Funeral Potatoes

Funeral potatoes recipe (basically cheesy hash brown casserole with cornflakes)

I first made this as part of my A–Z Potato Series over on Instagram, but I’ve decided to hop back over to the United States for my latest YouTube series where I make those wild (but delicious looking) recipes you hear about. So what better way to start than with the most beloved – and curiously names – comfort food dishes: Funeral Potatoes. The name might sound a bit grim and morbid, but don’t let that fool you. This dish is far from depressing. In fact, once you realise what goes into it — gooey cheese, creamy chicken soup, crispy cornflakes, and heaps of shredded potato — you’ll understand why it’s one of America’s most iconic potluck potato casseroles.

Now, before you ask: yes, it really is called Funeral Potatoes. Traditionally, this cheesy hash brown bake was served at gatherings after funerals in the U.S., particularly in Utah and surrounding states where it became a staple of Mormon comfort food culture. The idea was simple — bring a big, hearty, soul-soothing dish that could feed a crowd and remind people of the comforts of home during a tough time. And honestly? They nailed it. Funeral Potatoes aren’t just comforting; they’re downright addictive. I had to make it to truly get on board with it though as I wasn’t initially convinced.

What exactly are funeral potatoes?

Think of them as a cheesy potato casserole with a little bit of everything you love about comfort food rolled into one dish. The base is usually shredded hash browns (frozen or homemade), mixed with sour cream, cream of chicken (or celery) soup, and heaps of cheddar cheese. The top is finished with a layer of crunchy cornflakes or crushed potato chips, giving every bite that perfect contrast of creamy and crispy.

It sounds a little strange if you’ve never had it before (cornflakes in a casserole?!), but trust me — it works. The combination of textures and flavours is pure magic, making it one of those recipes you don’t forget once you’ve tried it.

Why you’ll love this dish

• Perfect for feeding a crowd – BBQs, buffets, family gatherings, or Sunday dinners.

• Ridiculously easy – Just mix, bake, and top with crunch.

• Versatile – Works as a side dish or main meal.

• Classic comfort food – Cheesy, creamy, crispy, and carby — the ultimate combination in my eyes.

How to serve funeral potatoes

Traditionally, these potatoes are dished out as a side at big family gatherings, but honestly, they’re so filling that they can work as the main event. Serve them alongside BBQ meats, roast chicken, or even just with a fresh salad if you want something lighter. They’re also a total hit at holiday tables (think Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter), where they sit perfectly next to turkey or ham.

And if you’re not hosting a huge crowd? No problem. Bake up a tray on Sunday and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Funeral Potatoes reheat like a dream, which makes them a fab option for meal prep.

Variations to try

One of the best things about this dish is how customisable it is. A few ideas to make it your own:

• Add protein: Stir through shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or crispy bacon for a full meal.

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the cream of chicken soup for mushroom or celery soup.

• Change up the topping: Use Ritz crackers, buttery breadcrumbs, or even crushed kettle chips instead of cornflakes.

• Spice it up: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a kick.

Tips for the best funeral potatoes

• Don’t skimp on the cheese. Sharp cheddar works best, but mixing in a little mozzarella or Monterey Jack adds extra gooeyness.

• Thaw your hash browns first. This helps the mixture bake evenly and prevents watery potatoes.

• Cornflakes = crunch. Lightly crush them — you want texture, not dust. Toss them in melted butter for maximum crispiness.

• Make ahead. Assemble the casserole the night before, keep it in the fridge, and just bake when needed.

FAQs

Why are they called funeral potatoes?
The dish got its name because it was commonly served at post-funeral gatherings in the U.S., especially in Utah. It’s comfort food that feeds a crowd, making it a natural choice for potlucks.

Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours ahead, then add the cornflakes just before baking.

Can I freeze funeral potatoes?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked casserole (again, without the topping), then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh.

What’s the best soup to use?
Cream of chicken is classic, I like mix alongside cream of celery soup, but cream of mushroom work great for vegetarians.

Do I have to use cornflakes?
Nope! Crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs will give you that crispy topping. It’s not quite the same without that crispy hit so make you have that added crunch.

Why funeral potatoes deserve a place on your table

Whether or not you’ve got a funeral to attend (hopefully not!), this dish deserves to be in your comfort food recipe collection. It’s hearty, indulgent, and just a little quirky — the kind of dish that makes people go back for seconds (and thirds).

So next time you’re feeding a crowd, or just fancy some unapologetically cheesy potato goodness, give Funeral Potatoes a whirl. God bless America, and God bless potatoes.