My first encounter with funeral potatoes was at a community potluck, and I instantly understood why they’ve become such a beloved staple. There’s something undeniably comforting about their creamy, cheesy goodness, topped with that irresistible crunchy crust. If you’re looking to dive into the world of this classic side dish, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best funeral potato recipes available right now, guaranteeing you’ll find a new favorite to warm your soul and impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Funeral potatoes aren’t just a dish; they’re a tradition, a warm hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for so many occasions – from comforting a family during difficult times (hence the name) to being the star side dish at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender potatoes, rich cream sauces, and gooey cheese, often crowned with a buttery, crispy topping, is simply irresistible. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be made ahead, making them a lifesaver for busy hosts.
> “I first tried funeral potatoes at a Thanksgiving dinner, and they completely stole the show! So easy to make, and everyone asks for the recipe. This collection of 10 recipes is a game-changer!” – A Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Making funeral potatoes generally involves a few straightforward steps. You’ll typically start with pre-cooked potatoes (often frozen hash browns or cubed potatoes), which get mixed with a creamy, cheesy sauce base. This sauce usually features ingredients like canned cream soup, sour cream, butter, and lots of cheese. The mixture is then transferred to a baking dish, topped with a crunchy element (like crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or potato chips), and baked until bubbly, golden, and utterly delicious. Each of our 10 recipes might have a slight twist on this process, offering variations in ingredients and topping, but the comforting core remains the same.
What You’ll Need
To embark on your funeral potato adventure, you’ll generally need a few key players. While each of the 10 recipes will have specific measurements, here’s a common ingredient list:
- Potatoes: Frozen shredded hash browns or cubed potatoes are widely preferred for convenience. You can also boil and cube fresh potatoes.
- Creamy Base: Cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, or a combination are common. Some recipes use homemade béchamel for a more from-scratch approach.
- Dairy: Sour cream, Greek yogurt (for a lighter twist), or cream cheese add tang and richness.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but blends like Colby-Jack or Monterey Jack also work beautifully for extra meltiness.
- Fats: Butter is essential for sautéing and creating that golden, crunchy topping.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are standard.
- Topping: Crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter is the quintessential funeral potato topping, but crushed Ritz crackers or even potato chips are fantastic alternatives.
Directions to Follow
Since this article highlights 10 different recipes, we’ll provide a general outline. For specific ingredient amounts and detailed steps for each variation, you’ll want to click through to your chosen recipe!
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your chosen recipe (usually around 350-375°F or 175-190°C). Grease a large baking dish. If using frozen hash browns, allow them to thaw slightly while you prepare the sauce; this helps prevent a watery casserole.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream soup(s), sour cream, melted butter (some recipes call for sautéing onions first), and seasonings. Stir until smooth.
- Add Cheese & Potatoes: Gently fold in the shredded cheese and the thawed hash browns (or cooked potato cubes). Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine your crushed cornflakes (or other topping) with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the potato casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for the time specified in the recipe, usually 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to set up slightly.
What to Serve It With
Funeral potatoes are usually the star side dish, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Their rich, creamy nature perfectly complements:
- Roast Meats: Think roasted chicken, turkey breast, ham, or pot roast.
- Grilled Dishes: BBQ ribs or grilled pork chops benefit from the comforting balance of these potatoes.
- Simple Weeknight Meals: A meatloaf, roasted vegetables, or even just some steamed green beans are elevated by a scoop of funeral potatoes.
- Breakfast/Brunch: Believe it or not, they can be a fantastic addition to a hearty brunch alongside eggs and bacon.
For a balanced meal, always consider serving them alongside something fresh, like a simple green salad or a steamed vegetable to cut through the richness.
How to Store & Freeze
Funeral potatoes are fantastic for making ahead and handling leftovers like a champ.
- Storage: Store any leftover funeral potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger quantities, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot (about 20-30 minutes), removing the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the topping again.
- Freezing: Funeral potatoes freeze surprisingly well!
- Unbaked: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. You can freeze the entire dish (covered tightly) or portion it out into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as above. The topping might lose some of its crispness when frozen and reheated, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Skimp on the Thawing: If using frozen hash browns, let them thaw for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge. This prevents excess moisture from making your casserole watery. You can also gently press them in a clean kitchen towel to remove ice crystals.
- Flavor Boost: Sauté a finely diced onion or shallot in a tablespoon of butter before adding it to the creamy sauce. This adds a subtle layer of aromatic depth.
- Cheese Quality Matters: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, block cheese that you shred yourself often melts smoother and has better flavor, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents.
- Crispy Topping Secret: Don’t just sprinkle the topping; press it gently into the potato mixture. This helps it adhere and get nice and golden. A little extra butter melted with your cornflakes creates a more even, rich crisp.
- Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce mixture before adding the potatoes. This allows you to adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference. Remember, salty toppings like cornflakes and cheese will add flavor too.
Creative Twists
While the classic funeral potato recipe is perfect, there are endless ways to customize and adapt it:
- Protein Punch: Add cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken to make it a more substantial meal.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some finely chopped cooked broccoli, bell peppers, or even a can of drained corn for extra color and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a few drops of hot sauce in the creamy mixture can add a pleasant warmth.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends. A smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even a sharp provolone can completely change the flavor profile.
- Topping Variations: Instead of cornflakes, try crushed seasoned croutons, panko breadcrumbs, crumbled potato chips, or even crispy fried onions.
- Homemade Sauce: For a complete from-scratch version, use a homemade béchamel sauce seasoned with garlic and onion powder instead of canned cream soup.
Common Questions
Why are they called “funeral potatoes”?
A: The name comes from their popularity at post-funeral luncheons or gatherings. They are easy to make in large batches, comforting, and a dish that many people enjoy, making them ideal for feeding a crowd during a difficult time.
Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This is one of their greatest advantages. You can assemble the entire casserole (without the topping for best results) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking to ensure it gets nice and crispy.
What kind of potatoes are best for funeral potatoes?
A: Frozen shredded hash browns are the most common and convenient choice. They thaw quickly and provide the perfect texture. Cubed frozen potatoes can also be used, or you can boil and cube fresh potatoes for a more homemade feel.
My funeral potatoes turned out watery. What went wrong?
A: This usually happens if the frozen hash browns aren’t thawed adequately or if they contain too much ice. Gently squeezing thawed hash browns in a clean towel can help remove excess moisture. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature to allow for proper evaporation during baking.
Creamy Cheddar Funeral Potatoes
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- large mixing bowl
- small bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns slightly thawed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 16 oz sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (divided)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)
- 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.Slightly thaw frozen hash browns on the counter.
Make the Creamy Base
- Combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ¼ cup of melted butter, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Combine Potatoes & Cheese
- Add defrosted hash browns to the creamy mixture and fold in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix until evenly coated without overmixing.
Transfer & Top
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Prepare the Topping
- Melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter in a small bowl, then add crushed cornflakes or crackers and toss to coat.
Bake & Serve
- Evenly sprinkle the buttery crumb topping over the cheese layer. Bake for 45-60 minutes until bubbling and golden, then let rest for 5-10 minutes.