Funeral Potatoes are an iconic, irresistible dish known for their creamy, cheesy goodness and delightfully crunchy topping. This beloved hash brown casserole is the quintessential comfort food, making it an absolute showstopper at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday feasts. Imagine tender, shredded potatoes enveloped in a rich, savory sauce, all baked to gooey perfection, crowned with a golden, crispy layer.
If you’re a true potato aficionado, don’t stop here! Explore other fantastic potato recipes like our decadent Au Gratin Potatoes, delightfully textured Smashed Potatoes, or the perfectly fluffy Classic Baked Potatoes for your next mealtime inspiration.
Unlock the Secret to the Best Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Hailing from Utah, Funeral Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a culinary institution, a mandatory presence at every significant holiday table and community gathering. As a proud Utah native, I’ve had the pleasure (and responsibility!) of tasting countless renditions of this classic. Through years of appreciative sampling, I’ve distilled the finest elements from each version to create what I confidently declare is the absolute best recipe for this iconic dish.
This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience: perfectly shredded potatoes bathed in an incredibly rich and creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a wonderfully crispy crust. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your own home. The combination of simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and universally appealing taste makes this casserole a true winner for any occasion.
You might be wondering about the intriguing name – “Funeral Potatoes.” While they go by various aliases such as cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, or party potatoes, in my neck of the woods, they are universally known as Funeral Potatoes. This name originates from their frequent appearance at post-funeral luncheons, where their comforting nature provides solace during difficult times. But rest assured, despite the somber association, these potatoes are pure joy on a plate, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction to any gathering!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Funeral Potatoes
Crafting the perfect Funeral Potatoes starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature creamy texture, rich flavor, and irresistible crispy topping:
- Unsalted Butter: This allows you complete control over the overall saltiness of your dish. We use it for sautéing the aromatics and binding the crispy topping. Using unsalted butter prevents the dish from becoming overly salty, especially when combining with salty broth and cheese.
- Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: The convenience of frozen hash browns is key here. Ensure they are thawed slightly before use to integrate seamlessly into the creamy sauce and prevent a watery casserole. Look for plain, unseasoned shredded varieties.
- Yellow Onion: Finely diced, the yellow onion melts into the sauce, providing a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor without overpowering the potatoes. Dicing them small ensures they cook down and blend smoothly into the creamy base.
- Minced Garlic: Aromatic garlic is sautéed with the onions. Adding it at the right moment (after onions have softened slightly) prevents burning and ensures a robust flavor profile that complements the cheesy sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as the thickening agent for our luscious, creamy sauce, ensuring it perfectly coats every potato shred and holds the casserole together beautifully. It forms a roux with the butter, creating a stable base.
- Whole Milk: For the richest, most indulgent sauce, whole milk is essential. Its higher fat content contributes to a truly creamy and velvety texture that cannot be replicated with lower-fat alternatives.
- Chicken Broth: Beyond adding savory depth, chicken broth helps to thin the sauce just enough to achieve the ideal consistency, preventing it from becoming too dense or clumpy. It deepens the overall flavor profile significantly.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The heart of any cheesy potato dish! For the smoothest melt and best flavor, always freshly grate your own sharp cheddar. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can lead to a less desirable, powdery, or rubbery texture.
- Sour Cream: Adding sour cream off the heat is a critical step to prevent curdling. It introduces a delightful tanginess and extra creaminess that balances the richness of the cheese and rounds out the sauce’s flavor. Full-fat sour cream is highly recommended for stability and taste.
- Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips: The secret to our ultra-crispy, flavorful topping! Crushed to coarse crumbs, these chips provide an unmatched crunch and a hint of potato flavor that complements the casserole perfectly. Their sturdy texture holds up well to baking.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is blended into the potato chip topping, adding a layer of savory, umami flavor and contributing to that golden-brown finish. Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best results.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce to perfection. Always taste and adjust to your preference, remembering that ingredients like broth and cheese already contribute some sodium.
Choosing the Right Potatoes for Your Casserole
The star of our Funeral Potatoes recipe is, of course, the potatoes themselves. This recipe specifically calls for convenient, prepared, frozen hash browns, making it an incredibly accessible dish for home cooks of all skill levels. The beauty of using frozen hash browns lies in their consistent texture and minimal prep time, allowing you to create this comforting casserole without the need for peeling and shredding fresh potatoes.
