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This best-loved cheesy family favorite feeds a crowd making it perfect for holidays!
A Holiday Must-Have!
There are certain side dishes that have to be made on Thanksgiving for our family. Some of those include my aunt’s famous Ham, my mom’s famous rolls, and several side dishes, including funeral potatoes (also known as cheesy potato casserole).
We also make Classic Mashed Potatoes as well, but we always have at least two pans of funeral potatoes because we love them that much!!
Why we love Funeral Potatoes
- They are sinfully delicious!! So flavorful and filled with ingredients we all love – it’s the ultimate comfort food!
- So many variations! Add onions, leave them out, or add ham or change up the toppings based on preference.
- Can be made ahead of time. Funeral potatoes are the perfect side dish for large gatherings, parties, and holidays (like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 45 minutes
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced hash browns – Use shredded hash browns instead of cubed potatoes – we have a similar recipe using them for Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole.
- 2 cups sour cream – we recommend full-fat sour cream but reduced fat works as well as plain Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup – You can use other flavors of soup such as cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even cream of chicken soup.
- ½ cup unsalted butter – used for flavoring within the casserole
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – You can also use medium or mild cheddar cheese or another favorite like Monterey jack cheese.
- 1 teaspoon salt – you can also add some black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – or ¼ cup diced onions
- 2-3 cups corn flakes – unfrosted cornflake cereal works the best, but you can also use Panko, bread crumbs, Lays Potato Chips, and most kinds of crackers will do, but Ritz crackers work best.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter – flavors and crips up the cornflake topping.
Use Fresh Potatoes
Peel about 6-7 medium russet potatoes and cut into small cubes. Add the cubes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a dash of salt and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain potatoes and allow to cool to room temp before adding the cubes to the cream mixture
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
- PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- POTATOES. Place 1 (32-ounce) package hash browns in a colander and let sit until fully thawed and drained.
- COMBINE. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 2 cups sour cream, 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup melted butter and mix well.
- Add 2 cups shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon onion powder and mix until well combined.
- Add potatoes to cheese mixture and stir until combined. Place in a lightly greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish.
- Combine 2-3 cups cornflakes and the remaining ¼ cup melted butter in a large resealable plastic bag and shake until cereal is coated.
- Sprinkle buttered cornflakes over potatoes.
- BAKE. Bake for 42–46 minutes. Serve warm.
Crock Pot Method
We like this version in the oven, but we do have a similar Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes recipe that you’ll love!
Complete the Meal
- MAIN DISHES: Crockpot Ham, Crock Pot Pot Roast, Best Roast Chicken
- DESSERTS: Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Easy Chocolate Cake
- More SIDE DISHES: Glazed Carrots, Favorite Dinner Rolls, Roasted Vegetables, Green Bean Casserole
More collections: Potato Side Dishes, Vegetable Side Dishes, Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen diced hash browns, (or shredded potatoes)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, optional
- 2-3 cups corn flakes, crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place 1 (32-ounce) package hash browns in a colander and let sit until fully thawed and drained.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 2 cups sour cream, 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup melted butter and mix well.
- Add 2 cups shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon onion powder and mix until well combined.
- Add potatoes to cheese mixture and stir until combined. Place in a lightly greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish.
- Combine 2-3 cups cornflakes and the remaining ¼ cup melted butter in a large resealable plastic bag and shake until cereal is coated.
- Sprinkle buttered cornflakes over potatoes.
- Bake for 42–46 minutes. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Why are They Called Funeral Potatoes?
- At some point, someone noticed that this side dish had become a staple at funeral luncheons and the nickname has stuck. They’re an easy side dish to feed a crowd which means they are great for holiday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings all year long.
Added Flavor?
- Use extra salt, pepper, garlic salt, paprika, chili powder, or red pepper flakes. Toss on cooked crumbled Bacon or ham (similar to our Ham and Potato Casserole).
Make it for a Crowd?
- To make this recipe for 50 or more people – triple the recipe or more. This recipe serves about 16 people. Make sure you have a few 9×13 pans lying around to bake all the potatoes in! Or better yet – buy large disposable pans to bake them in.
Can I Make it ahead of time?
- Make them as directed, but don’t add the cornflake topping or butter. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the butter and cornflake topping and bake as directed!
How to Store Funeral Potatoes?
- Place the leftover cheesy potatoes with cornflakes in an airtight container and leave it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place the desired amount on a plate and reheat in the microwave until heated.
How to Freeze?
- Make as directed and spread in the baking dish (use a disposable pan if freezing). Do not add the cornflakes, instead cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I can tell you why they’re called Funeral Potatoes! They’re at EVERY mormon funeral luncheon. 🙂 This recipe looks great, thanks!
Is there an adaptation for the crockpot?
Is the cream of chicken soup condensed??
They are called funeral potatoes because in Utah they are typically served at a funeral dinner.
I’ve also made these potatoes for years, sans the Corn Flakes. We’ve dubbed them Heart Attack Potatoes. No holiday would be complete without them!
Hi there, I made these last night for dinner. Had never heard of them before but seemed so delicious I had to try them. Only thing I changed I did Bran Flakes instead of Corn flakes. They were indeed delicious. But I thot this had too much butter as came out a little runny & could see it on the plates as I served it. My hubby who is totally against greasy mentioned it. So I think next time which there will be a next time I will use less butter. Thanks for sharing.
Any tips for making ahead of time? Should I wait to add the corn flakes until I reheat? I’m in charge of potatoes this Thanksgiving, and staying at my Aunt’s the night before (so I’ll have to make them before I leave for her house). They want to have as much as possible done the night before so we just have to reheat when we get home from black Friday shopping. Tips?
My ex sister-in-law taught me this recipe about 23 years ago, but she just called it Potato Casserole. It was so good that I committed the recipe to memory! I have switched it up from time to time and added things like crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, and even chopped broccoli. Land ‘O Lakes makes a sour cream with onions & chives, so I’ve used that as well. This dish gets made at least once a month in my house, and we have often been known to make it as a side-dish for breakfast too. Whenever I make this, I always make a second batch. I bake one for the meal, and the second batch I mix and store in a large Ziploc bag (I keep the potatoes frozen) and throw it in the freezer for later use; just thaw the entire bag in the fridge while I’m at work and then throw it in a casserole dish and cook it that evening! Great comfort food!!!
Isn’t it the best?! I will definitely have to try it with the Land O Lakes sour cream you mentioned – YUM!
People called this dish funeral potatoes because the casserole is commonly served as a side dish during traditional after-funeral dinners, such as those planned by members of Relief Society (a LDS auxiliary organization).
I know why they’re called funeral potatoes. Because back in the day, all the female friends and family, made sure that there was enough food in the house that everyone who came back to the house after the funeral service would have a wide variety to eat. The ladies would have it all ready to go. So the conversation would go something like this. Imogene, are you going to bring that great roast beef you make. But of course. Betty, do you want to do that pudding cake or bar cookies this time. Oh I think the pudding cake. Ok Georgette, can you make that fabulous wedding shower salad? And I think I’ll make my funeral potatoes they always go well.
As a child I was privy to lots of these conversations, while my mom and her friends planned occasions. Recently my mom had a wedding shower for my daughter. Sitting on the table was the Patio Chicken Salad. Served both at my shower, my wedding, and every patio party my mom has ever gone to. One of my favorites.
You’re totally right, Jennie!!
Making them right now!!!