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Funeral potatoes are a quick, easy-to-make side dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you want to feed and comfort loved ones or win over the crowd at a cookout or potluck, you can’t go wrong with this mouthwatering cheesy potato casserole.
Funeral Potatoes are a mainstay of our customary Easter dinner, perhaps even more so than honey-baked ham. (We’ve had a recurring debate regarding Easter ham in recent years, but Funeral Potatoes are never in question.)
Here in Utah, this cheesy potato casserole (akin to potatoes au gratin) graces the table at just about any social function, including funerals, but it’s especially popular at Easter. I now buy my shredded potatoes well ahead of the Easter holiday, having experienced the dire consequences of waiting too long and finding that every store in town has been totally cleaned out.
We take our Funeral Potatoes very seriously around here, which should tell you everything you need to know about how delicious they are!
Table Of Contents
Utah Funeral Potatoes Ingredients
- Shredded hash browns: Shredded potatoes are the foundation of Funeral Potatoes. Potato casseroles can be time- and labor-intensive, but refrigerated (or frozen) hash browns make this particular casserole quick and easy to throw together.
- Cream of chicken soup (or SOS mix): Cream of chicken soup is a staple in creamy casseroles like this one. I often use my prepared SOS mix (1/3 cup of SOS mix plus 1 1/4 cups of water, cooked until thickened) instead of the canned stuff, but it’s great both ways.
- Sour cream: Sour cream helps thicken the cheese sauce, and lends a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the potatoes and cheese.
- Cheddar cheese: You can’t have a cheesy potato casserole without cheese! Cheddar melts wonderfully and adds plenty of flavor.
- Butter: As in any good casserole, butter adds a rich flavor to the cheese sauce and moisture to the other ingredients.
- Green onions: Green onions lend a fresh flavor and texture that contrasts deliciously with the cheese sauce and potatoes.
- Cornflakes: A layer of crushed cornflakes forms a crispy, golden brown crown atop these cheesy potatoes, adding a satisfying crunch and enhancing its visual appeal.
How To Make Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
Ingredients:
- 2 (20-ounce) bags shredded hash browns, refrigerated or frozen*
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup (or prepared SOS mix)
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- 1/3 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
*Thaw and drain frozen hash browns before using them in this recipe.
Directions:
Set aside 2 tablespoons of the butter to use later, then place the remaining butter in a saucepan and melt it on your stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, and green onions, then cook until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. Set the sauce aside.
Arrange the hash browns in an even layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the shredded potatoes. (Feel free to stir the sauce and potatoes together, but I don’t bother — it doesn’t seem to make much difference either way.)
Melt the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then add the crushed cornflakes and stir.
Sprinkle the cornflake topping evenly over the cheesy potatoes, then bake for 45 minutes at 325 degrees F, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool and set up for 15 minutes before digging in.
“I can’t wait to try this recipe. I’m always trying to come up with delicious side dishes for the holidays and this one sounds perfect! Seeing as we’re cooking so many things, [using] shredded potatoes takes away some of the work and time! I think you could prepare these a day or two ahead […] to save even more time.”
– OGT Reader Deb A.
How to Enjoy Leftovers
To store leftover funeral potatoes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave the potato casserole for 2-3 minutes, or bake it in your oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. (The oven method may be a bit slower, but I prefer it for reheating larger quantities.)
Serving Suggestions
Funeral potatoes make a delicious side dish for any occasion. Serve them alongside:
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- Spiral-cut ham
- Roast turkey
- Roast chicken
- Smoked or grilled pork ribs
Funeral Potatoes Ingredient Substitutes
| Ingredient | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Shredded hash browns | Grated potatoes, frozen shredded potatoes, or frozen diced potatoes |
| Cream of chicken soup | SOS mix, cream of onion soup, or cream of mushroom soup |
| Sour cream | Plain/Greek yogurt or mayonnaise |
| Cheddar cheese | Colby jack cheese or shredded cheese blend |
| Butter | Margarine |
| Green onions | Shallots |
| Cornflakes | Crackers or potato chips |
More Delicious Potato Recipes
Is there anything potatoes can’t do? Whether you prefer to boil ’em, mash ’em, or stick ’em in a stew, potatoes make affordable comfort food for all ages and occasions.
Check out some of my other favorite potato-based recipes:
- Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
- Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- World’s Best Potato Salad
- Microwave Potato Chips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make Funeral Potatoes Ahead Of Time?
Yes! I recommend storing the cheese sauce, potatoes, and cornflakes separately and assembling the casserole just before baking it. If you don’t have time for that, you can prepare the casserole one day ahead of time and reheat it in your oven for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Why Are They Called Funeral Potatoes?
This potato casserole gets its name because it’s a popular dish to serve at church and community gatherings, including funerals. (It has several similar monikers, in fact — Church Potatoes, Wedding Potatoes, Picnic Potatoes, Potluck Potatoes, etc.)
Conclusion
This Funeral Potatoes recipe is one of my favorite comfort foods to serve (and, more importantly, eat) at special occasions and social gatherings. I’m sure you and yours will love it too!
Have you ever tried making funeral cheesy potatoes?
Utah Funeral Potatoes Recipe (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
Ingredients
- 40 oz shredded hash browns
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 16 oz sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
- 1/2 cup butter divided
- 1/3 cup green onions finely chopped
- 1 cup cornflakes crushed
Instructions
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the butter for later, then melt the remaining butter in a saucepan on your stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, grated cheese, and green onions, cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is well combined, then remove from heat.
- Arrange the shredded potatoes in an even layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top of the potatoes.
- Melt the reserved butter in a small bowl and stir in the crushed cornflakes.
- Sprinkle the cornflake topping over the cheesy potatoes.
- Bake at 325 degrees F for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are hot and bubbly.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
