Introduction
Have you ever asked yourself, “What makes the perfect mashed-potato-meets-cheesy-casserole side dish that always disappears at potlucks?” That answer is Funeral Potatoes — a creamy, cheesy, crispy-topped hash-brown casserole that manages to hit comfort-food notes every time. With the right ratio of sour cream to melted butter, the right crunchy topping, and a tender potato base, you’ll understand why this dish is a crowd-pleaser. (And yes — we’re calling it “Funeral Potatoes” in the title to reflect the classic name.)
Ingredients List
Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow list of ingredients — plus some smart substitution ideas to make it your own.
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb (≈ 900 g) bag frozen diced or shredded hash-browns (thawed) Cooking in the Midwest+2Lil’ Luna+2
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom / celery) Our Best Bites+2Tastes Better From Scratch+2
- 2 cups sour cream Lil’ Luna+1
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Our Best Bites+1
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for mixing) Cooking in the Midwest+1
- Salt & black pepper, to taste Our Best Bites
Topping
- 2 – 3 cups crushed corn-flakes (or crushed potato chips / Ritz crackers) Lil’ Luna+1
- ¼-½ cup melted butter (to pour over the topping) Lil’ Luna
Substitution & Variation Notes
- If you’d rather avoid the soup can, you can use a homemade white-sauce base: milk + flour + butter. Delish
- For vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom or celery instead of chicken soup. Reddit
- You can switch hash-browns for fresh grated potatoes — though convenience usually wins here. The Girl Who Ate Everything
Timing
- Prep Time: ~10-15 minutes
- Bake Time: ~50-60 minutes (plus optional topping browning) Our Best Bites+1
- Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
For comparison: Many side dishes take ~90 minutes from start-to-serve; this version is ready in about an hour — ideal for weeknights or holidays.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Dish
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lil’ Luna
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- Thawed hash-browns
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Melted butter
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper
Mix until everything is evenly coated. (If using onion or garlic powder, you can add here.) Our Best Bites
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a zip-top bag or bowl, crush corn-flakes (or chips/crackers) until coarse crumbs form. Combine with melted butter and toss to coat. Lil’ Luna
Step 5: Bake & Top
Place the casserole (without the topping) into the oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes until the center is nearly set. Then remove from oven, sprinkle the crunchy topping over the top, and finish baking an additional ~10-15 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling. The Girl Who Ate Everything
Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve
Allow the dish to rest for ~5 minutes after removing from oven so it sets and doesn’t run when served. Scoop out generous portions and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Estimate per serving – 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~390-420 kcal thesaltycooker.com |
| Carbohydrates | ~28 g Lil’ Luna |
| Protein | ~13 g Lil’ Luna |
| Fat | ~26 g thesaltycooker.com |
| Sodium | ~900 mg (varies by soup & cheese) |
Note: These values depend heavily on specific brands and amounts used — treat as an estimation.
Healthier Alternatives
- Use reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat.
- Choose low-sodium cream soup or make a homemade sauce with skim milk + flour.
- Use whole-grain or low-salt crackers for the topping instead of butter-heavy ones.
- Add in vegetables like chopped broccoli or spinach to boost nutrition while keeping the creamy texture.
- Reduce butter in the topping slightly — you’ll still get crunch, just less saturated fat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted ham, baked chicken, or turkey for a comforting holiday plate.
- For parties or potlucks, keep in a warming tray so it stays gooey and inviting.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and mild flavor contrast.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for balance — the richness of the casserole contrasts well with crisp greens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using frozen hash-browns without thawing or draining: This can lead to extra moisture and a soggy casserole.
- Skipping the crunchy topping — it’s what makes funeral potatoes distinct (creaminess inside, crisp outside).
- Over-baking through all the time: If you cook too long before topping, the inside may dry out before the top browns.
- Not letting rest after baking: Serving immediately can cause the dish to collapse or run.
- Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents: Freshly shredded cheese melts better for full creaminess.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerate: Cover leftover casserole and store in fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat at 350 °F until warmed through. Our Best Bites
- Freeze: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time (without the topping), cover well, freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in refrigerator, add topping, then bake. Lil’ Luna
- Reheating: If the topping has softened, you can refresh it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
Conclusion
If comfort food had a signature side dish, Funeral Potatoes would be it: creamy, cheesy, crunchy-topped, crowd-friendly. With this recipe, you’ve got the very best version — easy to prep, satisfying to eat, and perfect for everything from potlucks to cozy family dinners. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your go-to sides!
FAQs
Q1: Why are they called “funeral potatoes”?
The name comes from the dish’s frequent appearance at post-funeral gatherings, especially in parts of the U.S. Mountain West. Wikipedia+1
Q2: Can I make them ahead?
Yes! Prepare up to the topping stage, cover and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping and bake when ready. Lil’ Luna
Q3: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes — grated or diced fresh potatoes work. Be sure to blanch or parse out excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole. The Girl Who Ate Everything
Q4: What if someone is vegetarian or lactose-intolerant?
For vegetarian: use cream of mushroom or celery soup. For lactose/intolerance: use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives — texture may shift slightly.
Q5: How can I get the topping extra crunchy?
Use a mix of crushed corn-flakes + butter + a sprinkle of crispy onions, or finish under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
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