Experience the ultimate comfort food with our beloved Funeral Potatoes recipe! This classic cheesy potato casserole, a Utah favorite, is incredibly comforting, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any gathering, not just solemn occasions. Get ready to bake a crowd-pleasing dish that will become a staple in your home!
Few dishes evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia quite like a hearty potato casserole. And when it comes to the pinnacle of potato perfection, few can rival the sheer deliciousness of Funeral Potatoes. This iconic dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug, a staple for celebrations, holidays, and everyday comfort. Often hailed as a popular Utah casserole, these cheesy potatoes transcend their unique name to deliver a truly unforgettable side dish experience.
Searching for that quintessential holiday side dish that effortlessly feeds a crowd and leaves everyone asking for more? Look no further! This creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying hash brown casserole is a true showstopper. While it graces our Easter table frequently, its versatility makes it an ideal companion for Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas dinners, or any special occasion demanding a touch of homemade goodness. In fact, its straightforward preparation and universally loved flavor profile make it a perfect choice for nearly any gathering, big or small.
Why Are They Called Funeral Potatoes? Unpacking the Comforting Name
The name “Funeral Potatoes” often raises eyebrows outside of Utah, prompting questions about its unusual moniker. Rest assured, it’s not a typo, but rather a charming, albeit somber, nod to its origins! This iconic potato side dish earned its name because it’s a time-honored tradition to serve it at post-funeral luncheons in Utah and other parts of the Intermountain West. Its popularity in such settings stems from several key characteristics that make it an ultimate comfort food. Funeral Potatoes are incredibly comforting, offering a soothing presence during difficult times. They are also remarkably crowd-friendly, easy to prepare in large quantities, and transport well, making them ideal for feeding many people with minimal fuss.
While the name might suggest a specific context, please don’t let it limit your enjoyment! This casserole is so universally loved that it’s consumed year-round, at every type of celebration imaginable. Its deep roots in community and compassion have cemented its place in regional cuisine, but its deliciousness ensures it’s enjoyed far beyond its namesake event. It’s a testament to good food bringing people together, offering solace and joy in equal measure. Thankfully, you can savor these delectable cheesy potatoes anytime you desire, without any specific occasion required.
Beyond its most recognized name, this versatile and much-loved dish goes by many other endearing titles, each reflecting a facet of its appeal. You might hear it called Cheesy Potato Casserole, accurately describing its primary ingredients. For intimate gatherings, it might be referred to as “Company Potatoes,” signifying its ability to impress guests. Some call them “Comfort Potatoes” for the sheer joy they bring, or “Holiday Potatoes” for their frequent appearance at festive tables. More simply, it’s often known as “Hash Brown Casserole,” highlighting its main potato component. And, for those who truly appreciate its rich, indulgent nature, the playful (and perhaps cautionary) term “Heart Attack Casserole” is sometimes used, a nod to its decadent flavor that’s hard to resist!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cheesy Potato Casserole
Creating the ultimate Funeral Potatoes recipe starts with a selection of readily available ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:
- Butter: We recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe. While I’m a self-proclaimed salt enthusiast, the combination of other ingredients—especially the canned soup and cheese—provides ample salinity. Sticking with unsalted butter gives you better control over the final salt content, ensuring a perfectly balanced dish. Butter is crucial for both richness in the potato mixture and for achieving that coveted golden, crispy topping.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: As a regular reader, you know I often opt for homemade alternatives. However, for an authentic and convenient Funeral Potatoes experience, cream of chicken soup is a classic choice. It forms the creamy base that binds all the ingredients together, contributing a savory depth that is signature to this casserole. If chicken isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a vegetarian cream of potato soup. For the ambitious home cook, a homemade béchamel sauce or a roux-thickened chicken broth can elevate the dish to a new level of scratch-made goodness.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is key to the casserole’s luxurious texture and tangy flavor. Sour cream adds a delightful richness and a subtle tartness that beautifully cuts through the savory cheese and potatoes, preventing the dish from being overly heavy. For the best outcome and an undeniably creamy consistency, we strongly suggest using full-fat sour cream. This is a comfort food dish, so embracing the richness is part of the experience!
