Funeral Potatoes, also known as Cheesy Potato Casserole, is the ultimate comfort food! With layers of shredded potatoes tossed with a savory, creamy sauce and lots of cheese, it’s savory, gooey, golden perfection. And did I mention it’s easy? Thaw frozen potatoes, mix, layer, and bake! In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty side dish fit for a crowd.
Why Are They Called Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a common side dish served at post-funeral luncheons, particularly in Mormon and LDS communities. The name might be a little off-putting, but the dish is known for being warm, hearty, and comforting. It’s just plain delicious!
The recipe is also sometimes referred to as cheesy potato casserole or hash brown casserole. It’s common in the Midwest and South and brings all the comfort. Many versions feature a breadcrumb or cornflake topping, but I’ve always made mine without it, letting the savory, cheesy flavor shine through.
I typically serve it as a side for family dinners and holidays with main courses like baked ham. However, it goes well with pretty much everything. You can even serve it for breakfast. No matter when you serve it, I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.
More Comfort Food Recipes
- The Best Southern Cornbread Recipe
- Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
- Dirty Rice
- Homemade Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
- Candied Yams
- Baked Mac and Cheese
Recipe Ingredients
Frozen Shredded Potatoes or Hashbrowns: I use 30 ounces of frozen shredded potatoes that have been fully thawed.
Sour Cream: Forms the base of the sauce and adds a tangy taste.
Seasonings: I use garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt to create a savory flavor with lots of depth and just a hint of heat.
Half and Half: Helps combine the ingredients and contributes to the rich flavor and creamy consistency.
Cheese: I use 8 ounces of sharp cheddar and 4 ounces of Muenster cheese. Let them come to room temperature, and be sure to freshly shred all of the cheeses (don’t buy the pre-shredded cheese).
Unsalted Butter: Enhances the overall taste, adding a subtle richness that complements the cheese and brings all the flavors together. It also creates a velvety, smooth sauce.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese, balancing the dish and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Green Onion: Adds a pungent, earthy, slightly sweet taste that balances the richness of the sauce.
How to Make a Funeral Potatoes Recipe (A.K.A. Cheesy Potato Casserole)
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with butter or olive oil spray.
Step 2. Shred the cheeses, and mix them together. Then, divide the mixture, setting half aside for the filling and the other half for the top of the casserole.
Step 3. Next, in a large bowl, add the thawed potatoes, melted butter, seasonings, mustard, green onion, and sour cream. Mix well to combine.
Step 4. Then, add the half and half and one part of the reserved cheese. Mix well, and give the potatoes a taste, adding more seasoning if needed.
Step 5. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared casserole dish, and add the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Step 6. Next, place the casserole dish in the preheated oven, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Tip. Feel free to broil at the end to get the desired color you want to achieve.
Step 7. Cool for about 5 minutes. Then, garnish with chopped green onion, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Cheese potato casserole is a great side dish for a variety of main courses. If you’re looking for inspiration, I often pair it with baked ham, fried chicken wings, baked chicken, or roasted turkey.
You can also add it to a brunch spread with options like sausage breakfast casserole, sausage quiche, or homemade turkey sausage.
How to Store and Reheat
Once cool, you can cover the baking dish with foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To serve, reheat your cheesy funeral potatoes in the microwave. Or, warm them in the oven. If the top browns too quickly, cover the dish with foil and continue to bake until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between funeral potatoes and scalloped potatoes?
The two dishes look similar once baked, but the ingredients and preparation are not the same. For example, traditional scalloped potatoes are made with sliced potatoes in a cream sauce and are completely free from cheese. They also often feature onions and are made without the sour cream found in this cheesy potato casserole recipe.
Can I make cheese potato casserole in a slow cooker?
I haven’t tested it, but it should work. Just layer all the ingredients in a slow cooker instead of a baking dish. Then, cover, and cook on high for about 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are tender, the cheese is melted, and the ingredients are warmed through. I’d love to know how it goes if you give this method a try!
Can I add protein to funeral potatoes?
Yes, some people like to mix in chopped ham, bacon, or shredded chicken before baking for an even heartier dish.
More Delicious Recipes
- Roasted Green Beans with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions
- Southern Black Eyed Peas
- Easy Buttermilk Biscuits
- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
- Asparagus Puff Pastry with Asparagus and Gruyere
- Red Beans and Rice
I hope you love this Funeral Potatoes Recipe! It’s cheesy, creamy, and full of savory flavor! If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.
Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen shredded potatoes or hash browns thawed
- 8 oz of sour cream room temperature
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 cup half-and-half room temperature
- 8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded, room temperature
- 4 oz muenster shredded, room temperature
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt more to taste
- 1/2 cup of green onion chopped, more for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 375F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with a little butter or olive oil spray.
- Shred your cheeses and mix them together. Set aside half of the cheese for the filling and the other half to top the casserole.
- In a large bowl, add the thawed potatoes, melted butter, seasonings, mustard, green onion and sour cream. Mix well.
- Then, add the half-and-half and shredded cheese you set aside for the filling. Mix well. Give the potatoes a taste to see if more seasoning is needed.
- Then, transfer the potatoes to the prepared casserole dish and add the remaining shredded cheese to the top.
- Next, place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Feel free to broil to get the desired color you want to achieve. Then, let the potatoes cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with more chopped green onion and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Recipe by: Chavez Adams / Butter, Love & Salt | Photography by: Jess Gaertner
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