Funeral Potatoes Recipe: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Casserole

Why I Love This Classic Funeral Potatoes Recipe

The first time I had funeral potatoes wasn’t actually at a funeral—it was at a church potluck, and one bite in, I couldn’t help but ask, “What is this creamy, crispy miracle?” If comfort food had a mascot, funeral potatoes would be it. They’ve earned their spot at the table thanks to simple ingredients, crowd-pleasing flavor, and that unbeatable cheesy goodness in every bite. With deep roots in the Midwest and Utah, they’re a staple at gatherings, potlucks, holidays, and yes—funerals, where warm, familiar food brings people together.

What Are Funeral Potatoes?

A Comfort Food Classic with Many Names

• Also called:
  
  • Cheesy potatoes
  • Cheesy potato casserole
  • Funeral potato casserole
  • Even “funeral.potatoes” in online trends
• Why the name? Often served after memorial services.
• The base: potatoes, cheese, cream soup, and a crispy topping.

Variations You Might Have Seen

• Some use cubed hash browns, others shredded.
• Toppings vary:
  
  • Corn flakes (the OG classic)
  • Ritz crackers
  • Even potato chips

Ingredients for the Best Funeral Potatoes

Your Grocery List (For the Classic Version)

• Optional add-ins:
  
  • Garlic powder, green onions, bacon bits, or a dash of hot sauce

Step-by-Step: How to Make Funeral Potatoes

1. Prep Like a Pro

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Always start with a hot oven—cold starts = uneven bakes.
  
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and helps the edges crisp up.
  
• Thaw your hash browns completely before mixing. If you skip this, they’ll clump and release water—leaving you with a soggy mess.
  
• Tip: If you’re in a rush, spread the frozen hash browns on a sheet pan and pop them in the oven for 5–10 minutes to thaw faster.

2. Build a Flavor Base with Aromatics

• Sauté ½ cup finely chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  
• This isn’t just about softening the onion—it builds the base layer of flavor in the casserole.
  
• Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or a dash of hot sauce right into the sauté.

Chef tip: Raw onion in a casserole stays sharp. Cooking it mellows the bite and makes the whole dish taste more “together.”

3. Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a large bowl, stir together:

• 2 cups sour cream (full-fat = creamy texture)
  
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated melts better than bagged)
  
• Sautéed onions
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste (start with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)

Once the mixture is smooth:

• Gently fold in the thawed hash browns (about 32 oz total).
  
• Mix until just combined. Don’t overwork it—you want texture, not mashed potatoes.

Frankly: Overmixing kills the vibe. You want a scoopable, cheesy matrix—not wallpaper paste.

4. Assemble in the Dish

• Spread the cheesy potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
  
• Don’t press it down too hard—a bit of looseness helps with airflow, giving you better browning and texture.
  
• Smooth the top just enough so the topping will sit evenly.
  

Want to upgrade? Add crumbled bacon, diced ham, or chopped green onions right into the mix before baking.

5. Crunchy Topping + Bake to Perfection

• Crush 2 cups of corn flakes lightly with your hands or in a zip-top bag. You want flakes, not dust.
  
• Toss the flakes with ¼ cup melted butter until they’re coated and golden.
  
• Sprinkle the buttery corn flakes all over the top of the casserole.
  
• Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until:
  
  • The sides are bubbly
    
  • The top is golden brown
    
  • The aroma is cheesy and irresistible

Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly and the flavors to meld.

Resting time isn’t optional—it’s the secret to a clean, creamy slice instead of a runny mess.

Tips for Next-Level Cheesy Potatoes

Technique Tips from a Pro

• Use block cheese, not pre-shredded – it melts better.
  
• Don’t skip the onion—it’s the flavor glue.
  
• Avoid overmixing once potatoes go in—it’ll get gluey.
  
• Want a twist? Use pepper jack or smoked gouda.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using frozen potatoes straight from the bag (they’ll clump).
  
• Skimping on the topping—crispy matters.
  
• Overbaking = dry, not creamy.

Variations on Funeral Potato Casserole

Customize Based on Occasion or Craving

• Funeral potatoes with corn flakes – classic and crunchy
  
• Swap corn flakes for:
  • Ritz crackers for buttery crunch
  • Panko for a lighter crisp
    
• Make it spicy:
  • Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce
    
• Make it hearty:
  • Add rotisserie chicken, ham, or bacon

What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Casserole

Perfect Pairings for a Balanced Meal

• Ham (classic holiday combo)
  
• Roasted vegetables
  
• Green salad with tangy vinaigrette
  
• Dinner rolls to soak up all the cheesy goodness
  

How to Store and Reheat Funeral Potatoes

Meal Prep and Leftovers Made Easy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container (fridge: 3–4 days)
  
• Reheat in oven at 350°F for 20 minutes (cover loosely with foil)
  
• Can you freeze it?
  
  • Yes, before baking. Just thaw overnight and bake as directed.

FAQ: Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Why are they called funeral potatoes?

They’re a popular comfort food served at post-funeral luncheons, especially in the Midwest and Mormon communities.

Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble everything but the topping, refrigerate, and add the topping right before baking.

What’s the best topping for funeral potatoes?

Corn flakes with butter is the traditional go-to, but Ritz crackers or crushed chips work great too.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

You can, but shred them yourself and rinse/starch them well. Frozen hash browns are just easier and more consistent.

Are funeral potatoes gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free cream soup and topping. Regular canned soups usually have flour.

onclusion: This Is the Cheesy Potato Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again

Whether it’s a holiday, a potluck, or just a craving for cheesy comfort, this funeral potatoes recipe delivers every time. It’s gooey, crunchy, nostalgic—and just plain delicious. If you’re looking for more comforting potato ideas, check out my roundup of ground beef and potato recipes for lunch—they’re just as hearty and satisfying. Give this one a shot. Make it your own. And don’t forget the crispy topping—that’s the part people fight over. Try it this weekend and tag someone who needs to taste this.