Introduction to Funeral potatoes with hashbrowns
Funeral potatoes with hashbrowns are a beloved cheesy hashbrown casserole that has become a staple at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and even breakfast tables. This dish, made with hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, is topped with a crispy, buttery cornflake crust for the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
Despite its somber name, funeral potatoes are enjoyed far beyond post-funeral gatherings. Traditionally served at Latter-day Saint (LDS) luncheons after funeral services, this dish became popular due to its comforting, easy-to-make nature and ability to feed a crowd. Over time, it has evolved into a must-have holiday side dish, often appearing alongside ham, turkey, or roast beef at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners.
Looking for a perfect pairing? Try these Garlic Butter Potatoes for a double potato side dish!
The History and Cultural Significance of Funeral Potatoes
The origins of funeral potatoes trace back to the American Midwest and the culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This creamy, cheesy hashbrown casserole became a staple at post-funeral luncheons organized by LDS church communities, where it was served to grieving families as a gesture of warmth and support. The dish’s name comes from its association with comfort food traditionally prepared for funerals, but its popularity has since expanded to include potlucks, holiday dinners, and family gatherings.
LDS communities are known for their compassionate and organized meal traditions, particularly when it comes to providing food for those in need. Since funeral potatoes are easy to make in large quantities, require minimal ingredients, and are both filling and inexpensive, they became a go-to dish for these gatherings. Over time, the casserole spread beyond LDS culture, becoming a Midwestern comfort food favorite and a holiday classic.
Though its roots lie in somber occasions, funeral potatoes are now widely enjoyed during celebrations and family meals. The dish is often found on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter menus, served alongside roasted meats and vegetables. Many families have their own regional or generational twists, such as using different cheeses, adding meats like bacon or ham, or switching up the crispy topping with potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or Ritz crackers.
From its humble beginnings as a funeral luncheon staple, funeral potatoes have cemented their place in American cuisine as a beloved, comforting, and versatile dish enjoyed by all.
What Are Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy hashbrown casserole known for their rich flavor, comforting texture, and crispy topping. Made with frozen hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and butter, this dish is baked until golden brown, creating the perfect combination of crispy and creamy in every bite.
Despite their name, funeral potatoes are enjoyed far beyond funeral gatherings. They are a popular side dish at potlucks, holiday dinners, family reunions, and brunches. The dish gets its name from its frequent appearance at post-funeral luncheons, particularly within Latter-day Saint (LDS) communities, where it became a comforting meal for grieving families. However, it has since become a Midwestern favorite and is commonly served alongside ham, turkey, or roast beef at celebrations.
Alternative Names & Regional Variations
Depending on where you are, funeral potatoes may also be called:
- Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
- Potluck Potatoes
- Party Potatoes
- Crispy Hashbrown Bake
There are also many recipe variations, including:
- Meat additions: Adding bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Substituting cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken.
- Different toppings: Using Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or potato chips instead of cornflakes.
Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner, brunch, or casual gathering, funeral potatoes are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table., you might also love a breakfast variation like the Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy.
Ingredients & Substitutions for Funeral potatoes with hashbrowns
Main Ingredients:
- 30 oz frozen hashbrowns (shredded or diced, thawed)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 10 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
Substitutions & Variations:
- Vegetarian option: Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes.
- Add protein: Stir in ham, bacon, or shredded chicken—a great way to use leftovers!
For another comforting, cheese-loaded dish, check out Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.
Step-by-Step of Funeral potatoes with hashbrowns
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base:
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tbsp melted butter, salt, pepper, and onion.
- Stir in hashbrowns and cheddar cheese, then pour into the dish.
- Add the crispy topping:
- Mix crushed cornflakes with 4 tbsp melted butter.
- Spread evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for ways to serve your funeral potatoes? Try these delicious pairings:
Best Main Dishes to Serve With It:
- Ham or Turkey – The richness of the casserole complements these proteins.
- Steak – Try pairing with Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a hearty dinner.
- Breakfast Side – Serve alongside eggs for a morning meal.
Perfect Appetizers & Sides:
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – A refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Pickle Cheese Ball – A tangy snack before the main dish.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
One of the best things about funeral potatoes is that they store well and can be easily reheated or frozen for later use. Whether you’re prepping them ahead for a holiday meal or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.
Storing Funeral Potatoes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered baking dish in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- If you’ve made the casserole ahead of time but haven’t baked it yet, keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Reheating Funeral Potatoes
To maintain their creamy texture and crispy topping, it’s best to avoid microwaving and use the oven instead:
- Oven Method (Best Option):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil (to prevent drying) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping.
- Microwave (Quick Option):
- Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely.
- Heat in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally, but note the topping may soften.
Freezing Funeral Potatoes
To Bake from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.
Before Baking: Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
After Baking: Cool completely before freezing.
Funeral potatoes with hashbrowns
Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen hashbrowns shredded or diced, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 10 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 cups cornflakes crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the casserole base:
- In a large bowl, mix sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 tablespoons melted butter, salt, pepper, and dried onion.
- Stir in hashbrowns and cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the crispy topping:
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with 4 tablespoons melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled casserole without the topping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake.
- Crunchier Topping Alternative: Substitute Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or potato chips for a different texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of cornflakes.
Funeral Potatoes for Special Diets
Funeral potatoes are a classic comfort food, but with a few tweaks, they can be adapted for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s how to modify the dish for gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, and low-carb diets.
🌱 Vegetarian Funeral Potatoes
- Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream sauce using vegetable broth.
- Use a plant-based cheese for a completely vegetarian version.
🌾 Gluten-Free Funeral Potatoes
- Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
- Swap the cornflake topping for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or crushed gluten-free crackers.
🥛 Dairy-Free or Vegan Funeral Potatoes
- Use coconut cream, cashew cream, or dairy-free sour cream instead of regular sour cream.
- Replace cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Swap butter with a vegan butter substitute or olive oil.
🥔 Low-Carb or Keto Funeral Potatoes
- Replace hashbrowns with cauliflower florets or shredded turnips to reduce carbs.
- Use full-fat sour cream, heavy cream, and cream cheese for a rich, keto-friendly version.
With these simple swaps, you can enjoy funeral potatoes while sticking to your dietary needs! Discover the best cheeses for a creamy casserole
FAQs About Funeral Potatoes
❓ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes! If you prefer fresh potatoes, peel and dice about 10 small potatoes, then parboil them for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender before mixing them into the casserole.
❓ Can I make funeral potatoes in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. For a crispy topping, add crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs during the last 30 minutes or toast them separately and sprinkle on top before serving.
❓ Can I prepare funeral potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
❓ How do I keep the topping crunchy when reheating?
To maintain crispiness, reheat funeral potatoes in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes rather than using the microwave, which can make the topping soggy.
❓ Can I freeze funeral potatoes?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the topping and bake as usual.
Final Thoughts
If you love cheesy, creamy, and comforting potato dishes, funeral potatoes with hashbrowns should be on your must-make list. Whether for a holiday dinner, potluck, or an everyday side, this dish is pure comfort food at its finest!
Want another cheese-packed meal? Try Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta for a family-friendly dinner idea.
Enjoy this dish and share it with friends—it’s guaranteed to be a hit! 🥔🧀
