Why You’ll Love these Comforting Funeral Potatoes
When you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to please a crowd, these funeral potatoes are absolutely the answer. I’ve served them at countless gatherings, and the dish always returns empty.
What makes them irresistible? The creamy combination of sour cream and mushroom soup creates a velvety base, while the golden hash browns provide perfect texture.
That melted cheddar cheese on top? Pure comfort in every bite.
They’re incredibly simple to prepare—just mix, pour, top with cheese, and bake. No fancy techniques required.
And honestly, who doesn’t love a recipe where you dump everything together and walk away?
What Ingredients are in Comforting Funeral Potatoes?
These funeral potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying. The name might sound a bit somber, but there’s nothing sad about this crowd-pleasing casserole.
It’s become a staple at gatherings because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly simple to put together with just a handful of basic ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
- 2 cups sour cream
- 3 cans (10½ ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
- 32 ounces frozen hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
- ½ cup melted butter
While this recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup, you can easily substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery if that’s what you have on hand.
For the hash browns, either shredded or cubed varieties work well—the shredded ones create a more uniform texture, while the cubed add more substance to each bite.
And when it comes to the cheese, sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but a medium cheddar or even a blend with Monterey Jack would be perfectly delicious too.
Feel free to customize based on your family’s preferences.
How to Make these Comforting Funeral Potatoes
Making funeral potatoes couldn’t be easier—it’s one of those dump-and-stir recipes that always turns out perfectly.
Begin by mixing 2 cups of sour cream and 3 cans (10½ ounces each) of cream of mushroom soup in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. Next, fold in 32 ounces of frozen hash browns (no need to thaw them first!), 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (remember to reserve that ½ cup for later), and ½ cup of melted butter. The mixture will be thick and creamy, which is exactly what we want for that classic funeral potato texture.
Once everything is thoroughly combined, transfer the mixture to a deep 9×13 baking dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle that remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top—this creates that irresistible golden, slightly crispy cheese crust that everyone fights over.
Pop the dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 1 to 1¼ hours. The key here is making sure the middle is completely cooked through, so don’t rush the process. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling, the top is beautifully golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out hot.
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving, which helps the casserole set up nicely and prevents burnt tongues—always a plus at a gathering.
Comforting Funeral Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
Looking to customize your funeral potatoes to match your family’s tastes or what you have on hand? I’ve tried countless variations over the years. Swap cream of mushroom for chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile. Not a cheddar fan? Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack work beautifully.
For a crispy topping, crush some cornflakes or potato chips with melted butter. Trust me, that crunch adds divine texture. Sometimes I fold in diced ham or bacon bits when I’m feeling indulgent. And those mornings after making a batch? Try frying leftovers with an egg on top. Breakfast of champions, I promise.
What to Serve with Comforting Funeral Potatoes
When planning a meal around funeral potatoes, I’ve learned that the right accompanying dishes can transform this comforting casserole into a complete dinner experience.
I typically serve a protein centerpiece like baked ham, roast chicken, or meatloaf—something substantial but not competing with the creamy potatoes.
For vegetables, simple green beans or a crisp garden salad provides welcome contrast to the richness.
My family loves when I add warm dinner rolls with butter, perfect for sopping up any extra potato goodness.
And honestly, who can resist a revitalizing fruit salad to brighten the plate?
These humble sides let those cheesy potatoes shine.
Final Thoughts
Although funeral potatoes might’ve a somber name, they’ve brightened countless gatherings in my home with their creamy, cheesy comfort.
These humble spuds have a way of bringing people together, whether we’re celebrating life or supporting each other through loss.
I’ve watched teary-eyed relatives find momentary solace in a warm bite.
Isn’t it amazing how food can speak when words fail us? This simple casserole—hash browns swimming in creamy soup, tangy sour cream, melted butter, and that irresistible golden cheese crust—offers more than nutrition.
It provides connection, memory, tradition.
