Name: Funeral Potatoes
Yield: 12

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe is cheesy, satisfying, and reliable for potlucks! Frozen hash browns in a creamy sauce, baked to gooey perfection with a crunchy topping.

Love potatoes? Try Au Gratin, Smashed, or Baked Potatoes next!

The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Funeral Potatoes, a cheesy potato classic from Utah, are a must-have at holiday tables and gatherings! As a Utah native, I’ve tried countless versions, and this one, based on a reliable aspects of them all, is definitely the best. Packed with shredded potatoes, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, it’s pure comfort food.

So, why the name Funeral Potatoes? They go by many names—cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, or party potatoes—but where I’m from, they’re Funeral Potatoes, and trust me, they’re satisfying!

Funeral Potatoes Recipe Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: Thaw slightly before using.
Yellow Onion: Dice finely so the onion blends well with the hash browns.
Minced Garlic: Add the garlic with the onions to avoid burning.
Flour: Makes the sauce thick and creamy to hold it all together.
Whole Milk: Avoid low-fat alternatives.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and thins the sauce to keep it from being too thick.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grate cheese for smoother melting.
Sour Cream: mix in off the heat to keep it from curdling.
Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips: Crush to crumbs in a gallon-size bag.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor to the casserole topping.

Butter, garlic, onion, seasonings, and flour sauté in a pot for these funeral potatoes.

Let’s Talk Potatoes

This Funeral Potatoes recipe calls for prepared, frozen hash browns!

I’ve tried many different types of hash browns and a reliable remains plain and shredded, not seasoned or cubed.

Ore-Ida® has been a favorite in testing.

How To Make This Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Sauce: Sauté onions and garlic in butter. mix in flour, then add milk and broth until thick.
Add Cheese: Remove from heat, add cheese, and mix in sour cream.
Combine: Mix hash browns into the sauce, then spread in baking dish.
Add Topping: Mix potato chips with Parm and butter, sprinkle over casserole.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake. Uncover, bake again until the edges turn golden.
Enjoy: Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Sour cream mixes into the sauce, which is then poured over the hash browns for these funeral potatoes.

Making Them For A Crowd

This funeral potatoes recipe is great for large groups! I’ve made them for over 100 people, and here’s how:

Each casserole feeds 12-15 people as a side. For 100 people, make seven casseroles.
Make the topping ahead but keep it in sealed bags in the fridge for up to a day.
Before baking, let the casseroles sit out for an hour.
Cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until hot, then add topping and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until browned and bubbling.

The topping is made by crushing potato chips into fine crumbs, then mixing them with cheese and butter until combined.

Variations

Switch Things Up

Swap the potato chips for 2 cups of crushed cornflakes or panko.
Add grilled or chopped rotisserie chicken after the first bake, placing it on top of the hash browns but under the topping. (Or check out Chicken Divan recipe.)
Use fresh diced potatoes instead of frozen hash browns by following this cheesy potatoes recipe.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the topping for extra flavor!
Sprinkle bacon bits into the cream sauce or on top at the end.

The topping is sprinkled on top and the dish is baked again for these funeral potatoes.

Serve This Funereal Potatoes Recipe With

I typically serve it alongside a meat main (Blackened Chicken or Flat Iron Steak) with a big Caesar Salad.

These potatoes are also a great addition for a holiday dinner:

Add to your Easter spread along with Deviled Eggs, Asparagus Salad, and straightforward Drop Biscuits.
Add to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table along with slow cooker Turkey Breast, Thanksgiving Dressing, and the best Dinner Rolls.

Storage

Leftovers?

Store in the fridge for 5-7 days. To keep the topping crunchy, only add it to the parts you’re ready to eat.
Can you freeze this funeral potatoes recipe? Yes! Make without the topping, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Defrost in the fridge overnight, then bake with 5-10 more minutes before adding the topping.