Funeral Potatoes Recipe is the ultimate comfort food casserole that brings cheesy, crispy, golden goodness to every table. Don’t let the name fool you—this dish is all about warm, hearty flavors that make family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners unforgettable. Shredded potatoes, creamy cheese sauce, and a perfectly crunchy topping combine to create a dish that’s both simple and indulgent. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned cook, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a crowd-pleasing side that disappears fast.
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What makes funeral potatoes different from other casseroles
Unlike a regular scalloped potato dish, Funeral Potatoes stand out because of their combination of textures and flavors. Shredded or diced potatoes mix with a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy topping—often crispy fried onions or buttery crumbs. This contrast between soft, cheesy potatoes and a golden, crunchy topping makes each bite irresistible. Many versions also include sour cream or cream of chicken soup, giving the casserole extra creaminess. What really makes them special is how versatile they are: you can add extra cheese, vegetables, or even a protein like turkey to make a full meal. Whether you serve it for a holiday or a weeknight dinner, Funeral Potatoes deliver that perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and nostalgia.
Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes You Need at Home
While the classic Funeral Potatoes recipe is delicious on its own, you can personalize it with mix-ins like diced onions, bell peppers, or even a little garlic powder. Extra cheese, smoked turkey, or green onions can give your casserole a more indulgent or savory twist. Small tweaks can elevate this comfort food while keeping the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy texture that makes it so addictive.
Here’s a convenient ingredient table for your recipe:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded potatoes | 4 cups (frozen or fresh) | Thaw if using frozen |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Adds creaminess and tang |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded | Sharp or mild depending on taste |
| Butter | 1/4 cup | Melted, used in topping |
| Crispy fried onions | 1 1/2 cups | Classic crunchy topping |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional but recommended |
| Optional: diced onions, green peppers, cooked turkey | 1/2 cup | Adds extra flavor and texture |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prepping the potato base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using frozen shredded potatoes, thaw them first and drain any excess water to avoid a watery casserole. Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl, then fold in the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until fully combined. This mixture is the creamy heart of your Funeral Potatoes, so make sure every piece of potato is coated. At this stage, you can also stir in any optional ingredients like diced onions, cooked turkey, or green peppers for extra flavor.
Step 2: Creating the creamy cheese sauce
Add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture and gently fold it in. Season with salt and black pepper. The cheese blends into the potatoes and creamy base, giving the casserole that rich, gooey texture everyone loves. Once mixed, transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. This ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of potatoes, cheese, and creamy goodness.
Step 3: Assembling and baking the casserole
For the topping, combine crispy fried onions with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving so the casserole sets and slices neatly. The result is a comforting, cheesy, and crispy dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
How to store and keep them fresh
Funeral Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers safely to enjoy later. After baking, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for about 2–3 hours—perfect for serving at gatherings. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve again, let it come to room temperature briefly before reheating to ensure the creamy texture stays intact.
Reheating and freezing for later
Reheating Funeral Potatoes is simple. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from burning. Bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through. For freezing, you can freeze the baked casserole or the unbaked mixture. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen by adding about 10–15 extra minutes to the usual baking time. This makes Funeral Potatoes a convenient make-ahead dish for holidays or busy weeknights.
Serving Ideas for Funeral Potatoes
Best occasions to serve
Funeral Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser and work perfectly for any gathering. They shine at family dinners, potlucks, holiday meals, or even a casual weeknight dinner. Their cheesy, creamy, and crispy combination makes them a standout side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. They’re especially popular alongside roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef, but they’re hearty enough to serve alongside vegetarian mains too. Their comforting texture and flavor make them a must-have at any event where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Pairings with main dishes and sides
For a classic combo, serve Funeral Potatoes with roasted turkey or ham alternatives like turkey ham or chicken ham. They also pair beautifully with simple roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or cranberry sauce for a holiday-inspired spread. If you’re serving them at brunch, they go well with scrambled eggs or breakfast casseroles. Drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or even sparkling apple cider complement the cheesy richness of the casserole. These serving ideas make Funeral Potatoes versatile and a guaranteed hit on any menu.
Print
Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
Cheesy, creamy potato casserole topped with crispy golden onions. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded potatoes (frozen or fresh)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: diced onions, bell peppers, cooked turkey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix shredded potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and optional mix-ins.
- Fold in cheddar cheese, season with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with crispy fried onions mixed with melted butter. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8–10
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Potatoes
Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day for fresh, cheesy goodness.
Can I freeze Funeral Potatoes?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked casserole or leftover baked portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes! Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a vegetarian cream soup. You can also omit any meat mix-ins.
Why are my Funeral Potatoes watery?
Excess water from frozen potatoes or overmixing can cause this. Make sure to thaw and drain thoroughly, or squeeze out excess moisture.
How do I get a crunchy topping?
Use crispy fried onions, panko, or crushed crackers with melted butter. Bake until golden brown for the perfect crunch.
Conclusion
Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort casserole—cheesy, creamy, and topped with a crispy golden layer that everyone loves. With simple pantry ingredients and easy assembly, this recipe is approachable for beginners but satisfying enough for seasoned cooks. Whether served at family dinners, holidays, or potlucks, Funeral Potatoes bring warmth, nostalgia, and that irresistible creamy-cheesy crunch to the table. With storage, reheating, and make-ahead tips, plus fun variations, this casserole is versatile, convenient, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Add it to your recipe rotation and watch it disappear at every gathering.