- Cheddar Cheese: A cornerstone of any cheesy potato casserole! For superior melt and flavor, always opt for freshly grating your cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting, resulting in a slightly grainy texture. While sharp cheddar offers a bold flavor, a medium cheddar provides a more balanced profile that appeals to a wider audience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or a touch of Colby for added complexity.
- Chopped Onions: Finely chopped yellow or white onions are perfect for this recipe. They melt into the casserole as it bakes, providing a foundational layer of savory aromatic flavor without being overtly pungent. The subtle sweetness that develops from cooked onions enhances the overall depth of the dish, making it more complex and satisfying. Ensure they are finely minced so they blend seamlessly into the creamy potato mixture.
- Frozen Hash Browns: The star of the show! You have flexibility here; both shredded and cubed frozen hash browns work wonderfully. Shredded hash browns tend to cook faster and create a softer, more uniform texture, ideal for those who prefer a melt-in-your-mouth potato experience. Cubed hash browns, on the other hand, offer more distinct potato pieces and a slightly firmer bite. Whichever you choose, keep in mind that the cooking time will vary; shredded varieties typically bake quicker. No need to thaw them before mixing, as they will cook thoroughly in the oven.
- Corn Flakes and Butter (for topping): The iconic crunchy topping! There’s sometimes confusion, but these are indeed plain, unsweetened corn flakes, not Frosted Flakes. Crushing them coarsely and then drizzling with melted butter creates a golden, crispy crust that adds an essential textural contrast to the creamy potatoes underneath. If corn flakes aren’t your preference, or you’re looking to mix things up, there are fantastic alternatives: consider panko bread crumbs for a delicate crunch, crushed potato chips for an extra salty kick, crispy French fried onions for a savory bite, or even a generous sprinkle of more shredded cheese for an ultra-cheesy top. Bacon bits can also be a delightful addition for meat lovers.
Mastering the Art of Making Funeral Potatoes
Creating this beloved cheesy potato casserole is surprisingly simple, even for novice cooks. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly golden and bubbly dish:
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grab a standard 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving and cleanup.
- Melt the Butter: In a generously sized mixing bowl, melt the specified amount of butter. A microwave is typically the quickest way to do this; simply heat in short bursts until fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a small saucepan on the stove and then transfer it to your large mixing bowl. The key is to have a bowl large enough to accommodate all the ingredients, giving you plenty of room to stir everything without spillage.
- Combine Creamy Components: To the melted butter in your large bowl, add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped onions. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir these ingredients together thoroughly. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a smooth, cohesive creamy sauce. This ensures an even distribution of flavor and a luscious texture throughout the casserole.
- Integrate the Hash Browns: Gently fold in the frozen hash browns (shredded or cubed, as per your preference) into the creamy mixture. Continue stirring until all the potato pieces are evenly coated. It’s important that every bit of hash brown is immersed in the flavorful sauce to prevent dry spots and ensure consistent cooking. Remember, there’s no need to defrost the hash browns beforehand.
- Fill the Baking Dish: Once mixed, carefully transfer the entire potato mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use your spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly across the bottom, ensuring it’s level for uniform baking.
- Add the Topping: Now for the signature crunchy topping! Evenly sprinkle the coarsely crushed corn flakes over the entire surface of the potato mixture. Try to get a consistent layer across the whole casserole.
- Drizzle with Butter: Finally, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the corn flakes. This melted butter is what helps the corn flakes become beautifully golden and crispy during baking, providing that irresistible textural contrast.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake until the casserole is heated through, bubbling around the edges, and the corn flake topping is golden brown and crispy. For shredded hash browns, this typically takes about 30 minutes. If you’re using cubed hash browns, allow 55-60 minutes for them to cook thoroughly and become tender. A good sign of doneness is when a knife inserted into the center meets no resistance.
