Funeral Potatoes Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Make Ahead

by: Katie Macdonald

February28,2018

5

4 Ratings

  • Prep time 20 minutes
  • Cook time 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Serves 8 to 10

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Author Notes

Also known as cheesy potatoes, they're commonly served as a side dish during after-funeral dinners planned by members of the Mormon Church's Relief Society. This recipe comes from my aunt, who first started making the dish in the 1980s. —Katie Macdonald

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 6 tablespoonsbutter, divided
  • 3/4 cuponion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 small potatoes, parboiled and shredded, or one (30-ounce) bag of frozen, shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
  • one 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cupsour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoonsalt
  • 1/2 teaspoonground pepper
  • 2 cupsfirmly packed shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 1/2 cupscrushed cornflake cereal or panko bread crumbs
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. In a medium skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter and sauté the onions until they're translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked onions, garlic, shredded potatoes, condensed soup, sour cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese.
  3. Spread into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
  4. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and mix with the crushed cornflake crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
  5. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until cooked throughout and bubbly.

Tags:

  • Casserole/Gratin
  • American
  • Cheese
  • Potato
  • Sour Cream
  • Make Ahead
  • Serves a Crowd
  • Entertaining
  • Potluck
  • Fall
  • Summer
  • Winter

Recipe by: Katie Macdonald

Katie is a food writer and editor who loves cheesy puns and cheesy cheese.

Popular on Food52

17 Reviews

William H. May 4, 2022

Loved your recipe...but we call them "dead spread" potatoes.

Feather1454 August 11, 2020

Delicious! I opted for the Greek yogurt and the frozen potatoes, and I omitted the panko/cornflakes entirely. I also added one (10 Oz) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained. Marvelous!

Anne M. May 6, 2018

I had to comment because there is something beautiful about honoring the past and this recipe does this in multiple ways. Canned soup is so passe yet there are times when it is appropriate. Rather than malign it, treat it with honor just like the person that is being honored when this is served.

Leigh March 25, 2018

Please, can I say thank you for presenting the authentic, real deal. It’s on every reception table after a funeral. I understand the comments about the canned soup, but, folks, there are easy substitutions, and an occasional canned soup hasn’t killed me yet. This stuff is sooooo good.

Sandra March 10, 2018

I got this recipe from a nanny years ago and it is one of my most requested. I know many turn their noses up to canned soup like it is poisonous but I have a couple recipes that use it and they are great. All things in moderation - and there isn’t anything evil in canned soup IMO. This dish will be on my Thanksgiving table forever I expect - or there would be mutiny.

bookjunky March 9, 2018

Really, this is what food52 has sunk to? Canned soup and frozen hash browns topped with cornflakes? I think my aunt has this in the parish “cookbook”.

Kevin F. March 11, 2018

Not pretentious enough for ya? Some folks, like me, appreciate a throwback recipe now and again. Take a breather.

MacGuffin May 13, 2022

THANK you. My only problem with the canned soup is that I’m vegetarian. I’m wondering if I could sub--THE HORROR--Cream of Mushroom instead.

MacGuffin May 13, 2022

I know not to invite you over when I make spinach dip that includes a packet of Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix.

FrugalCat March 9, 2018

I make this with cream of celery soup and potato chip crumbs.

sunkisst22 March 8, 2018

Add four green onions sliced before baking and it really adds texture and flavor. White and green parts.

Susanna March 8, 2018

Do you think evaporated milk could be subbed for the cream of chicken soup to make it vegetarian?

susan March 8, 2018

I think cream of mushroom soup would be good; or cream of celery in place of the cream of chicken soup.

Susanna March 8, 2018

I’m sure you’re right. But the truth of the matter is that I really do t want to use canned soup at all. If I try with evaporated milk I’ll report.

Jean T. March 8, 2018

The internet is loaded with recipes for homemade cream of ___ soup. Chicken & mushroom popped up immediately. Celery comes to mind. Could do cream of potato, I bet.

Tiny B. March 13, 2018

I'm sure a well-seasoned bechamel would work.

Renée R. March 3, 2018

I live in South Florida and have been making these potatoes for at least thirty years. They turn up at potlucks, funerals, etc. and are always loved and appreciated. I have yet to serve them and not be asked for the recipe. It doesn't matter how sophisticated the crowd may be, these are always the first thing to go. I haven't made them in quite awhile, but I've just decided to bake a ham and make these this weekend. Your story is lovely.
Thank you for sharing.

Funeral Potatoes Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What state is known for funeral potatoes? ›

What state is known for funeral potatoes? The Beehive State is known for funeral potatoes. Like green jell-o and ambrosia salad, funeral potatoes are a beloved food among Utahns. There was even a pin illustrating funeral potatoes that circulated when Salt Lake City hosted the Olympic Games in 2002.

What are funeral potatoes made of? ›

Combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 6 Tablespoons of melted butter, salt, pepper and dried onion in a bowl. Mix well. Add potatoes and shredded cheese and stir to combine. Spoon mixture into a single layer in a 9x13'' pan.

Are funeral potatoes a Mormon thing? ›

Commonly served after LDS funerals, this cheesy potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food. If you've ever encountered Mormon funeral potatoes, you can attest that the salty, crispy, cheesy casserole is one of the most oddly satisfying creations that exists in America — nay, the world.

What is the real name for funeral potatoes? ›

Funeral potatoes (also great potatoes, cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, cheesy hash browns, those potatoes, or party potatoes) is a traditional potato hotdish or casserole that is popular in the American Intermountain West and Midwest.

Who invented funeral potatoes? ›

While no one is sure where exactly funeral potatoes originated, most sources attribute their spread to the Relief Society, a women's organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One responsibility of society members was attending to the needs of the bereaved, including meals.

What are Yankee potatoes? ›

In the 1800s “Yankees” in the Northeast enjoyed large. cut potatoes roasted- with crispy pan marks on the. outside and a luscious earthy center. Guests near the. kitchen could hear the slang “yanks” being yelled to.

What are Annabelle potatoes? ›

This variety is not very sensitive to diseases, as well as discharges and deworming. Annabelle potatoes have a firm, yellow skin and a very fine grain that gives this particular creaminess. Characteristics. Tubercle: elongated shape, yellow skin, dark and soft texture. Buds: red, conical, medium to strong hairiness.

What is the origin of the funeral potato? ›

While no one is sure where exactly funeral potatoes originated, most sources attribute their spread to the Relief Society, a women's organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What state represents potatoes? ›

Idaho. Whether you prefer russet, red, fingerling or gold, potatoes are an American staple that the Gem State has rightly claimed as its official food. Idaho is the top potato producer in the U.S.

Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes? ›

Funeral Potatoes vs Scalloped potatoes

While they're both creamy and cheesy, these two dishes are different. In my Funeral Potatoes recipe, I like to use hash browns instead of thinly sliced (or scalloped) potatoes. Plus, most scalloped potato recipes I've seen don't call for potato chips!

What to eat with funeral potatoes? ›

The best side dishes to serve with funeral potatoes are blooming onion, bacon-wrapped asparagus, chicken parmesan, pork ribs, feta pasta, sausage rolls, butter lettuce salad, coconut shrimp, salmon burger, steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, cheesy garlic bread, grilled corn on the cob, pasta salad, apple slaw, and beef ...

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