Cheesy, delicious Funeral Potatoes: a staple for potlucks or holiday celebrations! Frozen hash browns are tossed in an irresistible cream sauce and baked to gooey perfection with a crisp, crunchy potato chip topping.
Love potato side dishes? Us too! You’ll go crazy for our Au Gratin Potatoes, Smashed Potatoes, or Baked Potatoes. (a “secret” method makes these potatoes in half the time!)
Is There Another Name For Funeral Potatoes?
Yes! This casserole dish is also known as cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, cheesy hash browns, party potatoes, or great potatoes. This traditional potato hot dish (or casserole) is popular in the American Midwest and Intermountain West.
Are Funeral Potatoes A Utah Thing?
This cheesy potato dish originated in Utah! And, as a native to Utah I’m well accustomed to Funeral Potatoes. And while, gratefully, I haven’t attended too many funerals, I have had my fair share of these potatoes. So I can say truthfully this recipe for Funeral Potatoes is the absolute best I’ve ever had!
While they’re often served on a holiday table, you’ll also be sure to find them at just about any gathering of people in Utah. Or elsewhere, for that matter!
This side dish is pure, cheesy comfort food — packed with shredded potatoes, a luscious cream sauce, and a crispy-crunchy topping — what’s not to love?!
Quick Tip
Funeral Potatoes–the delicious side dish with the curious name–got their name for good reason. When a friend passes away, there is often a dinner held after the funeral. Various friends or church members pitch in dishes, and these potatoes are a crowd favorite. They often appear at funerals…and people started referring to them this way!
What Funeral Potatoes Are Made Of
Frozen hash brown potatoes make up the base which is a nice shortcut (no need to wash, peel, or shred potatoes).
Typically, this recipe calls for canned condensed soup, but we prefer making the cream base from scratch. Not only does it taste way better, but it’s not too much more work and you’ll know exactly what’s in your dish.
And finally: a crispy, crunchy, and salty topping of kettle potato chips, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Another option (and perhaps the most traditional way to prepare Funeral Potatoes) is with Corn Flakes. But, we prefer the kettle chip topping! Pick your crunch!
What Kind Of Potatoes Go In Funeral Potatoes?
This Funeral Potatoes recipe calls for prepared, frozen hash browns!
We’ve tried many different types of hash browns and our favorite remains plain and shredded, not seasoned or cubed.
Ore-Ida® has been a favorite in testing (not sponsored).
Quick Tip
If you’d prefer to make Funeral Potatoes with fresh potatoes, try out our Cheesy Potatoes recipe instead!
How To Make Funeral Potatoes
- Start by setting out the hash browns to begin thawing. I like to pop the bag in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute to start the process. The less frozen, the better they bake!
- Prepare the cheesy cream sauce. We start with a roux (butter plus flour) and gradually add in some milk and chicken broth. Once the sauce is nice and thick, we mix in some cheese–creating the perfect creamy, cheesy sauce to bathe the hash browns in!
- Stir everything together and transfer to a 9×13-inch pan, cover with foil and bake.
- Add the topping: Mix crushed chips with butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole and bake again!
Making Funeral Potatoes For A Crowd
These potatoes were invented to feed a crowd! In fact, I have personally made these potatoes for over 100 people. Here’s how:
- Each cheesy casserole feeds about 12-15 people (as a side dish). So, to make funeral potatoes for 100 people, make seven of these casseroles. Prepare the topping ahead of time as well, but don’t add it to the potatoes yet. Store it separately in air-tight bags in the fridge for up to a day.
- Before baking, set casseroles out on the counter for about an hour to come up to temperature. Then cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes or until hot. Remove foil, add topping and bake until topping is golden and cheese is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Variations
Variations
- We created this Funeral Potatoes recipe without corn flakes, but we’ve tested it with them as well. Use equal amounts (2 cups) crushed cornflakes instead of potato chips if desired. A panko or breadcrumb topping is also an option here; again 2 cups of panko is perfect.