Expert Tips for Perfect Funeral Potatoes Every Time
Unlock the full potential of your Funeral Potatoes with these handy tips and tricks, ensuring your cheesy potato casserole is always a showstopper:
- Make-Ahead Magic: Funeral Potatoes are fantastic for meal prepping! You can assemble the entire casserole, including the potato mixture, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The crucial tip here is to hold off on adding the corn flake topping until just before you’re ready to bake. This prevents the corn flakes from becoming soggy and ensures a perfectly crisp crust.
- Freezing for Future Feasts: For even longer planning, this casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the potato mixture and spread it into your baking dish (or a freezer-safe aluminum pan). Wrap it tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator overnight. Then, add the corn flakes and melted butter right before baking, as you would with a freshly assembled dish. This method is a lifesaver for busy holiday seasons or unexpected potlucks.
- Doubling the Recipe: While you can technically double the recipe, be mindful of your mixing bowl size. The volume of ingredients will be substantial, so you would need a *very* large bowl to mix everything adequately. A more manageable approach is to simply prepare two separate batches in two standard 9×13-inch baking dishes. This ensures easier mixing and consistent baking results for both casseroles.
- Hash Brown Thawing (or Not!): There’s no need to defrost your frozen hash browns before mixing them into the casserole. They will cook perfectly in the oven. However, if you do happen to thaw them beforehand, note that your casserole will likely be finished baking 10-15 minutes faster. Adjust your baking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra layer of savory depth, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder to your potato mixture. A pinch of black pepper can also enhance the overall profile. For a smoky kick, crispy crumbled bacon bits can be folded into the potato mixture or sprinkled on top with the corn flakes.
- Serving Suggestions: Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with virtually any main course, from a holiday ham or roasted turkey to grilled chicken, steak, or even a simple weeknight roast. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads alongside eggs and sausages.
- Ingredient Quality Matters: While this is a humble casserole, using good quality ingredients makes a difference. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has superior flavor, and full-fat sour cream truly delivers on creaminess.
Watch How to Make Funeral Potatoes
To guide you through each step and ensure your Funeral Potatoes turn out perfectly, you can watch our comprehensive video above. It provides a visual demonstration of the entire process, from mixing the ingredients to achieving that golden, crispy topping.
More Delicious and Easy Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love:
If you’re a fan of comforting and crowd-pleasing side dishes, explore some of our other cherished recipes that are sure to become new family favorites:
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes – Looking for something familiar yet uniquely different? This recipe offers a delightful twist on classic scalloped potatoes, perfect for changing things up without venturing too far from tradition.
- Glazed Carrots – An incredibly easy side dish that consistently disappears from the table! The sweet glaze transforms simple carrots into an irresistible accompaniment for any meal.
- Scalloped Corn and Broccoli – This vibrant and creamy casserole has quickly become a holiday staple in our home, offering a wonderful vegetable-packed option that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Corn Casserole – Simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but bursting with enough flavor to grace your holiday spread. This creamy corn dish is always a winner!
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Funeral Potatoes
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
12 servings
Side Dish
American
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 32 oz package frozen shredded or cubed hash browns
- 3 cups corn flakes, coarsely crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large bowl. Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, and onions and mix well to combine. Stir in the hash browns until thoroughly coated. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the 3 cups of crushed corn flakes evenly on top of the potatoes. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the corn flakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven. For shredded hash browns, bake for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. For cubed hash browns, bake for 55-60 minutes, or until tender and heated through.
Video
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
Calories: 339kcal (17%),
Carbohydrates: 27g (9%),
Protein: 9g (18%),
Fat: 23g (35%),
Saturated Fat: 14g (88%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 66mg (22%),
Sodium: 760mg (33%),
Fiber: 3g (13%),
Sugar: 2g (2%)
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