Funeral Potatoes: The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Casserole
Prepare to delight your taste buds with a truly iconic American side dish: Funeral Potatoes. This beloved casserole masterfully combines creamy, cheesy potatoes with a delightfully crunchy, buttery topping, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that captivates everyone who tries it. Far more than just a side, this dish is the epitome of comfort food, designed to warm the soul and satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re gathering for a holiday feast, a family potluck, or simply craving a hearty meal, Funeral Potatoes promise to be a show-stopping addition to any table.
The Heartwarming Story Behind the Name: Funeral Potatoes
The name “Funeral Potatoes” might sound peculiar, even a little somber, for such a delectable dish, but it tells a unique story deeply rooted in American culinary tradition. This humble yet incredibly comforting casserole earned its moniker from its frequent appearance at post-funeral gatherings, particularly within the Mormon community in Utah, where the dish is believed to have originated. In times of grief, communities often come together to offer solace and support, and food plays a central role in this comforting ritual. Funeral Potatoes became a staple because they are easy to transport, feed a crowd generously, and provide a much-needed sense of warmth and familiarity.
Over the years, this dish has transcended its origins, finding a place at celebrations of all kinds. While some prefer the more festive alternative “Party Potatoes,” “Cheesy Potato Casserole,” or “Potluck Potatoes,” the original name often evokes a sense of nostalgia and the undeniable comfort it delivers. I first encountered this recipe through a friend from Utah, and while I’ve since tweaked it with additional seasonings to enhance its already incredible flavor profile, the essence remains the same: a universally loved dish that brings people together. No matter what you call them, one bite is all it takes to declare them absolutely delicious.
“Huge hit at our BBQ! Didn’t change a thing! – Brynn”
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are a classic American potato casserole, renowned for their comforting blend of creamy, cheesy potatoes beneath a irresistible crunchy topping. Traditionally made with cubed potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, they are baked until bubbly and then finished with a buttery, crushed potato chip crust. The dish’s rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures make it a perennial favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and, yes, even post-funeral receptions, where they offer a taste of warmth and familiarity during difficult times. Its origins are often traced back to the Mormon community in Utah, where its practicality and widespread appeal made it a staple at communal events.
Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a wide array of main courses. Their rich, creamy nature makes them an ideal companion for hearty meats. Consider serving them alongside a tender Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast, juicy baked ham, a succulent roasted turkey, or classic Chicken Fried Steak for the ultimate comfort food experience. They also complement grilled meats like BBQ ribs or pulled pork, meatloaf, and even simple roasted chicken breasts. Essentially, if it’s a main dish that benefits from a rich, satisfying potato side, Funeral Potatoes are an excellent choice.
Absolutely! Funeral Potatoes are a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for busy hosts. To freeze, prepare the recipe as instructed, but omit the potato chip topping. Once assembled in the baking dish, cover it tightly first with plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets, and then with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double-layer protection is crucial to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the frozen casserole directly to the oven. Remove the plastic wrap (leaving the foil on), and bake for approximately 1 hour at 375°F (190°C) until thoroughly heated and bubbly. Then, proceed with adding the crushed potato chip and melted butter topping, baking for the final 10-15 minutes uncovered until golden brown and crispy.
Storing leftover Funeral Potatoes is simple. Transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. For reheating, individual servings can be easily warmed in the microwave until heated through. For larger quantities, or to maintain a crispy topping, you can reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until hot. If the topping has softened, a quick minute or two under the broiler can help restore its crunch (watch carefully to prevent burning!).
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Funeral Potatoes Casserole
Creating this irresistible potato casserole requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients that combine to produce truly spectacular results. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitutions:
- O’Brien Potatoes: These frozen cubed potatoes, often found with or without peppers and onions, are the foundation of our casserole. They are pre-cut and partially cooked, significantly cutting down on prep time. For the best texture, ensure they are thoroughly thawed before mixing. While you can certainly use raw potatoes, they will need to be cut into small, uniform ½-inch cubes and may require a slightly longer baking time to become tender.
- Garlic Salt: This savory seasoning adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you prefer to control your salt intake, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and add ¼ teaspoon of regular salt, or adjust the salt to your preference, or even omit it if using low-sodium soup.
- Pepper: A foundational seasoning that complements the other flavors beautifully. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best aroma and taste.
- Onion Flakes: Dried onion flakes provide a mild, sweet onion flavor without adding the textural bite of fresh onion. Onion powder can be used as a 1:1 substitute, offering a similar flavor profile.
- Dried Chives: While optional, dried chives contribute a delicate, herbaceous note and a pop of green color, elevating the dish’s overall appeal and flavor complexity.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the cheesy goodness! Medium or sharp cheddar works wonderfully, melting into a gooey, flavorful layer. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses you love; Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would add an exciting twist.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple forms the creamy base of the casserole, binding all the ingredients together. If chicken isn’t your preference, cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of onion soup are excellent alternatives. For those with dietary restrictions or who prefer a homemade touch, making your own Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is also an option. Look for low-sodium varieties if you’re mindful of salt content.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream is vital for achieving that rich, tangy, and velvety smooth texture in the potato mixture. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of sour cream on its own; its distinct flavor mellows considerably during baking, simply adding a luxurious creaminess. If you’re completely opposed, plain Greek yogurt or even mayonnaise can be used as substitutes, though they may alter the final flavor profile slightly.
