Cheesy Funeral Potato Casserole

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Cheesy Funeral Potatoes – a beloved classic often known as “Party Potatoes.” This incredibly easy recipe promises a comforting, cheesy potato casserole that’s not only simple to prepare but also irresistibly delicious. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a crowd-plepleasing potluck dish, these make-ahead friendly potatoes will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Irresistible Cheesy Funeral Potatoes: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Comfort Casserole

The Story Behind the Name: Why “Funeral Potatoes”?

If you’ve ever wondered about the intriguing name “Funeral Potatoes,” you’re certainly not alone! This iconic dish, also affectionately called “Party Potatoes” or “Hash Brown Casserole,” holds a unique place in American culinary traditions, particularly within the Mountain West. The name originates from its long-standing popularity as a staple at after-funeral luncheons and other large communal gatherings. These events often require dishes that are easy to transport, can feed a large number of people, and offer a sense of comfort during difficult times.

Some references specifically call them “Mormon Funeral Potatoes,” highlighting their strong association with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Regardless of the specific occasion, the underlying reason for its popularity remains the same: it’s a hearty, satisfying, and universally loved dish that brings warmth and sustenance to any gathering. While the name might evoke a somber origin, the taste of these cheesy potatoes is anything but!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Casserole

This cheesy potato casserole is much more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary hug in a baking pan. Its enduring popularity stems from several key attributes:

• Unmatched Comfort: Few dishes deliver the cozy, nostalgic comfort of a warm, cheesy potato casserole. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy potatoes and melted cheese.
• Effortless Preparation: Featuring simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is designed for busy cooks. It requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a small family or a large group, Funeral Potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of textures and flavors appeals to almost everyone, making it perfect for potlucks, holiday meals, or casual get-togethers.
• Make-Ahead Versatility: One of its most appealing features is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, or even freeze it, allowing you to save precious time on the day of your event.
• Customizable: While delicious in its classic form, this recipe is also incredibly flexible. Easily adapt it to dietary needs or personal preferences by swapping out ingredients or adding extra flavors.

Similar to our popular Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole, this recipe offers a slightly different twist with its signature crispy topping, ensuring a textural delight in every serving.

Essential Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes

Crafting these epic Funeral Potatoes requires a few simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need, along with tips for variations and substitutions. Specific measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

• Frozen Hash Browns
• Sour Cream
• Cream of Chicken Soup or Cream of Potato Soup
• Butter
• Garlic Powder
• Cheddar Cheese
• Corn Flakes Cereal
• Salt and Pepper

Ingredient Deep Dive & Expert Tips:

• Frozen Hash Browns: The foundation of this casserole. You have the flexibility to use either diced or shredded frozen hash browns. Ensure they are fully thawed before mixing to achieve a perfectly cooked, uniform texture. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery and ensures even baking.
• Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and helps create the rich, creamy texture that defines Funeral Potatoes. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt, though it will alter the classic flavor slightly.
• Cream of Soup: The most traditional choice is cream of chicken soup, providing a savory depth. However, for a vegetarian-friendly option, cream of potato soup or even cream of mushroom soup works wonderfully. Just be sure to check labels if catering to specific dietary needs.
• Butter: Essential for both the creamy potato mixture and the crispy topping. It adds richness and helps create that golden-brown crust. Remember to divide the butter as instructed in the recipe for best results.
• Garlic Powder: A key flavoring agent that infuses the potatoes with a savory aroma. If you’re out of garlic powder, dried minced onion or onion powder can offer a similar aromatic profile. Fresh minced garlic can also be used, but adjust the quantity carefully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Classic sharp cheddar cheese offers a robust flavor and beautiful melt. Feel free to experiment with a triple cheddar blend, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a different twist. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
• Corn Flakes Cereal: This provides the signature crunchy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. If corn flakes aren’t available, or you prefer an alternative, crushed panko crumbs, Ritz crackers, or even potato chips can be used for a similar satisfying crunch.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the casserole. Always taste and adjust to your preference.

Optional Add-Ins: Elevate your Funeral Potatoes with delicious additions like crispy bacon bits, sautéed diced onions, chives, or a pinch of paprika for color and a subtle smoky flavor.