- To make Funeral Potatoes with chicken (similar to Chicken Divan), either serve some grilled chicken on the side, or mix through some diced rotisserie chicken. I’d add the chicken after the initial bake time right on top of the hash browns and below the crunchy potato-chip topping.
Funeral Potatoes FAQs
What are Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a cheesy potato casserole made with frozen hash browns and lots of cheese. It has a crunchy topping like corn flakes, potato chips, crumbled crackers, or bread crumbs.
At what temperature do you bake Funeral Potatoes?
This recipe for Funeral Potatoes calls for setting the oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures tender potatoes inside and a perfect crunch on top.
What cheese should I use in Funeral Potatoes?
I use two cheeses in this recipe:
- Sharp Cheddar (or extra sharp) for a richer, more pungent flavor.
- Parmesan for its savory, salty taste that complements the Cheddar and adds a final layer of seasoning.
Storage
Can You Freeze Funeral Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Prepare as directed, but leave off the topping. Cover tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to initial bake time, adding the topping after that first bake.
Storing Leftovers
These potatoes store well for about 5-7 days in the fridge, but the potato chip topping will soften and become soggy. If you don’t intend on finishing the entire casserole in a day, only add topping to what will be used at one time.
What To Serve With Funeral Potatoes
- Add to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table along with Crockpot Turkey Breast, Sweet Potato Casserole, Thanksgiving Salad or Winter Salad, Thanksgiving Dressing, and the best, no-knead Dinner Rolls.
- Add to your Easter spread along with this Deviled Egg Recipe, Asparagus Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Cobb Salad, and these easy Drop Biscuits.
- Or enjoy with an everyday sort of dinner alongside some Roasted Broccoli, Grilled Chicken (or Blackened Chicken) or a Marinated Steak.
More Utah Recipe Favorites:
- Utah Scones with honey butter!
- Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe a Utah-restaurant copycat
- Crumbl® Oreo Cookies Utah is home to Crumbl cookies — here’s another copycat recipe
- Mint Brownies famous from a Utah college bakery
- Fry Sauce a must-have Utah condiment
Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 bag (28-32 ounces) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion, 1 small
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup white all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk
- 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups (6 ounces) freshly grated sharp cheese Note 1
- 1 cup sour cream Note 2
- 2 cups kettle-cooked potato chips Note 3
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Note 4
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray. Microwave the hash browns in the bag for 30 seconds, then place them in a strainer to thaw while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, garlic, and seasonings (I use 1 to 1-1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; adjust to taste). Stir occasionally until the onions soften, about 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1 minute, ensuring it doesn't brown. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Then gradually add the chicken broth while continuing to whisk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, stir constantly for 3 minutes. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes (Note 5). Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the Cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup at a time, until melted. Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
- Add the hash browns and stir until coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- While the potatoes bake, prepare the topping. Crush potato chips in a large bag to coarse crumbs using a frying pan or rolling pin. Measure 2 cups of crumbs and add to a bowl with Parmesan cheese. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the mixture. Stir to coat.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the topping evenly over the potatoes. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Broil for 1 minute if desired. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy promptly!
- These potatoes store well in the fridge for 5-7 days, but the potato chip topping will soften. If you won't finish the casserole in one day, only add topping to the portion you'll use immediately.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Going to make for Christmas get together
Enjoy!
I’ve been making the previously posted recipe for funeral potatoes for a few years now (requested every thanksgiving by the in-laws) so I’m sad to see it’s changed. I’m always down to mix it up so I hope this holds up, it has big shoes to fill!
I hope you love this! Thanks Chris! 🙂
If I plan to cut the recipe in half, do I bake for the same amount of time as the full recipe? Can’t wait to try these, they look so good!
I’ve never heard of funeral potatoes before! This looks so good though! I have to try them for dinner this weekend, thank you!
Hope you love them Bryan! 🙂
Bryan, why review a recipe if you’ve never tasted it… that defeats the purpose :/