Creamy Funeral Potatoes Casserole Recipe

The best comfort food you can ask for: funeral potatoes, also known as cheesy potatoes!

These rich, creamy, cheesy potatoes are pure comfort food and a favorite at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family meals.

Why are they called Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral potatoes get their name from being a traditional dish often served at meals following funerals. The casserole is easy to prepare in large quantities and brings comforting warmth and familiarity during times of mourning. While the name comes from that custom, this dish is by no means limited to funerals. It’s a popular choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, family reunions, church luncheons, and summer barbecues. Many people also call this recipe party potatoes or cheesy potatoes because it’s a crowd-pleaser wherever it appears.

In community and church settings, it’s common to contribute a pan of these potatoes to feed a large group. The recipe scales well, which makes it ideal when serving dozens of guests: simply double or triple the amounts and bake in larger disposable pans for easy transport and cleanup.

What do you need to make funeral potatoes?

• 6 medium russet potatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
• 1 pint sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/3 cup minced green onion (optional; or substitute 1 teaspoon onion powder)
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• For the topping:
• 1/3 cup crushed corn flakes
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to make funeral potatoes

• Place the halved potatoes in a large pot of salted water and boil until tender. Drain and let cool slightly. Peel (if desired) and grate or mash the cooked potatoes to your preferred texture.
• In a saucepan, warm the butter with the cream of chicken soup until the butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and minced green onion. Add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until combined.
• Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish and gently fold in the soup and cheese mixture until evenly combined. Smooth the top with a spatula so the casserole is level.
• For the topping, mix the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the potato mixture.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let sit a few minutes before serving.

Different topping options for cheesy potatoes

Crushed corn flakes are the classic topping, but there are several delicious alternatives depending on what you have on hand or the texture you prefer. Consider any of these options:

• Fried onion strings (French fried onions) for a crunchy, savory finish
• Crushed buttery crackers such as Ritz for a rich, flaky crust
• Crushed soda crackers for a lighter, subtle topping
• Crushed potato chips for an extra-salty, crisp layer

Any of these can be combined with a tablespoon or two of melted butter to help them brown and stick to the casserole. Don’t be afraid to adapt the topping to what’s available in your pantry.

Scaling the recipe for large groups

This casserole is ideal for feeding a crowd. To serve 40 or more people, simply multiply the ingredients and bake in large disposable aluminum pans. Disposable pans make transport and cleanup easier—label the pan with the recipe or include a printed card so recipients know what they’re taking home. Coordinating multiple contributors speeds up prep and ensures there’s plenty of food for everyone.

Make ahead and freeze

This dish freezes very well if you want to prepare it in advance. Assemble the casserole but leave off the cornflake or cracker topping. Freeze the assembled casserole in a disposable pan for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed. This method saves time on busy days and keeps the topping fresh and crunchy after baking.

Which potatoes work best?

You can use frozen shredded potatoes or frozen diced hash browns for convenience, but starting from fresh russet potatoes delivers the best texture and flavor. It takes only a little extra time to peel, cook, and grate fresh potatoes, and many cooks prefer the homemade result.

What goes well with funeral potatoes?

• Poor Boy Steak
• Ham Rolls
• Slow Cooker Turkey
• Cedar Plank Salmon
• Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips
• Grilled chicken with a simple marinade
• Classic meatloaf

More potato recipes we love

• Parsley Potatoes
• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
• Crispy oven potatoes with cheese and bacon
• Hot German potato salad
• Crock Pot Ranch Potatoes