Through extensive testing and countless batches, my absolute favorite type of hash browns for this casserole remains the plain, shredded variety. Avoid hash browns that are pre-seasoned, cubed, or formed into patties. The simple shredded texture allows them to absorb the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Brands like Ore-Ida® have consistently delivered excellent results in achieving the desired texture and taste for this recipe, offering reliably long, thin shreds that hold up well during baking.
When working with frozen hash browns, remember a crucial step: slightly thaw them and then drain any excess moisture before mixing them into the sauce. This simple act prevents your casserole from becoming watery or diluted, which can compromise the rich creaminess we’re aiming for. A quick microwave defrost followed by a few minutes in a strainer is usually all it takes to prepare them perfectly.
Crafting Your Cheesy Masterpiece: A Simple Overview
Making these delightful Funeral Potatoes is a rewarding culinary journey that results in a truly memorable dish. The process involves creating a rich, creamy sauce from scratch, expertly combining it with tender hash browns, adding a spectacular crunchy topping, and baking it all to golden perfection. It’s a series of easy-to-follow steps that build incredible flavor and texture, culminating in a casserole that’s both deeply comforting and utterly delicious.
You’ll start by gently sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic to form the flavorful base for your sauce. A classic roux, made with butter and flour, then ensures the sauce is wonderfully thick and velvety, perfectly embracing the shredded potatoes. Carefully incorporating freshly shredded cheeses and full-fat sour cream off the heat locks in their creamy richness and tangy depth without compromising texture. This attention to detail in the sauce-making is what truly sets this recipe apart.
Once assembled, the casserole bakes in two essential stages: an initial covered bake allows the potatoes to cook through and absorb all the savory goodness, ensuring every bite is tender and infused with flavor. This is followed by an uncovered bake where the glorious, buttery topping transforms into a golden, irresistibly crisp crust. This streamlined approach ensures a foolproof recipe, ideal for both seasoned cooks and beginners. For detailed, step-by-step instructions with precise measurements and timings, refer to the full recipe card below. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this ultimate comfort food!
Scaling Up: Making Funeral Potatoes for a Large Crowd
Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for feeding a large gathering with minimal stress. Their comforting nature and universal appeal make them an ideal choice for big parties, potlucks, or holiday events. I’ve personally prepared these for events catering to over 100 people, and with a few strategic tips, you can effortlessly scale up this recipe for any size party while maintaining quality and flavor:
- Yield per Casserole: Each standard 9×13-inch casserole, when served as a side dish, generously feeds approximately 12 to 15 people. To cater for 100 guests, you would ideally need to prepare around seven individual casseroles. It’s always a good idea to make a slight extra, as this dish is very popular!
- Prepare Topping Ahead: To save valuable time on the day of your event, prepare the crispy topping in advance. Crush your potato chips and mix them with Parmesan and melted butter, then store the mixture in sealed gallon-size bags in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows for quick assembly when you’re ready to bake multiple dishes.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Before placing multiple casseroles into the oven, allow them to sit out at room temperature for at least an hour. This crucial step ensures more even baking and reduces the overall cooking time, as the ingredients won’t be stone cold when they hit the heat.
- Baking Multiple Casseroles: When baking several casseroles simultaneously, use a large oven and ensure there is adequate space between each dish for proper air circulation. Cover each casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an initial 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the prepared topping over each, and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown and bubbling appearance around the edges, indicating they are perfectly done.
- Transporting and Serving: For potlucks or large events, consider using disposable aluminum pans for easy transport and cleanup. If serving immediately, keep baked casseroles warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting or in a warming drawer. For rewarming, a gentle oven heat is best.
Creative Variations and Customizations
While the classic Funeral Potatoes recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile and welcomes creative twists. Don’t hesitate to personalize this dish to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or simply what you have on hand. These variations can transform the casserole into something new and exciting while retaining its comforting essence.
- Alternative Toppings: If kettle-cooked potato chips aren’t your preference or readily available, you can easily swap them out. For a different crunch, try using 2 cups of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter. These alternatives still provide a fantastic golden, crispy layer.
- Add Protein for a Main Dish: Transform this comforting side dish into a hearty main course by incorporating cooked protein. After the first covered bake, layer in 1 to 2 cups of diced grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken on top of the hash browns, just before adding the crispy topping. This turns it into a full meal, similar to a comforting Chicken Divan casserole.