- Crushed Potato Chips: This is the iconic topping that provides an irresistible salty crunch. Wavy potato chips tend to hold up well and offer a great texture. Ensure you crush them finely (I prefer them quite small) so they create an even, crispy crust without overly large, uneven pieces. This topping contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy potatoes below.
- Butter: Melted butter is poured over the crushed potato chips, helping them crisp up and turn golden brown in the oven, creating that delectable, buttery crust. I typically use salted butter as it’s what I have on hand, but unsalted butter works perfectly fine; you may just wish to add a tiny pinch of extra salt to the chip topping for flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Funeral Potatoes
Crafting this ultimate comfort food is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, bubbly, and crunchy potato casserole every time:
- Prepare Your Potatoes: Begin by thawing your frozen O’Brien potatoes. You can either place the package in the refrigerator overnight for a gradual thaw or leave it on the kitchen counter for about an hour to speed up the process. Thawing ensures the potatoes cook evenly and prevents a watery casserole.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. If you prefer a thinner casserole, a 9×13-inch baking dish can also be used, though baking time might vary slightly.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed O’Brien potatoes with the garlic salt, pepper, dried onion flakes, dried chives (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to distribute the seasonings and cheese evenly among the potato cubes.
- Add Creamy Components: Next, stir in the cream of chicken soup and the sour cream into the potato mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- First Bake: Spread the prepared potato mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Cover the baking dish tightly with nonstick aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly around the edges. Covering the dish helps to steam the potatoes and ensures they become tender.
- Prepare the Topping: While the potatoes are baking, crush your potato chips. You can do this by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or your hands. Aim for finely crushed chips, about 2 cups worth after crushing.
- Add the Topping: Once the potatoes are cooked and bubbly, carefully remove the foil. Spread the crushed potato chips evenly over the top of the hot potato mixture.
- Pour Butter and Final Bake: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the crushed chips. Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake allows the chips to crisp up and turn golden.
- Achieve Golden Perfection (Optional): If you desire a darker, more deeply browned and extra crispy topping, carefully place the casserole under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it, as the chips can burn quickly! You may need to rotate the dish for even browning.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to scoop and ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.
Then dig in and savor every comforting bite!
Tips for Making the Best Funeral Potatoes
- Thaw Potatoes Completely: Ensure your frozen O’Brien potatoes are fully thawed. This prevents a watery casserole and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to taste the potato mixture (before adding soup/sour cream if you’re concerned about raw potato taste, or just a small portion of the mixed sauce) and adjust garlic salt and pepper to your preference.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, try a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda for a gourmet twist.
- Finely Crush Chips: For a uniform and pleasing crunchy topping, crush your potato chips into fine crumbs rather than large chunks. This ensures every bite gets a perfect crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the mixture set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart.
- Broiler for Extra Crunch: If you love a super golden-brown, extra-crispy topping, a quick stint under the broiler (1-2 minutes, watched carefully!) is your secret weapon.
Versatile Serving Suggestions
Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate companion to a wide range of meals, making them perfect for almost any occasion. Here are some ideas:
- Holiday Feasts: A must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter alongside roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- BBQ & Potlucks: Pair them with pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, or sausages for an elevated outdoor meal.
- Hearty Dinners: Excellent with meatloaf, roast beef, pork chops, or even a simple pan-seared steak.
- Brunch: Serve with breakfast sausages, scrambled eggs, or a quiche for a comforting brunch spread.
Craving More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes?
- Crock Pot Potato Soup
- Crock Pot Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potato Soup
- Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken And Potatoes
- Bacon Cheddar Potatoes
- Mississippi Mud Potatoes
- Crock Pot Swamp Potatoes
- Cowboy Butter Potatoes
- Crock Pot Sweet Corn Spoon Bread
- Crock Pot Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes
- Sticky Potatoes
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Deviled Eggs
- 50 Easter Recipes
Originally published: January 2017
Updated and republished: March 2025
Funeral Potatoes (+Video)
Funeral Potatoes are creamy, cheesy potatoes with a crunchy, buttery topping. They are comfort food to the max that everyone loves!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 28 ounce package frozen cubed O’Brien potatoes, thawed (with or without peppers)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1 Tablespoon dried chives
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups finely crushed potato chips (measured after crushing)
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Place potatoes into refrigerator to thaw out overnight. Or place on counter to thaw for about an hour.
- Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (you can also use a 9×13-inch baking dish – it’ll just be thinner)
- In a large bowl, mix together thawed O’Brien potatoes with garlic salt, pepper, dried onion flakes, dried chives and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Then stir in cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
- Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Cover baking dish with nonstick foil and bake for about 45 minutes (until bubbly.)
- After potatoes are cooked, spread 2 cups finely crushed potato chips over potatoes.
- Pour 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted evenly over crushed chips.
- Place back into oven and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- If you want a slightly more golden topping like mine, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two (keep a close eye – you may have to move it around for it to brown evenly).
- Allow potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- I like my potato chips very finely crushed. This is a personal preference and you can certainly leave them as large as you like!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 32g | Sodium: 653mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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