Funeral Potatoes Recipe - Classic Mormon Casserole

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any gathering, look no further than this Funeral Potatoes Recipe. This classic Mormon casserole, a beloved dish often found at potlucks, family gatherings, and yes, even funeral luncheons, is a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying potato side dish that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Packed with tender potatoes, a rich, creamy sauce, and a crispy, buttery topping, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Get ready to experience pure culinary comfort!

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Key Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes

To create this delectable Funeral Potatoes Recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole so irresistible.

2 lbs frozen shredded hash browns: (approx. 1 large bag), thawed. Thawing ensures even cooking and prevents a watery casserole.
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Or cream of mushroom/celery soup for a vegetarian option. This forms the creamy base.
1 (8 oz) container sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the sauce.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Melted, divided. Used in both the potato mixture and the topping.
1 medium onion: Finely chopped. Provides a subtle savory depth.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Or a cheddar-jack blend, divided. Essential for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
2 cups crushed cornflakes: For the classic crunchy topping, or crushed Ritz crackers for a richer, saltier crunch.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy. Its simplicity lies in combining readily available ingredients into a creamy, cheesy base that’s then topped with a delightful crunch. The preparation time is minimal, taking only about 15-20 minutes of active work before it bakes into golden-brown perfection. You’ll love the rich flavor profile and the comforting texture that makes this casserole a true standout.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Sauté Onion: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. This step enhances the flavor of the onion and deepens the overall taste of the casserole. Remove from heat.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, remaining 6 tablespoons of melted butter (reserving the last 2 tablespoons for the topping), sautéed onion, salt, and pepper. Whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates the rich, creamy sauce for the potatoes.
Add Potatoes and Cheese: Gently fold in the thawed shredded hash browns and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes starchy.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the potato mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, crush the cornflakes (or Ritz crackers) until they resemble coarse crumbs. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add it to the crushed cornflakes, tossing to coat evenly. This buttery coating ensures a golden and crisp topping.
Add Topping & Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Then, evenly distribute the buttered cornflake topping over the cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges, and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Rest & Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart.

Why You’ll Love This Funeral Potatoes Recipe

You are going to absolutely adore this Funeral Potatoes Recipe for its unrivaled comforting appeal. The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredible combination of tender, creamy potatoes enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, all crowned with a delightfully crispy topping. Making this crowd-pleasing dish at home is incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to feed a large group without breaking the bank, especially compared to buying pre-made sides.

The flavorful crunch of the cornflake (or Ritz cracker) topping, along with the savory notes from the onion and the gooey melt of cheddar cheese, makes every bite an experience. If you’ve enjoyed our Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole, you’ll find this recipe offers a similar level of satisfaction with an added textural dimension. Give this classic a try and discover your new go-to comfort food!

What to Serve Funeral Potatoes With

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and sides. Its rich, creamy profile makes it an excellent accompaniment to many savory meals.

Roasted Meats: It shines alongside a classic roasted chicken, oven-baked ham, or a juicy pot roast. The hearty casserole complements the savory flavors of the meat perfectly.
Grilled Dishes: For a BBQ or summer get-together, serve it next to grilled ribs, pulled pork, or even grilled salmon.
Vegetables: Balance the richness with lighter sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, a fresh garden salad, or a vibrant coleslaw.
Holiday Feasts: A staple for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it sits beautifully alongside turkey or prime rib, complementing other traditional sides like cranberry sauce and stuffing.
Breakfast/Brunch: Believe it or not, it also makes a fantastic addition to a hearty brunch spread, pairing well with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Top Tips for Perfecting Funeral Potatoes

Achieving the perfect Funeral Potatoes Recipe is simple with a few insider tips that can elevate your casserole from great to unforgettable.

Thaw Hash Browns Completely: This is crucial! Partially frozen hash browns will release excess water during baking, leading to a watery, soggy casserole. Spread them out on a baking sheet at room temperature for an hour or overnight in the fridge. Gently squeeze out any excess moisture if they seem very wet.
Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The butter not only adds flavor but also helps create that signature rich, creamy texture and ensures a golden, crispy topping. For a slightly different flavor, consider using browned butter in the potato mixture.
Cheese Choice Matters: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment. A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack or Colby cheese can add extra creaminess and flavor complexity. Always shred your own cheese from a block for a better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Topping Variations: Cornflakes are traditional, but crushed Ritz crackers, Panko breadcrumbs (toasted in butter), or even crushed potato chips can offer delicious alternatives. If using crackers or chips, be mindful of their salt content.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the potato mixture well with salt and black pepper. Taste a small amount of the mixture before adding the raw hash browns (or cook a tiny bit to taste) to ensure the seasoning is just right.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the hash browns into the creamy sauce gently. Overmixing can break down the potatoes, leading to a gluey texture.
Make Ahead Option: This casserole is fantastic for making ahead! Assemble the entire dish (without the topping) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Adjust Cream Sauce Consistency: If your soup/sour cream mixture seems too thick, you can thin it slightly with a splash of milk or chicken broth (1-2 tablespoons) until it has a good coating consistency.
Even Browning: If your topping is browning too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious Funeral Potatoes Recipe long after the first serving.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing (Baked): Funeral potatoes freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, you can freeze the entire casserole in its baking dish (if freezer-safe and well-covered) or divide it into individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, it will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For best results, consider a freezer-to-oven pan for easy reheating.
Freezing (Unbaked): You can also assemble the casserole without the topping, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the topping and bake as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.

Reheating:

From Refrigerator (Baked): For individual portions, microwave on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through. For a whole casserole, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to re-crisp the topping.
From Freezer (Baked):
- Thawed: Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered, for about 30-40 minutes (or until heated through), uncovering for the last 10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.
- From Frozen (Emergency): If reheating directly from frozen, uncover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an hour, then cover and bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the center is hot. Be prepared for potentially longer cooking times and a slightly less crispy topping.

Final Thoughts:

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting tradition, a crowd-pleasing staple, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. Its creamy, cheesy goodness, combined with that irresistible crunchy topping, guarantees smiles every time. Whether for a holiday feast, a family potluck, or just a cozy weeknight meal, this classic Mormon casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every single scoop. Don’t hesitate – embrace the comfort and make this incredible dish today!

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Funeral Potatoes Recipe FAQs:

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: Yes, you can! You’ll need about 2 lbs of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Peel and shred them, then make sure to thoroughly rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel. This prevents a gummy casserole.

Q: Is this dish always served at funerals?
A: While it gained its nickname from being a popular dish brought to funeral luncheons, it’s widely enjoyed at all kinds of gatherings, including potlucks, holiday meals, and family dinners. It’s truly an all-purpose comfort food!

Q: Can I make Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You can also omit the onion if preferred, or use a savory herb blend for extra flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang and creaminess. You could also use cream cheese, slightly softened, for an even richer casserole, though it might be slightly less tangy.

Q: How do I get an extra crispy topping?
A: Ensure your buttered cornflakes (or other topping) are generously coated with melted butter. You can also try toasting the cornflakes in butter briefly on the stovetop before adding them to the casserole for an even crispier result. Baking uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes also helps.

Funeral Potatoes Recipe – Classic Mormon Casserole