This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Creamy and oh-so cheesy, funeral potatoes are the best savory potato + cheese side dish to compliment your favorite homestyle meals.

Close up of a serving spoon scooping out funeral potatoes.

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe makes for the ultimate comfort food

I LOVE funeral potatoes. With a creamy cheese sauce, shredded hashbrowns and a crispy, buttery cracker topping, they’re homey and satisfying in all of the right ways. Even though these are called funeral potatoes, they’re the yummiest side dish for any potluck, Sunday dinner or Holiday celebration. If you’re looking for menu inspo for Easter dinner, a new Christmas Eve tradition or a way to elevate your casual Sunday, give my funeral potato recipe a try!

What are Funeral Potatoes?

A cheesy hashbrown casserole, funeral potatoes are a delicious casserole that is commonly served at large gatherings, like funerals. But I personally think you should be eating these as a part of your regular meal rotation (or at least on holidays like Easter and Christmas).

Why you’ll love this Recipe for Funeral Potatoes

Making comfort food has never been so easy! It seems like everyone has their own version of cheesy potatoes, but this is the very BEST. Completely simple and quick to mix up, this potato casserole walks the line of creamy, cheesy and hearty perfectly – I promise once you try this funeral potato recipe, you’ll have your go-to for life.

A plate of funeral potatoes and ham.

Funeral Potato Recipe Ingredients

  • Frozen hashbrowns – I used shredded hashbrowns. 
  • Cream of mushroom soup 
  • Sour cream 
  • Grated sharp cheddar cheese – You can use different types of cheese here to alter flavor. 
  • Ritz crackers, crushed – I like the flavor of the Ritz, but again, you can use a different cracker to give it the crunch factor. Things like cornflakes, crushed saltines or even goldfish will also work.

How to make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  2. Pull the frozen hashbrowns out of the freezer and let them sit at room temp while making the sauce. 
  3. In a large pot over medium high heat, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, stirring until the mixture is bubbling.
  4. Slowly add in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring and allowing the cheese to melt before adding in more cheese.
  5. Taste the sauce as you add in more cheese to flavor the sauce to your liking. We like it cheesy so I use 3 cups of cheese.
  6. Once the sauce is finished and the cheese has completely melted, remove from heat.
  7. Pour the hash browns into a greased 9×13 pan.
  8. Pour the cheese sauce over the top of the hashbrowns and spread to cover.
  9. Sprinkle the crushed ritz crackers on top of the cheese sauce.
  10. Bake at 350° F for 45-50 minutes or until the dish is heated through and bubbling.
  11. Allow the potatoes to cool for 10 minutes before serving + enjoy!
Close up of cheesy potatoes on a plate.

Making Funeral Potatoes in advance

This funeral potato recipe can be made ahead of time! Mix it up like normal (except for adding the ritz topping). Cover your dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake and cook like normal.

What to serve with Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

I love to make this potato casserole as a side on Christmas or Easter with a pretty ham, but it is a great side to meatloaf, grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, pulled pork sandwiches, etc.

How to store Funeral Potatoes Recipe leftovers

Cheesy potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the casserole to cool completely and then cover before storing or placing in an airtight storage container.

How to freeze this Recipe for Funeral Potatoes

Allow your cheesy potatoes to cool completely and then place in an airtight container or ziptop bag. Freeze and use within 2 months!

A plate with cheesy potatoes. Across the top it says "the best funeral potatoes"

Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes!! Just mix it all together ahead of time, transfer to the baking dish and then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to thaw frozen hash browns for casserole?

Yes, I suggest thawing your hash browns prior to making the casserole because frozen hash browns can lead to soggy casserole that isn’t as flavorful.

Why is my hash brown casserole soggy?

This is because there is extra liquid in the casserole, likely from frozen hash browns. Make sure that you use thawed hash browns and gently soak the extra water off with a paper towel.

What state is known for funeral potatoes?

Funeral potatoes, also known as cheesy potato casserole or cheesy hashbrown casserole, are a popular dish in many regions of the United States. However, they are especially popular in the Western United States, particularly in the intermountain region, which includes states such as Utah, Idaho, and Montana.

In Utah, funeral potatoes are a staple dish at church potlucks, family gatherings, and funeral receptions. They are known for their creamy, comforting texture and delicious flavor, and are often served as a side dish with meat and vegetables.

When did funeral potatoes become popular?

Funny enough, when the Olympics were held in Utah in 2002, there was a funeral potato pin! They became popular in the state in the later half of the 1900’s but have become more known nationwide since social media, particularly Pinterest has become popular.

Other Side Dishes to Love!

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
4.60 from 15 votes

The Best Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Creamy and oh-so cheesy, funeral potatoes are the best savory potato + cheese side dish to compliment your favorite homestyle meals.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 (26 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 1/2 – 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  • Pull the frozen hashbrowns out of the freezer and let them sit at room temp while making the sauce.
  • In a large pot over medium high heat, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, stirring until the mixture is bubbling.
  • Slowly add in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring and allowing the cheese to melt before adding in more cheese.
  • Taste the sauce as you add in more cheese to flavor the sauce to your liking. We like it cheesy so I use 3 cups of cheese.
  • Once the sauce is finished and the cheese has completely melted, remove from heat.
  • Pour the hash browns into a 9×13 pan.
  • Pour the cheese sauce overtop of the hashbrowns and spread to cover.
  • Sprinkle the crushed ritz crackers on top of the cheese sauce.
  • Bake at 350° F for 45-50 minutes or until the dish is heated through and bubbling.
  • Allow the potatoes to cool for 10 minutes before serving + enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 558mg | Potassium: 168mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 358IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Karli Bitner

This blog is a little glimpse into my kitchen, family & life. I hope you’ll giggle the days away with me and enjoy the craziness that goes on at my house. If you are Cookie obsessed like I am, check out my Sister Site, Cookies for Days.

You May Also Like:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. Your recipe looks similar to mine, but we add diced onion.

    Have you tried to make this in the Instant Pot, ex the 6 qt with the 3 qt inner pot? To save time if someone hadn’t thawed the hasbrowns and didn’t have the full hour to bake.

    I know it wouldn’t have the golden cheesy corn flake top unless transferred to a baking dish and put under the broiler in the oven, for a few minutes