Recommended Equipment

Making Funeral Potatoes is straightforward and doesn’t require specialized tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for thoroughly combining all the ingredients without making a mess. A bowl with a handle can provide extra stability.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: The standard size for this casserole, ensuring even cooking and generous servings. A ceramic or glass dish works best.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing ingredients and gently folding in the hash browns.

How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this cheesy potato casserole is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time. Full, detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below.

Before You Begin: Thaw Your Hash Browns!

It’s crucial for the hash browns to be completely thawed before mixing. This ensures even cooking and prevents a watery casserole. The easiest method is to transfer the frozen hash browns from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a 200°F (95°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until thawed. Once thawed, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish.

1. Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken (or potato) soup, a portion of the melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-incorporated. Using a large bowl is key here, as you’ll be adding the potatoes to this mixture.

2. Add the Cheese: Introduce the shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the base. This ensures every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.

3. Incorporate the Potatoes: Gently add the thawed hash brown potatoes to the bowl. Fold them into the cream and cheese mixture until all the potatoes are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes; you want to maintain their texture. Spoon this entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

4. Prepare the Crispy Topping: Place the corn flakes in a sealed plastic bag and crush them by hand or using a rolling pin. You want them broken into smaller pieces, not pulverized into a fine powder, to retain some texture. In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes with the remaining melted butter. Mix well until the corn flakes are coated.

5. Assemble and Bake: Evenly spread the buttered corn flake mixture over the top of the potato casserole. Place the uncovered baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Once baked to perfection, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the casserole to set slightly. Now, it’s time to enjoy these epic cheesy potatoes!

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

The make-ahead friendly nature of Funeral Potatoes is one of their greatest advantages, especially when planning for busy holidays or large gatherings.

Make Ahead: You can easily prepare this cheesy party potato casserole in advance. Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where you spoon the potato mixture into the casserole dish. At this stage, you have two options:

• Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pull it out about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Add the cornflake topping and melted butter just before baking, then bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still very cold.
• Freeze: For longer storage, cover the casserole dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. If you plan on freezing and transporting the dish, using a disposable aluminum casserole pan is highly recommended for convenience. Thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the baking steps.

Storage: Any leftover Funeral Potatoes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain delicious for up to three days.

Freezing Leftovers: You can also freeze baked Funeral Potato leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire remainder to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months.

How to Reheat: For individual portions, the microwave is your quickest option. For larger amounts of leftovers, cover the dish with foil and reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, typically 20-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the topping again.

Recipe Variations to Explore

While the classic Funeral Potatoes recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

Substitutions:

• Potatoes: Feel free to use either diced or shredded frozen hash browns based on your preferred texture. You could even use leftover cooked potatoes, roughly mashed or diced, adjusting the liquid content slightly.
• Garlic Flavor: We love garlic powder for its convenience and even distribution. For a different flavor, consider dried minced onion, onion powder, or a teaspoon of fresh minced garlic (sautéed slightly before adding to the mix).
• Cheese: Classic cheddar is always a winner. However, experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or a rich Gruyere for an elevated flavor profile. A combination of cheeses can also create a more complex taste.
• Crispy Topping: If cornflakes aren’t your preference, substitute with crushed Ritz crackers (which add a buttery, salty flavor), panko bread crumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a super indulgent crunch.

Dietary Considerations:

• Vegetarian Option: The most common variety of soup used is cream of chicken. For a vegetarian version, simply swap it for cream of potato soup or cream of mushroom soup. Ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
• Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, you’ll need to make a few key swaps. Replace sour cream with a plant-based sour cream alternative, butter with a vegan butter substitute, cheddar cheese with a dairy-free shredded cheese blend, and ensure your cream of soup and cornflakes are plant-based and dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free: For gluten-free eaters, the primary concern is the cream of chicken soup and cornflakes, which can contain gluten. Opt for a certified gluten-free cream of chicken (or potato) soup and gluten-free cornflakes or a gluten-free bread crumb alternative for the topping.

Adjusting Serving Size: The written recipe typically yields 12 generous servings, ideal for a standard 9×13 dish. If you need to feed a smaller group, you can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan. For larger crowds, feel free to double or triple the recipe; just be sure to use appropriately sized baking dishes.

Make It Spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeños (fresh or canned) to the potato mixture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top can also add a subtle warmth.