- Use Fresh Diced Potatoes: For those who prefer working with fresh potatoes, you can absolutely make this casserole from scratch. Simply replace the frozen hash browns with an equivalent amount of fresh diced potatoes, following the preparation steps outlined in a dedicated cheesy potatoes recipe that utilizes fresh spuds. Remember to par-cook fresh potatoes slightly for best results.
- Herbaceous Enhancements: Elevate the flavor profile with fresh herbs. Finely chop fresh parsley, chives, or thyme and sprinkle them into the topping mixture before baking for an aromatic boost and a touch of vibrant color. They can also be stirred into the sauce for a subtle herbal note.
- Bacon Bliss: Who doesn’t love bacon? Fry up some crispy bacon, crumble it, and stir the bacon bits directly into the creamy sauce for a smoky, savory dimension that pairs beautifully with the cheese and potatoes. Alternatively, sprinkle them on top with the chip topping for an extra crunch and burst of flavor. (Learn how to bake perfect bacon here!)
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and make an excellent accompaniment to a wide array of main dishes. Their rich and comforting nature perfectly complements both casual weeknight meals and elaborate holiday spreads. Their ability to soak up flavors and offer a satisfying bite makes them a favorite side for nearly any protein. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this cheesy potato casserole:
I typically enjoy Funeral Potatoes alongside a flavorful meat main course, such as juicy Blackened Chicken or a perfectly cooked Flat Iron Steak. To balance the richness of the potatoes and add a fresh element, I always include a generous, crisp side like a refreshing Caesar Salad. The bright flavors and textures provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy casserole.
Beyond everyday dinners, these cheesy hash browns truly shine as a star addition to any festive holiday dinner, effortlessly fitting into traditional menus:
- Easter Celebrations: Elevate your Easter spread by including Funeral Potatoes alongside other springtime favorites like classic Deviled Eggs, a vibrant Asparagus Salad with Tomato and Feta, and irresistibly easy Drop Biscuits. The creamy potatoes offer a delightful contrast to lighter spring dishes.
- Thanksgiving or Christmas Feasts: These potatoes are an absolute must-have at your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Pair them with a succulent Crockpot Turkey Breast, savory Thanksgiving Dressing, and the best homemade Dinner Rolls for a truly memorable holiday meal that embodies classic comfort.
- BBQ & Potlucks: For summer barbecues or neighborhood potlucks, Funeral Potatoes pair wonderfully with smoky grilled chicken, tender ribs, or slow-cooked pulled pork, offering a comforting and substantial contrast to savory meats.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers, making them a convenient option for busy schedules. However, a few considerations will ensure they remain delicious and maintain their quality and texture:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. To best preserve the crunchiness of the potato chip topping, it’s advisable to only add the topping to the portion you plan to eat immediately. If you’ve already topped the entire casserole, you can still store it, but be aware that the topping will naturally soften over time in the fridge.
- Freezing for Later: Yes, Funeral Potatoes freeze beautifully! This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for busy holidays, meal prep, or unexpected guests. To freeze, prepare the casserole entirely but omit the crispy topping. Once assembled in your baking dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil (or a freezer-safe lid) and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Defrosting and Reheating Frozen Casserole: When ready to enjoy frozen Funeral Potatoes, transfer the covered casserole to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Once thawed, bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time (Step 7) to ensure it heats through completely. Then, proceed with making and adding the crispy topping and baking uncovered until golden and bubbly.
- Reheating Refrigerated Leftovers: For refrigerated leftovers, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. For a crispier topping (if it was added), or to re-crisp a softened topping, reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is lightly re-crisped.
Explore More Beloved Utah Recipe Favorites
As a state known for its unique culinary traditions and thriving food scene, Utah offers a treasure trove of delicious recipes that are perfect for sharing. If you enjoyed these comforting Funeral Potatoes, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other cherished Utah classics that capture the essence of the local cuisine:
- Utah Scones: These aren’t your typical English scones! Utah scones are light, airy, and distinctively deep-fried dough, often served warm with a generous slathering of honey butter or powdered sugar – a true regional delight that’s soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe: Recreate the legendary sweet pork from the famous Utah-born Cafe Rio restaurant right in your own kitchen. This slow-cooked, tender, and subtly sweet shredded pork is perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls, embodying a flavor profile that’s uniquely Utah.
