Cheesy Potato Casserole

Funeral Potatoes are a celebrated comfort food, delivering a perfect blend of cheesy, creamy goodness with a satisfyingly crunchy topping. This beloved hash brown casserole is an absolute standout, ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and any occasion that calls for a truly delicious and easy-to-make side dish. Featuring frozen hash browns bathed in a rich, savory sauce and baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a recipe that promises gooey perfection with every spoonful.

Craving more delightful potato dishes? Explore our other favorites: Classic Au Gratin Potatoes, Crispy Smashed Potatoes, or our perfectly Baked Potatoes for your next meal!

The Ultimate Funeral Potatoes: A Utah Classic

As a Utah native, I can confidently say that Funeral Potatoes are more than just a dish; they’re a cornerstone of our culinary heritage, a cheesy potato classic that graces holiday tables and family gatherings across the state. My journey through countless versions of this iconic casserole has culminated in what I believe is truly the best recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of the finest elements from every variation I’ve encountered, resulting in a dish that’s rich in flavor, incredibly creamy, and topped with an irresistible crunch. This casserole, packed with tender shredded potatoes, a velvety smooth sauce, and a crispy topping, epitomizes pure comfort food.

You might wonder about the unique name, “Funeral Potatoes.” While they’re often known by other delightful monikers like cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, or party potatoes, in my home state of Utah, the name “Funeral Potatoes” has stuck. Regardless of what you call them, one thing remains universally true: they are undeniably delicious and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Funeral Potatoes

Crafting the perfect Funeral Potatoes starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the dish’s saltiness, allowing you to season it precisely to your preference. It forms the base of our luscious cream sauce.
• Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: The convenience of frozen hash browns makes this recipe incredibly accessible. For best results, allow them to thaw slightly before incorporating them into the dish. This prevents excess moisture and ensures even baking.
• Yellow Onion: Finely diced yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the creamy sauce, blending seamlessly with the potatoes without being overpowering.
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic contributes an essential aromatic layer. Adding it alongside the onions ensures it cooks gently, releasing its full flavor without burning.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is our thickening agent for the rich, velvety sauce. Flour creates a roux with the butter, giving the sauce its ideal consistency that beautifully coats every shredded potato strand.
• Whole Milk: For a truly decadent and creamy sauce, whole milk is non-negotiable. Its higher fat content provides a richer mouthfeel and contributes to the sauce’s luxurious texture compared to lower-fat alternatives.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth enhances the savory profile of the sauce and helps to thin it to the perfect consistency, ensuring it’s creamy but not overly dense.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The heart of the cheesy goodness! We highly recommend freshly grating your own sharp cheddar. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting, leading to a less creamy sauce and a slightly powdery texture.
• Sour Cream: Stirred in off the heat, sour cream adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the sauce. Adding it away from direct heat prevents it from curdling, keeping your sauce perfectly smooth.
• Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips: This is the secret to our signature crispy topping! Crushing kettle-cooked chips into coarse crumbs provides an unparalleled crunch and a savory, salty kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is mixed into the topping, adding another layer of salty, umami flavor and contributing to that golden, irresistible crust.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the vibrant flavors in the casserole. Adjust to taste for perfect balance.

Choosing the Best Potatoes for Funeral Potatoes

The star of our casserole is, of course, the potato! This Funeral Potatoes recipe specifically calls for convenient, prepared, frozen shredded hash browns. While there are many varieties of frozen potatoes available, our extensive testing has consistently shown that plain, shredded hash browns yield the best results for this dish. Avoid seasoned or cubed hash browns, as they can alter the flavor profile and texture we’re aiming for.

For consistent quality and delicious results, brands like Ore-Ida® have proven to be excellent choices during our recipe development. Their plain shredded hash browns provide the ideal foundation for the creamy, cheesy goodness of Funeral Potatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Irresistible Funeral Potatoes

Creating this iconic casserole is surprisingly simple, and following these steps will guarantee a delicious outcome:

1. Prepare & Thaw: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. For the hash browns, microwave the bag for about 30 seconds to start the thawing process, then transfer them to a strainer to continue thawing while you prepare the sauce. This helps remove excess moisture.
2. Craft the Creamy Sauce Base: In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add your finely diced yellow onions, minced garlic, and initial seasonings (we recommend starting with 1-1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, adjusting to your taste preference later). Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, being careful not to let it brown. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, followed by the chicken broth, ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce forms.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Continue boiling for 3 minutes to activate the thickeners, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for approximately 3 more minutes, or until the sauce noticeably thickens. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon and hold a clear line when a finger is drawn across it.
5. Add the Cheesy Richness: Remove the pot from the heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. This is a crucial step to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Stir in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, about 1/4 cup at a time, until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Finally, gently mix in the sour cream until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
6. Combine and Bake (Initial): Add the thawed shredded hash browns to the prepared creamy sauce and stir gently until every potato strand is thoroughly coated. Transfer this mixture evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake ensures the potatoes cook through and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
7. Prepare the Crispy Topping: While the casserole bakes, prepare your signature topping. Crush the kettle-cooked potato chips into coarse crumbs (you’ll need about 2 cups). In a bowl, combine the crushed chips with the grated Parmesan cheese. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the chip mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
8. Final Bake and Golden Finish: After the initial 20 minutes, remove the foil from the baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crispy topping over the partially baked potatoes. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges of the casserole are bubbling. For an extra crisp topping, you can broil for about 1 minute, watching closely to prevent burning.
9. Rest and Enjoy: Allow the Funeral Potatoes to stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set and makes for easier, cleaner serving. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food!

