Funeral Potatoes Recipe – Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole for Comfort Food Lovers

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines creamy, cheesy potatoes with a golden, crispy topping. This recipe for funeral potatoes, often known as cheesy potato casserole, is exactly that kind of soul-soothing comfort food. Whether you’re attending a potluck, bringing a dish to a holiday gathering, or just looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner side, funeral potatoes always hit the spot.

Despite their somber name, funeral potatoes are more about love and comfort than anything else. The name comes from their common presence at post-funeral luncheons, particularly in parts of the American Midwest and among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Families would bring this warm, creamy casserole as a show of support, and it quickly became a staple for any kind of large gathering.

What I love most is how versatile it is. You can add protein to make it a main course, adjust the topping to suit your preference, or prepare it ahead of time to make your day a little easier. No matter how you make it, this recipe always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons this cheesy potato casserole has stood the test of time, but let’s start with the most obvious: the flavor. Sharp cheddar cheese gives this dish a bold, savory depth, while sour cream and cream of chicken soup bring the creaminess that makes each bite so satisfying. It’s like the best parts of a loaded baked potato all mixed into one dish.

In addition to being delicious, this recipe is extremely simple. You don’t need to peel potatoes or fuss with complicated steps. By using frozen cubed hash browns, you save time and effort without sacrificing taste or texture. Once thawed, they blend seamlessly into the rich, creamy mixture and bake up perfectly tender.

One of the things that makes this recipe so family-friendly is how approachable the flavors are. Even picky eaters will be tempted by the cheesy, crispy goodness on top. The buttery cornflake crust adds that little extra something—a nostalgic crunch that instantly reminds you of potlucks, family dinners, and cozy evenings at home.

You’ll also appreciate how this casserole is make-ahead and freezer-friendly. You can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven just before dinner, or freeze a batch to have on hand for unexpected guests or lazy Sundays. It’s reliable, versatile, and most of all, irresistibly good.

Health Benefits

While funeral potatoes are primarily a comfort food, there are still several ways this dish can provide nutritional value—especially when served as part of a balanced meal. Let’s break down some of the health benefits based on the ingredients used.

First, potatoes themselves are actually a great source of nutrients. They’re rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, and they contain fiber, especially when prepared with the skin. In this dish, we use frozen cubed hash browns, which retain many of those nutrients while saving time in the kitchen.

Cheddar cheese adds more than just flavor—it’s also a source of protein and calcium. A moderate serving of cheese contributes to bone health and provides essential nutrients that support muscle function. Using sharp cheddar allows you to use a bit less while still delivering big flavor, which can help keep fat content in check.

Sour cream, particularly full-fat, gives this dish its creamy texture. While higher in saturated fats, it also offers probiotics (when using cultured versions) that support gut health. If you want to lighten things up a bit, you can opt for reduced-fat or Greek yogurt as a substitute, which still keeps the texture creamy while boosting the protein content.

In summary, while this is an indulgent dish, you can easily tailor it to meet your nutritional goals. Pairing it with a fresh salad or a side of green vegetables makes it a more balanced meal, and making small ingredient swaps can add even more benefits.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

One of the many reasons this recipe is a staple in so many households is how quick and straightforward it is to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, it doesn’t require much hands-on time, and the results are always worth it.

Total Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 10–12 servings, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later in the week.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Of course, these numbers may vary based on ingredient brands and any substitutions you choose to make. If you’re tracking nutrition closely, you can input your specific ingredients into a nutrition calculator for the most accurate data.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting, cheesy casserole. Most of these ingredients are pantry or freezer staples, which means you can whip this up without a special trip to the store.

For the Casserole Base:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps bind the mixture together.
• 2 cups full-fat sour cream – Brings that signature tangy creaminess to the dish.
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup – Provides a savory base; cream of mushroom can be used as a substitute for a vegetarian version.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Gives a gentle savory depth without the bite of raw onions.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The key to that gooey, cheesy finish.
• 24 ounces frozen diced hash browns, thawed – No need to peel or cook potatoes; these provide the perfect texture.

For the Topping:

• 3 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed – Offer a crispy, golden topping.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the topping and ensures it browns beautifully.

