Funeral Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite

Warm, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, Funeral Potatoes are a beloved comfort dish that’s found a home at gatherings far beyond their traditional role. Often seen at potlucks, holiday dinners, and yes, even post-funeral meals, this casserole delivers everything you want in a side dish: rich creaminess, melted cheese, and a satisfying crunch on top.

Despite their somber name, Funeral Potatoes are all about comfort and connection. This creamy potato casserole, often made with hash browns or cubed potatoes, sour cream, cheese, and a buttery topping—usually made from cornflakes or crushed crackers—is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or indulging in it as a main dish, it’s pure cozy satisfaction in every forkful.

Ingredients for this Funeral Potatoes Recipe

1 (30 oz) bag of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
2 cups sour cream
1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped onion (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup melted butter
2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (like Ritz)
2 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes

Fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes until they’re fully coated in the creamy mixture. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the potatoes too much.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the topping is evenly coated and slightly glistening.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the buttery topping over the entire surface of the potato mixture. Don’t press it down—let it sit lightly on top for the best crunch after baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will help it firm up just enough to serve easily. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Funeral Potatoes will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely. Wrap it in two layers of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before baking, and bake fresh when needed.

Reheating:
To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 20–25 minutes if refrigerated, or 45–60 minutes if coming straight from the freezer (cover with foil and remove it for the last 10 minutes to crisp the topping).

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, approx. 1 cup)

Calories: 350
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 580mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on brand and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes! Peel and dice 6 cups of potatoes, parboil them for 10 minutes, then drain and use as directed.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

A homemade roux or cream of mushroom soup works well as substitutes, especially for vegetarians.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare everything except the topping, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping just before baking.

Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely. Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for variation.

What toppings can I use besides cornflakes or crackers?

Try crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or French-fried onions for a flavorful twist.

Is it gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free soup and a gluten-free topping option like crushed rice cereal or gluten-free crackers.

Can I add meat to make it a main dish?

Yes, diced cooked ham, crumbled bacon, or rotisserie chicken make great additions.

What can I serve with Funeral Potatoes?

They pair well with ham, roast chicken, green beans, or a simple garden salad.