cheesy, and soul-soothing casserole is the definition of American comfort food — rich with creamy potatoes, melted cheese, sour cream, and a buttery, crunchy topping.
Despite its somber name, Funeral Potatoes are often served at joyful gatherings too: Christmas, Easter, Sunday dinners, and family reunions. This recipe has earned its place at the heart of community cooking for a reason — it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and irresistibly satisfying.
Table of Contents
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Servings
Serves 12 people
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups crushed cornflakes
- ¼ cup butter, melted
🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, stir together the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter until well coated.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything firm up slightly and makes serving easier.
💛 Why They’re Called “Funeral Potatoes”
This dish earned its name from being a popular offering at post-funeral luncheons in the American Midwest. It’s easy to make in large batches, keeps well in warming trays, and offers a comforting presence during times of grief. Today, they’re enjoyed just as often during celebrations and holidays.
🔁 Variations & Tips
Use cream of mushroom soup – for a vegetarian twist
Add diced ham or bacon – to turn this side into a full meal
Swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers or panko – for different texture options
Make it spicy – add diced green chiles or jalapeños for a kick
Low-fat version – use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese
❄️ Storage & Freezing
Store: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
Freeze: Assemble the casserole without the topping and freeze up to 3 months. Add topping fresh when ready to bake
Reheat: Best reheated in the oven to maintain the crispy top, but microwaving works too
🌟 Serving Suggestions
Serve these potatoes alongside:
- Roast beef or ham
- Green beans or steamed broccoli
- Dinner rolls and salad
- Eggs and sausage for a hearty brunch
❓ FAQ – Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but it’s extra work. You’ll need to shred and parboil them first to ensure they cook fully.
Are they gluten-free?
The soup and cornflakes typically contain gluten. Use gluten-free versions to adapt the recipe.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare everything except the topping up to a day in advance. Refrigerate, then top and bake when ready.
Why are they so popular in Utah and Idaho?
This dish is deeply rooted in LDS (Mormon) community cooking, where comfort food and casseroles are central to gathering traditions.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Note: Values are estimates and can vary by ingredients used.
💬 Join the Conversation!
Have you made this Funeral Potatoes Recipe? Share your version with us by tagging #ComfortCasseroleLove on Instagram or commenting below with your family’s twist!
Print
Irresistible 5-Star Funeral Potatoes : Cheesy Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
If you’ve ever been to a potluck in the Midwest or a post-service gathering in a small-town church basement, chances are you’ve had the joy of tasting Funeral Potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups crushed cornflakes
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, stir together the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter until well coated.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything firm up slightly and makes serving easier.
Notes
Use cream of mushroom soup – for a vegetarian twist
Add diced ham or bacon – to turn this side into a full meal
Swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers or panko – for different texture options
Make it spicy – add diced green chiles or jalapeños for a kick
Low-fat version – use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 people
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
Keywords: Funeral Potatoes