You can also customize this base with optional mix-ins like:

• ½ cup chopped green onions for extra flavor
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken or turkey for protein
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or black pepper for a flavor boost

These ingredients come together quickly and create that signature balance of creamy, cheesy comfort with a bit of crispy magic on top.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Making funeral potatoes is as easy as mixing, layering, and baking. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a warm, comforting casserole on the table in no time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give it time to fully preheat. A hot oven ensures even cooking and helps the topping get beautifully golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 cups sour cream, the can of cream of chicken soup, salt, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Potatoes
Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the thawed hash browns. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Don’t overmix—just fold until combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, smoothing out the top.

Step 6: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with ½ cup melted butter. Toss until all the cornflakes are coated.

Step 7: Add the Topping
Spoon the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole. Don’t press it down—just spread it gently to cover the surface.

Step 8: Bake
Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly and the topping golden brown.

Step 9: Let It Rest
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While it shines on a holiday table, it’s also great for casual family dinners. Here are some favorite ways to serve it:

• As a side dish: Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled turkey breast, or even meatballs. It complements hearty proteins beautifully.
• As part of a holiday spread: Funeral potatoes are right at home next to stuffing, green beans, and halal glazed turkey.
• For brunch: Serve it alongside eggs, turkey bacon, and fresh fruit for a comforting morning meal.
• Turn it into a main course: Add diced cooked chicken, turkey, or beef for a one-dish dinner.

Pairing Suggestions

This cheesy potato casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes and sides, making it easy to fit into any meal.

Main Dish Pairings:

• Herb-roasted chicken thighs or drumsticks
• Beef pot roast or brisket with gravy
• Grilled turkey cutlets with lemon and herbs
• Meatloaf or turkey loaf for a classic comfort meal

Vegetable Sides:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted carrots with honey glaze
• A crisp arugula or cucumber salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Sautéed spinach or garlic zucchini

Bread Options:

• Warm dinner rolls
• Garlic naan
• Toasted baguette slices

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about funeral potatoes is that they store beautifully. You can make them ahead, store leftovers, or freeze for later use without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Refrigerator Storage:
Once cooled, cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Instructions:

• To freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole without the topping. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight, add topping, and bake as directed.
• To freeze after baking: Cool completely, then wrap in portions or as a whole. Freeze in airtight containers or wrap in freezer-safe foil. Reheat from frozen or thawed.

Reheating Tips:

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 20–25 minutes.
• If reheating a single portion, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to help revive the creamy texture.
• For a crispy topping, broil the last 2–3 minutes of reheating in the oven.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final outcome.

Using frozen hash browns without thawing:
If you skip thawing, the extra moisture can make the dish watery and prevent it from cooking evenly.

Overmixing the potato mixture:
Stir gently to combine ingredients. Overmixing can break down the potatoes and make the casserole mushy.

Using low-fat or watery sour cream:
Full-fat sour cream gives the best creamy texture. If you use low-fat, make sure it’s thick and not runny.

Pro Tips

Here are a few expert tips that will help you take your funeral potatoes from good to unforgettable:

Drain excess moisture from the hash browns:
Thawed hash browns sometimes have water. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing to avoid a soggy base.

Use sharp cheddar cheese:
Sharp cheddar gives more flavor with less cheese. You can also blend with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

Toast the cornflakes lightly before mixing with butter:
A quick toast in a dry skillet boosts flavor and keeps them from getting soggy while baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the base and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the topping right before you bake it.

Can I use shredded hash browns instead of cubed?
You can, but the texture will be softer. Cubed hash browns give a heartier bite and hold up better.

What can I use instead of cornflakes?
Crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed potato chips all work well as alternative toppings.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written. However, you can use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free cereal or breadcrumbs for the topping.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, and skip any meat-based add-ins.

How do I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the base mixture for extra heat.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Funeral potatoes are a timeless classic for good reason. They’re comforting, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make. With their creamy base, cheesy goodness, and buttery cornflake topping, this dish never fails to please a crowd. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, you can count on this casserole to be the star of the table.

So now it’s your turn to try it out. Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and whip up this comforting classic. When you do, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me—I love seeing your versions of the dishes I share. And if you loved it, leave a comment or share the recipe with a friend.

Funeral potatoes might have a humble name, but the flavor is anything but ordinary. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation.

Print