Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (28–32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (1 small); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/4 cup flour; 1-1/2 cups whole milk; 1-1/2 cups chicken broth; 6 ounces freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (2 cups); 1 cup sour cream; Salt and pepper (start with 1-1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, adjust to taste); 2 cups kettle-cooked potato chips, crushed into coarse crumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 44 reviews

“`html

If you’ve never tried this irresistible classic before, the Funeral Potatoes Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and cheesy goodness to your table. Imagine creamy, savory potatoes baked with sharp cheddar, a hint of garlic and onion, all topped with a buttery, crunchy potato chip crust that’s simply addictive. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a creamy, pale yellow mixture with soft, shredded textures visible throughout, swirled gently by a wooden spoon with a gray and white handle positioned on the right side inside the bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Funeral Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures that make this casserole so memorable.

Unsalted butter: Divided use allows for a rich, buttery base and a crisp, golden topping.
Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes: The perfect foundation that’s easy to use and provides that classic potato texture.
Yellow onion: Finely diced for just the right amount of savory sweetness and aroma.
Minced garlic: Adds a bold punch of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Flour: Key for thickening the creamy sauce to the perfect consistency.
Whole milk: Creates a smooth, rich cream sauce that soaks into every bite.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
Sharp Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded for sharp, melty goodness that defines this casserole.
Sour cream: Brings tang and creaminess that elevates the entire dish.
Kettle-cooked potato chips: Crushed for an incredible crunchy topping with a hint of saltiness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the topping to enhance flavor and add nutty richness.
Salt and pepper: Carefully adjusted to bring out all the flavors without overpowering.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Microwave the frozen hash browns for about 30 seconds straight in the bag, then place them in a strainer to thaw while you prepare the rest—this helps remove excess moisture and keeps your dish from getting soggy.

Step 2: Making the Cream Sauce

Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and salt and pepper—the aromatics will soften and create a flavorful base for your sauce. After about 3 to 5 minutes, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute. This step cooks the flour, preventing any raw taste and helping to thicken the sauce perfectly.

Step 3: Creating the Cheesy Sauce

Gradually whisk in the whole milk, followed by the chicken broth, ensuring the sauce remains smooth and lump-free. Bring everything to a boil while stirring frequently, then simmer for about 3 minutes as the sauce thickens beautifully. Once the sauce starts to look creamy and luscious, remove it from heat and gradually stir in your freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until melted, finishing with the sour cream for that signature tangy richness.

Step 4: Combining Potatoes and Sauce

Stir the thawed hash browns into the cheesy sauce until every shred is fully coated in that dreamy mixture. Pour this hearty blend into your prepared baking dish, cover it with foil, and pop it into the oven to bake for 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to cook through perfectly.

Step 5: Preparing the Crunchy Topping

While the casserole bakes, crush your kettle-cooked potato chips into coarse crumbs and mix them with the grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the topping mixture, stirring gently to coat every chip crumb. This sizzling butter coats the topping, ensuring it crisps up golden and irresistible.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

Remove the foil from the casserole and evenly sprinkle your buttery chip and Parmesan topping across the surface. Return it to the oven uncovered, baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top turns a lovely golden brown and the edges bubble with cheesy goodness. For that extra bit of crunch and color, broil the casserole for 1 minute if you like. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to let everything set.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with a creamy, pale yellow layer topped with a thick, uneven layer of crushed golden flakes. A woman's hand is placing more of the golden flakes over the top right side of the dish, giving the surface a crunchy texture look. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a fresh pop of color and texture by sprinkling finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top just before serving. A light drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits can also elevate the dish to another level, giving you layers of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Funeral Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic comfort staples like roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or a crisp coleslaw provide great contrast both in texture and flavor, making the whole meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look charming and festive. You can even turn leftover Funeral Potatoes into crispy skillet cakes by pan-frying spoonfuls until golden brown, transforming leftovers into a brand-new, delightful treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, store any uneaten funeral potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, and flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! To save some for later, bake it just until bubbly, then let it cool fully. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Funeral Potatoes Recipe in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy topping, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating keeps that beautiful texture intact.

FAQs

What makes this a Funeral Potatoes Recipe?

This casserole earned the lovable name because it’s traditionally served at gatherings following funerals, offering comforting, hearty flavors to grieving families. The combination of creamy potatoes and crispy topping is so delicious it’s been embraced far beyond those occasions.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! If you prefer, peel, shred, and squeeze out excess water from fresh potatoes. The texture will be slightly different, but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The overall flavor remains rich and comforting without losing any of the delicious qualities.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and ensure your potato chips are gluten-free. The creamy texture and crisp topping will still shine through beautifully.

What else can I use for the crunchy topping besides potato chips?

If you want to switch things up, crushed buttery crackers, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes make excellent crunchy toppings that add different textures and flavors to the dish.

Final Thoughts

I promise once you make this Funeral Potatoes Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your home like it is in mine. From the creamy, cheesy potatoes to the crispy, buttery topping, every bite offers pure comfort and joy. So grab that bag of hash browns and get ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. You’re going to love it!

“`