- Crumbl® Oreo Cookies: Utah is the proud birthplace of Crumbl Cookies, a sensation known for its giant, freshly baked gourmet cookies that change weekly. Try this copycat recipe to enjoy their popular Oreo cookie creation at home, featuring a soft cookie base with creamy frosting and cookie crumbles.
- Mint Brownies: Famous from a beloved Utah college bakery, these decadent brownies feature a rich, fudgy chocolate base topped with a refreshing, vibrant mint frosting, and often a smooth chocolate ganache layer. They’re a classic dessert that’s both elegant and satisfying.
- Fry Sauce: A true Utah icon, fry sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that’s an absolute must-have for dipping french fries (and almost anything else you can think of!). This unique blend of mayonnaise and ketchup, often with added spices, is a beloved local specialty. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 4 voters
Funeral Potatoes: The Ultimate Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
By Chelsea Lords
Funeral Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food: a rich, cheesy, and creamy casserole featuring tender hash browns baked to golden perfection with an irresistible crispy topping. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings and potlucks.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 as a side dish
Print Recipe
Video Overview
Watch a step-by-step video guide for making Funeral Potatoes. The video demonstrates preparation, cooking, and assembly for perfect results, making the process even easier to follow.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- Large pot
- Aluminum foil
- Strainer
- Whisk
- Gallon-size resealable bag (for crushing chips)
Ingredients
- For the Creamy Casserole:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (6 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for topping)
- 1 (28–32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (from 1 small onion)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk
- 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 6 ounces freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (approx. 2 cups, see Note 1)
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream (see Note 2)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Crispy Topping:
- 2 cups kettle-cooked potato chips, crushed (see Note 3)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (see Note 4)
- Remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Hash Browns: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Microwave frozen hash browns in their bag for 30 seconds, then transfer to a strainer to thaw and drain thoroughly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic. Season with about 1¼ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until onions are tender.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle ¼ cup flour over the mixture. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour, being careful not to brown it. Gradually whisk in 1½ cups whole milk, followed by 1½ cups chicken broth, ensuring a smooth sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Continue stirring for 3 minutes at a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the sauce visibly thickens and coats the back of a spoon (see Note 5).
- Add Cheeses & Sour Cream: Remove the pot from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in 6 ounces of freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, ¼ cup at a time, until completely melted. Mix in 1 cup full-fat sour cream until smooth.
- Combine Casserole: Add the thawed, drained hash browns to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan.
- First Bake (Covered): Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Topping: While baking, crush 2 cups of kettle-cooked potato chips into coarse crumbs (a gallon-size bag works well). In a bowl, combine crushed chips with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the topping mixture and stir to coat.
- Final Bake (Uncovered with Topping): Remove foil from the pan. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crispy topping over the potatoes. Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 minute (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Rest & Serve: Let the Funeral Potatoes stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set for easier scooping and optimal enjoyment.
Recipe Notes for Success
- Note 1: Freshly Shredded Cheese is Best: For superior melting and a perfectly smooth sauce, always shred your own Cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can lead to a slightly grainy or powdery texture when melted.
- Note 2: Full-Fat Sour Cream: Opt for full-fat sour cream to achieve the creamiest sauce. Low-fat varieties are more prone to curdling when exposed to heat, potentially compromising the smooth texture of your casserole.
- Note 3: Choosing Your Topping: While kettle-cooked potato chips are the preferred choice for their robust crunch and flavor, you can certainly substitute them. Two cups of crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter also create a delicious, crispy topping.
- Note 4: Grated Parmesan Quality: Similar to Cheddar, freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor and melting qualities for the topping. Avoid the pre-grated “shaker can” Parmesan, which can have a less desirable texture and taste.
- Note 5: Sauce Thickness Test: To confirm your sauce has reached the ideal thickness, dip a wooden spoon into it. The sauce should evenly coat the back of the spoon. Then, draw a line across the coated spoon with your fingertip – if the line remains clear and the sauce doesn’t immediately run back together, it’s perfectly thickened. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer and stir for a few more minutes.
- Storage of Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5–7 days. Please note that the potato-chip topping will naturally soften over time. For the crispiest experience, only add the topping to the portion you are preparing to eat.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 514mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 816IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 372mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Love this recipe? We’d be thrilled to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any creative twists you tried. Your feedback inspires us and helps other home cooks!