Funeral Potatoes

“Funeral potatoes” got their name because they’re a classic comfort-food casserole traditionally served at gatherings after funerals, especially in parts of the U.S. Midwest and Mountain West (notably among Latter-day Saint / Mormon communities in Utah and Idaho).

Here’s why the name stuck:

1. They’re easy to make in large batches

Perfect for feeding a crowd of family and friends after a service.

2. They’re comforting, simple, and familiar

It’s the kind of warm, creamy, cheesy, stick-to-your-ribs dish people bring to potlucks or to grieving families.

3. They became a cultural tradition

Church groups and community members often prepared this exact potato casserole—usually hash browns + sour cream + cream soup + cheese + buttery topping—so the dish became strongly associated with funerals.

4. The name spread outside the tradition

Even cookbooks and restaurants started calling them “funeral potatoes,” and now it’s just the common name.

If you want, I can also give you a recipe!

YES PLEASE!!

Here’s a classic, creamy, cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe—the traditional version everyone expects (and loves):

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🥔 Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole)

Ingredients

• 1 bag (30 oz / ~850 g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional but classic)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Topping (choose one)

• Cornflake topping (traditional)
  • 2 cups crushed cornflakes
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
• OR Ritz cracker topping
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
• OR No topping (still delicious)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix:
   • soup
   • sour cream
   • melted butter
   • cheese
   • onions
   • salt, pepper, and garlic powder
3. Add thawed hash browns and stir until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix your cornflakes or crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
6. Bake 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
7. Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

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⭐ Optional Add-Ins

• 1–2 cups cooked ham or rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies
• Swap cheddar for Colby-Jack or Monterey Jack
• Add 1/4 cup parmesan for extra richness

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