Scaling Funeral Potatoes for Large Gatherings

One of the many wonderful aspects of Funeral Potatoes is how perfectly they scale to feed a large group! I’ve personally made these for events with over 100 people, and they’re always a massive hit. Here are my top tips for preparing this crowd-pleasing dish for a big gathering:

• Quantity Planning: Each standard 9×13-inch casserole dish of Funeral Potatoes typically serves 12-15 people as a side dish. If you’re aiming to feed 100 guests, you’ll want to prepare approximately seven casseroles to ensure everyone gets a generous portion.
• Advance Topping Preparation: To streamline your cooking process on the day of your event, prepare the crispy topping ahead of time. Crush your potato chips, mix them with Parmesan cheese and melted butter, and then store the mixture in sealed bags in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This small step saves significant time!
• Temperature Acclimation: Before placing multiple casseroles into the oven, allow them to sit out at room temperature for about an hour. This helps to ensure even baking and reduces the overall cooking time, as the ingredients won’t be as cold when they hit the heat.
• Staggered Baking (Optional): If your oven isn’t large enough to accommodate all casseroles at once, consider baking them in batches. Cover each dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. Then, uncover, add the prepared topping, and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until beautifully browned and bubbling.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of meals, from everyday dinners to elaborate holiday feasts. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this comforting casserole:

For a satisfying weeknight dinner, I often serve Funeral Potatoes alongside a flavorful meat main. Consider pairing them with succulent Blackened Chicken or a perfectly seared Flat Iron Steak, balanced by a crisp, refreshing Caesar Salad.

These potatoes truly shine as a star addition to any grand holiday dinner spread, making them a staple for festive occasions:

• Easter Celebrations: Brighten your Easter table by including Funeral Potatoes alongside classic Deviled Eggs, a vibrant Roasted Asparagus Salad, and incredibly easy Drop Biscuits.
• Thanksgiving and Christmas Feasts: Elevate your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with this beloved casserole. It pairs beautifully with a tender Crockpot Turkey Breast, savory Thanksgiving Dressing, and a basket of the very best Dinner Rolls.

More Delicious Utah Recipe Favorites to Try

As a state with a rich and unique culinary landscape, Utah offers a variety of beloved dishes that are true comfort food classics. If you enjoyed these Funeral Potatoes, you’ll surely love exploring these other local favorites:

• Utah Scones: A delightful fried dough pastry, often served warm with honey butter – a true Utah original!
• Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe: A mouth-watering copycat recipe inspired by a famous Utah restaurant chain, perfect for tacos, salads, or burritos.
• Crumbl® Oreo Cookies: Hailing from Utah, Crumbl cookies are renowned for their giant, gourmet creations, and this copycat Oreo version is a must-try!
• Mint Brownies: These decadent, refreshing brownies are famous from a beloved Utah college bakery – rich chocolate and cool mint perfection.
• Fry Sauce: A quintessential Utah dipping sauce, perfect for fries, burgers, and almost anything else – once you try it, you’ll understand the hype!

Funeral Potatoes

By Chelsea Lords

Funeral Potatoes: an irresistible blend of cheesy, creamy hash browns topped with a delightful crunch! This easy casserole is perfect for potlucks and holidays, baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 12 as a side dish

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Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Large pot
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 (28–32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups whole milk
• 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
• 6 ounces freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (approximately 2 cups, see note 1)
• 1 cup sour cream (see note 2)
• 2 cups kettle-cooked potato chips, crushed (see note 3)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (see note 4)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare & Thaw: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Microwave the hash browns in their bag for 30 seconds, then place them in a strainer to thaw while preparing the rest of the dish.
2. Craft the Creamy Sauce Base: Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onions, minced garlic, and seasonings (start with 1-1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, adjusting to taste). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and prevent browning. Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the chicken broth, to form a smooth sauce.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Continue stirring for 3 minutes at a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3 more minutes (see note 5). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Add the Cheesy Richness: Stir in the sharp Cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup at a time, until completely melted. Mix in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine and Bake (Initial): Add the thawed hash browns to the sauce and stir to coat them thoroughly. Transfer the mixture evenly to the prepared baking pan. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Prepare the Crispy Topping: While the potatoes bake, crush the kettle-cooked potato chips into coarse crumbs (you’ll need 2 cups). Combine the crushed chips with the grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, drizzle it over the topping mixture, and stir to coat.
8. Final Bake and Golden Finish: Remove the foil from the baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crispy topping over the potatoes. Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For an extra crispy topping, broil for 1 minute, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Rest and Enjoy: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set properly.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Freshly Shredded Cheese for Best Results: Shred Cheddar cheese fresh for optimal melting and a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping agents like cellulose, which can lead to a less creamy, sometimes powdery texture in your sauce. For more information on cellulose in cheese, you can read here.

Note 2: Full-Fat Sour Cream Recommended: For the creamiest and most stable sauce, use full-fat sour cream. Lower-fat alternatives may be more prone to curdling when heated, affecting the sauce’s texture.

Note 3: Topping Options – Potato Chips or Alternatives: Kettle-cooked potato chips are our preferred topping for their unique crunch and flavor. Brands like Cape Cod Potato Chips work wonderfully. However, if you prefer, 2 cups of crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs can also be used as a delicious alternative topping.

Note 4: Freshly Grated Parmesan for Superior Flavor: Similar to cheddar, freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor and melting quality. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan, which can often be dry and less flavorful.

Note 5: Sauce Thickness Check: To determine if your sauce is sufficiently thickened, perform a quick test: dip the back of a wooden spoon into the sauce. If it coats the spoon and retains a clear line when you trace a fingertip across it, it’s ready. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer and stir for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 5–7 days. Note that the potato-chip topping will soften over time when stored with the sauce. For maximum crunch on subsequent servings, only add the topping to the portion you are ready to eat. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 514mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 816IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 372mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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