If you’ve ever attended a potluck, family gathering, or holiday dinner, chances are you’ve encountered the legendary Funeral Potatoes. Despite their somber name, these creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.
With crispy, buttery cornflake topping and a creamy, cheesy potato base, this dish is a staple in Midwestern kitchens, church potlucks, and holiday tables. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, Easter, or a cozy Sunday dinner, Funeral Potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s dive into this classic, nostalgic dish and learn how to make it perfect every time!
Why Are They Called Funeral Potatoes?
The name comes from their popularity at post-funeral gatherings, where comfort food is always appreciated. In Mormon (LDS) culture, they became a traditional dish served at church luncheons after funerals. But don’t let the name fool you—these cheesy, creamy potatoes are also a favorite for celebrations, holidays, and casual family meals!
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
For the Casserole:
- 900g (2 lbs) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 50g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 can (300g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
- 240ml (1 cup) sour cream
- 250g (2 ½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 60g (2 cups) cornflakes, crushed
- 30g (2 tbsp) butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 3: Mix the Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sautéed onions, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until everything is well mixed and coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping evenly over the potato mixture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
(Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Funeral Potatoes
✔️ Make It Extra Cheesy – Add parmesan cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooey goodness.
✔️ No Cornflakes? No Problem! – Swap the cornflake topping with panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even potato chips.
✔️ Want More Flavor? – Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for a meaty twist.
✔️ Make It Vegetarian – Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a meat-free version.
✔️ Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve!
Why This Recipe Works
Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food because they are:
✅ Creamy & Cheesy – The perfect combination of sour cream, cheddar, and creamy soup.
✅ Crispy on Top – A golden, crunchy cornflake topping that adds the perfect texture.
✅ Easy to Make – Just mix, pour, top, and bake!
✅ Feeds a Crowd – Perfect for potlucks, parties, and family dinners.
What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes
Pair these cheesy potatoes with:
- Baked Ham – A classic holiday pairing!
- Roast Chicken – The creamy potatoes balance out a well-seasoned roast.
- Grilled Steak – Comfort food meets gourmet with this combo.
- Green Beans or Roasted Vegetables – For a touch of freshness.
- Garden Salad – A light, crisp salad pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
???? Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Peel and shred about 900g (2 lbs) of russet potatoes, then soak them in cold water for 5 minutes before draining and patting dry.
???? Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything except the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed.
???? Can I freeze Funeral Potatoes?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the topping), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake.
???? How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
Leave a Comment