BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

Best Ever Funeral Potatoes is my family’s all-time favorite side dish. In Utah, people refer to this casserole as “funeral potatoes,” but it is also known as “gooey potatoes” or “party potatoes.” It won’t taste like you are at a funeral!

 

BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

Do you ever crave the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your favorite person? Enter our hash brown casserole—an irresistible marriage of crispy potatoes, gooey cheese, and creamy soups, all crowned with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s the dish that turns every dinner into an event, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a solo indulgence.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion when you want to claim “I made that!” with pride. No one will ever guess how little effort it takes to bake this cheesy masterpiece. With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of simple steps, you’ll have a side (or main) dish that steals the show.

Get your favorite baking dish ready, slide on your cutest apron, and crank up your go-to playlist—because we’re about to turn humble hash browns into a casserole that slays. Ready to shine in the kitchen? Let’s dive in.

I love cheesy potatoes! It has been a tradition at the house for a long time and when I was first married, we usually just made them for holidays, but I realized that it’s the perfect side dish for any family meal!

This recipe is known as funeral potatoes because it’s traditionally served at funerals. This is because of its ease and ability to serve a crowd. Everyone has a recipe for gooey potatoes but this is my favorite version. 

 

 

Best Ever Funeral Potatoes

Ingredients: 

1 bag hash brown potatoes
1 cube of butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1 onion, chopped
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated (you use a different cheese)
3 cups Panko or Corn Flakes, crushed
5 Tablespoons butter, melted

BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

Step-by-Step Directions

• Preheat & Prep
• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
• Sauté the Onion
  In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the ½ cup (1 cube) of butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.
• Mix the Casserole Base
  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and salt. Fold in the thawed hash browns and shredded cheese until every bite promises cheesy potato bliss.
• Combine Onions & Butter
  Pour the warm sautéed onions and melted butter from the skillet into your potato mixture. Use a spatula to fold until the onions and buttery goodness are evenly distributed.
• Assemble in the Pan
  Transfer the potato-onion-cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Spread it into an even layer so every edge bakes to that perfect bubbly texture.
• Toast the Topping
  Return the skillet to low heat (wipe it clean first!). Add the 5 tablespoons of melted butter and stir in the Panko (or crushed Corn Flakes). Continuously stir until the crumbs turn a light, toasty gold—this only takes 2–3 minutes.
• Top & Bake
  Evenly sprinkle the golden crumbs over your casserole. Bake in the center rack for 60 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is crisp.
• Rest & Serve
  Let your casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set so you get clean, swoon-worthy scoops.

BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

Calorie Count

This casserole yields 12 hearty servings. Each serving clocks in at approximately 410 calories—all the comfort, none of the judgment.

 

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	410 kcal
Total Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	16 g
Cholesterol	75 mg
Sodium	620 mg
Carbohydrates	25 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	3 g
Protein	9 g

Values are approximate and will vary based on the brands you use.

 

BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

Cooking Tips

• Always thaw your hash browns to prevent excess water from making the casserole soggy.
• Use room-temperature sour cream so it blends seamlessly with the soups.
• For extra flavor, swap half the cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
• Don’t skip toasting the crumbs—you want that buttery crunch to balance the creamy potatoes.
• If your topping browns too quickly, tent the casserole with foil for the last 15 minutes.
• Let the casserole rest before cutting. Patience yields perfect slices that hold their shape.

BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

Recipe Variations

• Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of celery or broccoli cheddar soup for a twist.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.
• Add 1 cup cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a meaty upgrade.
• Toss in 1 cup frozen peas or corn when you mix in the hash browns for veggie vibes.
• Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and sprinkle Parmesan on top for an Italian flair.
• Make it spicy by mixing in chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

Let’s be real—some days you need a recipe that feels like a safety net. This hash brown casserole is exactly that: reliable, cozy, and endlessly forgiving. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, comforting a friend, or just treating yourself, this casserole delivers all the warm-and-fuzzies in every forkful.
Remember: comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a little sass, you can transform your kitchen into the coziest spot in town. So go ahead—make this casserole your next dinner party showstopper or your go-to for fridge raids. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.

BEST EVER FUNERAL POTATOES

There you have it, darling: your new go-to casserole for every occasion. With creamy layers of soup, tangy sour cream, melty cheese, and a perfectly crisp topping, this hash brown casserole is pure magic in a pan. Whip it up, slide it into the oven, and voilà—you’re the hostess with the mostest. Don’t forget to snap a pic for the ’Gram before it disappears (and trust me, it will).
Stay cozy, stay sassy, and stay hungry. Until next time, happy baking and even happier devouring. Tag us on Instagram or leave us a comment below. We love hearing from you! 
xoxo,
Your Lou Lou Girls in the Kitchen