Sugar-Free: The base recipe contains a minimal amount of sugar (around 1 gram per serving). If you’re strictly monitoring sugar intake, ensure all your packaged ingredients (like cream of soup) do not have added sugars.

Tips for the Best Funeral Potatoes Every Time

• Thaw Completely: As mentioned, fully thawed hash browns are critical for a consistent, non-watery casserole. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the potatoes gently into the creamy base to avoid breaking them down too much. You want to maintain some potato texture.
• Even Spreading: Ensure the potato mixture is evenly spread in the baking dish for uniform cooking and browning.
• Perfect Topping: Don’t pulverize the cornflakes. You want small, crunchy pieces, not a fine dust. Coating them well with butter ensures a golden, crispy crust.
• Monitor Baking: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your casserole, especially towards the end of baking, to ensure the topping doesn’t burn and the interior is bubbly and hot.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows it to set, making it easier to scoop and serve neatly.

What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes

These potluck-friendly Funeral Potatoes are a versatile side dish that adds a delightful cheesy, textured element to almost any meal. Their rich flavor makes them a perfect complement to a variety of main courses. Leftovers are often even better the next day!

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Broccoli Casserole: A green vegetable side balances the richness of the potatoes.
• Apple Stuffing: Offers a sweet and savory contrast, especially during holidays.
• Carrot Soufflé: A light, airy, and slightly sweet option.
• BLT Pasta Salad: A refreshing and hearty cold salad.
• Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon: A savory, smoky vegetable dish.
• Air Fryer Baked Potato: For those who can’t get enough potato! (Perhaps this link is better suited to a “potato variety” section, but keeping for original structure).
• Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream: A simple, comforting bread option.
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams: Another classic comforting casserole.
• Southern Style Green Beans: A simple, flavorful vegetable.
• CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans: A sweet and savory bean dish.

Ideal Main Dishes:

• Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken: A flavorful chicken dish that pairs well with cheesy potatoes.
• Stovetop Meatloaf: Classic comfort food pairing.
• Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers: Another hearty casserole for a complete meal.
• CrockPot Rosemary Pork: Tender pork with aromatic rosemary is a fantastic match.
• Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings: A soulful, classic pairing.
• CrockPot Macaroni & Cheese with Ham: While rich, these two can make a grand feast.
• CrockPot Salisbury Steak: A comforting and savory main.
• CrockPot Ham & Cheese Grits: A Southern-inspired hearty meal.

Complementary Desserts:

• Ooey-Gooey Butter Cake: A rich, sweet ending to a savory meal.
• Lemon Bars / Lemon Icebox Pie: A tart, refreshing counterpoint.
• Best Rice Krispie Treats: A simple, nostalgic sweet treat.
• Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler / Bisquick Apple Cobbler / Bisquick Peach Cobbler: Warm fruit cobblers are perfect after a comforting meal.
• Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding: A creamy, classic dessert.
• Molasses Cookies: Spiced, chewy cookies are a great seasonal choice.
• Banana Bread: A wholesome and satisfying sweet bread.
• Classic Chocolate Brownies: Everyone loves a good brownie!

Refreshing Drinks:

• Coke Slushie: A fun, cooling drink.
• Red Robin Freckled Lemonade: A sweet and fruity option.
• CopyCat McDonald’s Sweet Tea: A refreshing Southern staple.

When to Serve This Cheesy Casserole

The versatility of Funeral Potatoes means they’re suitable for a myriad of occasions, extending far beyond the solemn events that gave them their name.

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Potlucks and Picnics
• Cookouts and Barbecues
• Family Gatherings and Reunions
• Holiday Dinners (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
• Game Day Celebrations
• Baby Showers or Bridal Brunches
• Anytime you crave ultimate comfort food!

Explore More Delicious Recipe Collections

If you loved making these Funeral Potatoes, you’ll surely enjoy exploring our other curated recipe collections:

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This potato casserole dish also makes an excellent side dish for ham!

Don’t forget to check out our other popular categories like copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our extensive collection of CrockPot Recipes.

Thank you for exploring this wonderful Funeral Potatoes recipe with us! We hope you enjoy making and sharing this classic comfort food. Feel free to connect with us through our website for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration.