The Surprisingly Comforting Dish With the Strangest Name

What are they called?!

If you’ve ever heard someone mention “Funeral Potatoes” and thought, Wait… what?! You’re not alone! Despite the unusual name, this comforting, cheesy potato casserole made with hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cornflake topping are one of the most comforting, crowd-pleasing side dishes you’ll ever taste, and it’s one we make several times a year (for Sunday dinner, ALWAYS Easter, ALWAYS Thanksgiving, etc.)

They’re a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and yes, sometimes even at funerals. But don’t let the name fool you… these potatoes are anything but sad!

The quirky name comes from tradition—this dish was often served at funeral luncheons in the Midwest and Mountain West because it was easy to make, comforting to eat, and could feed a crowd. Over time, the name stuck, and now “Funeral Potatoes” are served everywhere from holiday dinners to family reunions and Sunday suppers.

Why You’ll Love Them

Not like you need more reasons why to love a potato side dish like Funeral potatoes, but here are a few of our favorite reasons.

• Cheesy and creamy: Comfort food doesn’t get better than this.
• Made with simple ingredients: You probably have most of them on hand already.
• Feeds a crowd: Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks.
• Easy to make ahead: Prep the night before and bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Always a hit: There’s a reason generations have passed this recipe down—it’s universally loved!

How to Make Them

Ingredients needed for funeral potatoes:

• 1 (32-ounce) package frozen diced hash browns, (or shredded potatoes)
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder, optional
• 2-3 cups corn flakes, crushed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-x-13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Place hash browns in a colander and let sit until fully thawed and drained.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine sour cream, soup, and ½ cup melted butter and mix well. Add cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and onion powder and mix until well combined. Add potatoes to cheese mixture and stir until combined. Place in the prepared dish.

Combine cornflakes and 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 and enjoy!!

So the next time you need a side that everyone will love, skip the fancy stuff and bake a pan of Funeral Potatoes. Trust me… they’ll be gone before you know it.

Printable Funeral Potatoes Recipe > CLICK HERE

For more great potato sides to try this fall, check out these favorites:

For more potato recipes:

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

4 hrs 5 mins

Mashed Potato Casserole

55 mins

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

48 mins

Twice Baked Potatoes

1 hr 40 mins