Funeral Potatoes Cheesy, Creamy Comfort Food Recipe

The Ultimate Funeral Potatoes Recipe: Cheesy Comfort Magic

Comfort comes in many delicious forms, and this funeral potatoes recipe delivers pure cheesy bliss.

These potatoes have been a staple at community gatherings across the American Midwest for generations.

creamy, golden, and packed with irresistible flavor, this dish goes beyond simple side fare.

Layers of tender potatoes mingle with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts in your mouth.

Each bite carries warmth and nostalgia, connecting you to cherished memories of shared meals.

The crispy, golden top provides a perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, decadent interior.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this classic comfort food that promises to delight and satisfy.

Creative Takes on Funeral Potatoes

  • Vegetarian Potato Delight: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap corn flakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free rice cereal for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and dairy-free cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Up Funeral Potatoes Comfort

  • Hearty Breakfast Companion: Pair these funeral potatoes with crispy bacon strips and fluffy scrambled eggs for a satisfying morning meal.
  • Family-Style Dinner Delight: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or tender pot roast as a comforting side dish that everyone will love.
  • Potluck Perfect Plating: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings, church events, or neighborhood barbecues where rich, cheesy dishes are always welcome.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare as a delicious snack during sports watching parties, where its warm, creamy texture will keep guests coming back for seconds.

Saving Leftover Funeral Potatoes Well

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's taste and texture.
  • Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

  • Where did funeral potatoes originate?

Funeral potatoes are a traditional Mormon/Utah comfort food, typically served at post-funeral gatherings and family potlucks in the Mountain West region of the United States.

They earned their name because they were commonly prepared and served at church gatherings and funeral receptions in Mormon communities as a comforting, easy-to-make side dish that could feed large groups.

  • Are funeral potatoes considered a vegetarian dish?

Not typically, as the recipe includes cream of chicken soup and often contains butter. Vegetarians would need to substitute those ingredients with vegetarian alternatives.

Why Funeral Potatoes Are So Addictive

  • A soul-warming dish that brings pure cheesy goodness to your dinner table with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations where everyone craves a delicious side dish that disappears quickly.
  • Combines simple ingredients and takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Delivers a delightful contrast between crispy corn flake topping and creamy, cheesy potato base that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Everything in Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Hash Browns: Diced potatoes that create the hearty base of this classic comfort dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, melty flavor to the casserole.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that helps bind the ingredients together.
Dairy Components:
  • Sour Cream, Butter: Ingredients that contribute to the luxurious, creamy texture of the casserole.
Seasoning and Topping:
  • Salt, Onion Powder: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Corn Flakes: Crunchy topping that provides a delightful crispy texture to the dish.

Tools for Making Funeral Potatoes

  • 9×13 inch glass baking dish: Perfect for baking and serving the entire casserole comfortably.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining creamy potato mixture and ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Needed for preparing the crispy corn flake topping.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients evenly.
  • Non-stick cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy dish removal.
  • Cheese grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Steps for Creamy Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting ready for a delicious potato adventure.

Step 2: Whip Together the Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend these delightful ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Sour cream
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Salt
  • Onion powder

Mix everything until smooth and luxurious.

Step 3: Marry Cheese and Potatoes

Fold in these tasty additions:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Thawed diced hash browns

Stir until every potato is hugged by cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grab a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray.

Pour your potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Craft the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Crushed corn flakes

Toss until the corn flakes are perfectly coated and glistening.

Step 6: Crown Your Casserole

Sprinkle the buttery corn flake mixture over the potato base, creating a golden, crispy blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

Watch for bubbling edges and a gorgeous golden-brown top.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Give your masterpiece a brief 5-10 minute cooling period before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and the texture to set.

Clever Tips for Funeral Potatoes Success

  • Use high-quality butter for richer, more intense flavor in the creamy mixture.
  • Experiment with sharp cheddar or mix cheeses like monterey jack for deeper taste complexity.
  • Crush cornflakes coarsely to create extra crunch and textural contrast in the topping.
  • Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian option or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for healthier alternative.
  • Prepare casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Funeral Potatoes Cheesy, Creamy Comfort Food Recipe

Funeral Potatoes Cheesy, Creamy Comfort Food Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Funeral potatoes deliver a comforting embrace of cheesy goodness from Mormon culture. Hearty potato casserole delights families with its rich, creamy texture and crispy topping. You’ll savor each indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) frozen hash browns, cubed or diced, thawed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups sour cream

Dairy and Soup Base:

  • 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Seasonings and Topping:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3 cups corn flakes, slightly crushed

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
  2. Whisk together melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, salt, and onion powder in a spacious mixing vessel until smooth and thoroughly integrated.
  3. Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese and thawed hash browns into the creamy mixture, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
  4. Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch glass baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
  5. Create the crispy topping by mixing melted butter with crushed corn flakes, thoroughly coating each corn flake fragment for maximum crunch.
  6. Distribute the buttery corn flake mixture across the surface of the casserole, creating an even, golden-brown coverage.
  7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, watching for a bubbly texture and beautifully bronzed edges.
  8. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the creamy interior to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Customize the crunch by experimenting with different cereal toppings like panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for added texture and flavor variation.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
  • Reduce calories by using low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and less butter without compromising the delicious creamy taste.
  • Prep ahead by assembling the casserole a day before and storing it in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star