Few dishes have a name as intriguing as funeral potatoes. This creamy, cheesy potato casserole has long been a staple of American comfort food, particularly in the western United States. Despite its somewhat sombre title, funeral potatoes are not exclusively reserved for sad occasions. They are equally popular at potlucks, family gatherings, and festive celebrations.
I hadn’t heard about them until Mr B sent me a DM on instagram (he is an insomniac so I often wake up to random things he has found at 2am and wanted to share) of a reel where a family were making “Funeral Potatoes”. Watching the video I wasnt really that impressed but then when I realised the base is frozen hash browns and they are mixed with a sauce comprising chicken soup, cream cheese, cheese, more cheese and garlic powder I was won over. The topping of crushed cornflakes was the, well crushed cornflakes on the cake.
But where did funeral potatoes come from, and why do they have such a name?
The Origins of Funeral Potatoes
It seems funeral potatoes are closely associated with the American state of Utah and, more specifically, with the Latter-day Saint (LDS) community. The dish became popular in Mormon culture as a comforting and easy-to-make meal often served at gatherings after funerals. When a member of the community passed away, neighbours and church members would come together to prepare and deliver food to the grieving family. A large, warm, and filling dish like cheesy potato casserole was ideal for feeding a crowd, providing sustenance in times of sorrow. It is also very adaptable so its easy for feed a crowd, and relatively cheaply too.
However, the concept of a potato casserole with a creamy, cheesy base wasn’t exclusive to Utah or the LDS community. Variations of the dish have existed across the United States for over a century, often appearing in church cookbooks and community recipe collections under different names. Some call it cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, or simply potato bake. Despite these variations, the name funeral potatoes stuck and became the most recognised term.
Why Are Funeral Potatoes So Popular?
The enduring appeal of funeral potatoes lies in their simplicity, versatility, and pure comfort. The dish consists of shredded or cubed potatoes (often from a packet of frozen hash browns), mixed with a creamy sauce, cheese, and a crunchy topping—usually made of cornflakes or breadcrumbs. It’s easy to prepare, requires inexpensive ingredients, and can be assembled in advance, making it perfect for large gatherings.
Additionally, funeral potatoes are highly adaptable. Some versions include extras like diced ham, bacon, or onions, while others experiment with different types of cheese or toppings. The combination of soft, cheesy potatoes with a crispy, golden topping creates an irresistible contrast in texture, making it a favourite at both solemn and joyful occasions.
A Classic Funeral Potatoes Recipe
If you’d like to try making funeral potatoes yourself, here’s a classic version of the dish. This recipe serves around 8 people and takes about an hour from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1kg frozen hash browns (shredded or cubed), defrosted
- 1 tin (300ml) of condensed cream of chicken soup (or substitute with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
- 200ml sour cream
- 200g grated cheddar cheese
- 50g melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
- 50g cornflakes, crushed (or breadcrumbs or crushed up tortilla chips)
- 30g melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Grease a large baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, condensed soup, sour cream, grated cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve funeral potatoes as a side dish alongside roast meats, a simple salad, or even on their own for a comforting meal. You can also adapt it by adding something like fried lardons, or leftover chicken. We added lardons and served it with a big green salad for dinner earlier this week and it was a real winner.
Bringing Funeral Potatoes to the UK
While funeral potatoes are deeply rooted in American food culture, there’s no reason why they can’t become a favourite in the UK as well. The dish shares similarities with traditional British comfort foods like potato gratin or cottage pie, but with its own distinctive twist. It’s an ideal option for large family dinners, bring-and-share events, or even as a delicious alternative to classic cheesy mash.
Whether you’re making them for a gathering or simply because you crave something warm and satisfying, funeral potatoes prove that comfort food knows no borders.