Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

 

 

The Heartwarming Dish Behind the Unusual Name

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes check all the boxes quite like cheesy funeral potatoes. Warm, creamy, savory, and topped with a golden, crispy finish—this casserole-style potato bake has become a beloved staple across American households, particularly in the Midwest and Mountain West regions.

Despite their somber name, funeral potatoes are anything but gloomy. Traditionally served at post-funeral gatherings due to their crowd-pleasing nature and easy preparation, these cheesy potatoes have since found their way into holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and everyday comfort meals. With a rich blend of hash brown potatoes, cheese, cream soup, and a crunchy topping (usually cornflakes or Ritz crackers), this dish strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and nostalgia.

So, what makes cheesy funeral potatoes so irresistible? And how can you master the recipe at home while customizing it to your taste? Read on to discover the ultimate guide to this classic American comfort food—and why it deserves a place in your recipe rotation, no matter the occasion.

What Are Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral potatoes are a baked, cheesy hash brown casserole typically made with frozen shredded or diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a crunchy topping. The name “funeral potatoes” stems from their frequent appearance at church dinners, memorial services, and family gatherings—where comforting, easy-to-serve food is essential.

They’re often associated with Latter-day Saint (LDS) communities in Utah and surrounding states but have since become widely popular across the United States due to their rich, satisfying flavor and simplicity.

Why Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Are So Popular

There’s a reason these potatoes have become a go-to dish for everything from holidays to weeknight dinners. Here’s why they’re such a hit:

Comfort in Every Bite
With their creamy, cheesy base and crisp topping, funeral potatoes deliver a cozy, home-cooked feel that’s perfect for moments when comfort food is needed most.

Feeds a Crowd
This dish is ideal for large groups. It can be baked in a standard 9×13-inch casserole dish and easily doubled or tripled for events.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Using simple pantry staples like frozen potatoes, canned soup, and shredded cheese, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Make-Ahead Friendly
You can assemble funeral potatoes the day before and bake them when ready, making them a stress-free addition to any meal plan.

Highly Customizable
Add-ins like bacon, green onions, diced ham, or jalapeños can elevate the dish to fit any occasion or dietary preference.

Ingredients for Classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

To make traditional cheesy funeral potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded or cubed) – thawed

• Cheddar cheese – shredded, sharp for extra flavor

• Sour cream – for creaminess and tang

• Cream of chicken soup – or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version

• Butter – to bind and enrich the dish

• Onion – finely diced, optional for extra flavor

• Garlic powder – adds subtle depth

• Salt and pepper – to taste

• Cornflakes or crushed Ritz crackers – for the crispy topping

• Melted butter – mixed with the topping to create that signature golden crunch

How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfectly cheesy and crispy funeral potatoes every time:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the potato mixture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Step 6: Let Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Tasty Variations and Add-Ins

Funeral potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are some popular ways to customize the recipe:

Bacon Bits or Ham Cubes
Adding cooked bacon or diced ham transforms this side dish into a main course-worthy meal.

Spicy Jalapeños or Green Chilies
For a kick of heat, mix in chopped jalapeños or a can of diced green chilies.

Cream Cheese for Richness
Replace part of the sour cream with cream cheese for a thicker, richer consistency.

Different Cheeses
Try blending cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for new flavor combinations.

French Fried Onions Topping
Substitute the cornflakes with French fried onions for an extra punch of flavor and crunch.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

If you’re planning ahead or prepping meals in bulk, funeral potatoes are freezer-friendly and reheat well.

To Make Ahead:
Assemble the dish fully (except the topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

To Freeze:
Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. For best texture, add the topping fresh before baking.

To Reheat:
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick serving.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Funeral Potatoes

These potatoes are hearty and flavorful, making them the perfect side dish for a variety of mains:

• Glazed ham or roast beef for holiday meals

• Grilled chicken or pork chops for a family dinner

• BBQ ribs for summer cookouts

• Roasted vegetables for a vegetarian spread

Add a green salad or steamed green beans to balance out the richness and complete your meal.