Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes, a rich and comforting casserole dish, is a staple in many households, particularly in the western United States, often associated with Mormon culture and potluck gatherings

Its name comes from its tradition of being served at post-funeral luncheons, especially in Utah and surrounding states. This dish is prized for its creamy, cheesy texture and crispy topping, making it an indulgent comfort food. Although commonly associated with somber occasions, Funeral Potatoes are also a favorite at family gatherings, holidays, and casual dinners.

Why you will love Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral Potatoes offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that make them irresistible.

• The creamy base, made with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheese, gives a rich and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness of the potatoes.
• The addition of crispy, buttery cornflakes or potato chips on top provides a crunchy contrast to the smooth filling, adding to the dish’s appeal.
• The blend of flavors from the cheese, sour cream, and chicken soup creates a savory, umami-filled experience that is deeply satisfying.

The comfort factor in this dish comes from both its texture and its rich, homey flavor, making it the perfect choice for comforting friends and family.

Serving suggestions for Funeral Potatoes

Holiday Feast
Serve Funeral Potatoes as part of a larger holiday spread. Alongside roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib, this dish adds a comforting, creamy element that pairs beautifully with meats. The crunchy topping also contrasts nicely with other softer side dishes like stuffing or mashed potatoes.

Casual Family Dinner
Funeral Potatoes make a fantastic centerpiece for a casual family dinner. Pair them with grilled or roasted chicken for a comforting, hearty meal. Adding a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad balances out the richness and adds a fresh element.

Potluck or Gathering
This dish is perfect for potlucks due to its crowd-pleasing nature and ease of preparation. It can be made ahead of time and heated up just before serving. Pair it with a variety of side dishes like rolls, salads, and meatballs to offer a complete and satisfying meal to a larger group.

Side dishes for Funeral Potatoes

Green Beans Almondine
A simple side of sautéed green beans with toasted almonds provides a fresh, light contrast to the richness of Funeral Potatoes. The crispness of the beans, paired with the nutty flavor of almonds, balances the creamy and cheesy casserole, making for a more well-rounded meal.

Honey Glazed Carrots
These sweet and slightly caramelized carrots complement the savory nature of the Funeral Potatoes. Their natural sweetness is enhanced by the honey glaze, offering a contrasting flavor and adding a pop of color to the plate, making them an ideal, vibrant side dish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their slightly bitter and charred flavor, offer a nice counterbalance to the heaviness of the potatoes. Tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasting them until crisp brings out their nutty flavor and makes them a healthy, flavorful side.

What do you need to make Funeral Potatoes?

Hash Brown Potatoes
These are the heart of the dish, providing substance and texture. The potatoes absorb the flavors of the sour cream, cheese, and soup while offering a mild, slightly sweet base. Frozen hash browns are convenient, as they save time on peeling and shredding and provide uniform size for consistent texture.

Sour Cream
Sour cream is the key to the creamy texture of the dish. It adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and butter. Its high-fat content makes the casserole indulgent and helps bind the potatoes and other ingredients together into a cohesive dish.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, savory depth that elevates the dish. The melting quality of cheddar ensures that every bite is gooey and rich. It also provides a contrasting flavor to the tanginess of the sour cream, while the crust it forms adds an additional layer of texture.

Cream of Chicken Soup
This adds a savory, hearty flavor while providing the necessary moisture for the casserole. The cream of chicken soup gives a mild chicken flavor and creates a creamy consistency that binds the dish together without overpowering the other flavors.

Butter
Butter enhances the overall richness of the dish and adds a smooth mouthfeel. When mixed into the filling, it ensures the potatoes stay moist. When melted and combined with the topping, it helps create a crispy, golden crust that contrasts with the creamy filling.

Onions
The onions add a mild sweetness and a subtle crunch, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. As they cook, they soften and release their natural sugars, creating a nuanced depth of flavor without being too overpowering.

Garlic Powder
Garlic powder adds a subtle yet noticeable savory note. It complements the cheese and onions, adding complexity without making the dish taste too garlicky. Garlic enhances the umami factor, making the dish even more satisfying.

Cornflakes or Potato Chips
The topping is essential for providing the crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling. Cornflakes are traditional, offering a light, crispy texture, while potato chips add a more robust, salty crunch. The butter mixed with the topping helps achieve a golden, crispy finish.

Funeral Potatoes step by step

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir the frozen hash browns into the mixture until everything is well combined. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture.

4. Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.

5. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes or potato chips with ¼ cup of melted butter. Mix until the topping is coated in butter.

6. Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes or chips evenly over the potato mixture to create a crispy topping.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden and crispy.

8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.

You might also like…

• Potato Frittata
• Vegan Potato Curry
• Crispy Potato Pancakes

Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes, a rich and comforting casserole dish, is a staple in many households, particularly in the western United States, often associated with Mormon culture and potluck gatherings. Its name comes from its tradition of being served at post-funeral luncheons, especially in Utah and surrounding states.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Calories 410

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 cups frozen hash brown potatoes shredded or diced
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup finely chopped onions
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups cornflakes or potato chips, crushed
• ¼ cup melted butter for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
• In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stir the frozen hash browns into the mixture until everything is well combined. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture.
• Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
• In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes or potato chips with ¼ cup of melted butter. Mix until the topping is coated in butter.
• Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes or chips evenly over the potato mixture to create a crispy topping.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden and crispy.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.

Keyword Cheese, Corn Flakes, Potato