Why are they called "Funeral Potatoes"?

These potatoes earned their somewhat somber name because they're traditionally served at post-funeral luncheons, particularly in Mormon communities. They're the ultimate comfort food during difficult times, but they're so delicious they've become popular for all kinds of gatherings!

Can I make this recipe with fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You'll need about 6 cups of diced potatoes. Par-boil them for about 5 minutes until just tender but not fully cooked, then drain well before proceeding with the recipe. Add some diced bell peppers and onions to replicate the O'Brien potato mix.

My family doesn't like cream of chicken soup. Is there a substitute?

You can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even make a simple homemade white sauce (béchamel) with chicken broth added for flavor. For a homemade version, melt 3 tablespoons butter, add 3 tablespoons flour and cook for a minute, then whisk in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup milk until thickened.

Can I make these potatoes in a slow cooker?

Yes! Prepare the potato mixture as directed and place in a greased slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the crushed chips and melted butter for the last 30 minutes of cooking with the lid off to crisp up slightly.

Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 28 ounce package frozen cubed O’Brien potatoes, thawed (with or without peppers); 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes; 1 tablespoon dried chives; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 2 cups sour cream; Topping; 2 cups finely crushed potato chips (measured after crushing); 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted

This incredible Funeral Potatoes casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy potatoes with a crispy, buttery topping. Ready in just an hour with minimal prep work, it’s the perfect side dish for family gatherings, holiday meals, or anytime you need some soul-warming goodness on your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Goodness: There’s something magical about the combination of creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and that irresistible crispy topping that makes this dish the definition of comfort food.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare everything the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve – perfect for busy holidays or when hosting gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love these potatoes. They disappear quickly at potlucks and family dinners!
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy required – just everyday ingredients that combine to create something extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen O’Brien Potatoes: These pre-diced potatoes with peppers and onions are the backbone of this recipe, saving you tons of prep time. The peppers add little bursts of color and flavor, but you can choose the variety without peppers if you prefer.
Garlic Salt: Adds that perfect savory note that takes the flavor profile up several notches.
Pepper: Just enough to balance the creamy elements without overwhelming.
Dried Onion Flakes: These little flavor bombs rehydrate during baking and distribute onion flavor throughout the casserole.
Dried Chives: They add a mild, fresh onion flavor and beautiful specks of green throughout the dish.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The sharper the better! It melts beautifully and creates those irresistible cheese pulls when serving.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret weapon that binds everything together and adds rich flavor.
Sour Cream: Creates that luxurious creaminess that makes this dish so comforting. Full-fat works best here for the ultimate indulgence.
Potato Chips: The crispy topping that takes this dish from good to unforgettable. The contrast between the creamy potatoes and crunchy topping is pure magic.
Butter: Drizzled over the chips to help them become golden and extra crispy during the final bake.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Toppings

Swap the potato chips for corn flakes, crushed Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for different but equally delicious crispy toppings.

Protein Additions

Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding diced ham, crumbled bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the potato mixture.

Veggie Boost

Add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, or frozen peas to sneak in some extra nutrition.

Cheese Options

Experiment with different cheese combinations – try adding some smoked gouda, pepper jack for heat, or a sprinkle of parmesan in the mix.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Thaw your frozen O’Brien potatoes overnight in the refrigerator or for about an hour on the counter. Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the thawed potatoes, garlic salt, pepper, dried onion flakes, and dried chives. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix well. Then fold in the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Spread the potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Cover with nonstick foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes, until the mixture is hot and bubbly around the edges.

Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it. Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the top, then drizzle with melted butter. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 5: Broil for Perfect Color

For that gorgeous golden-brown topping, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it and rotate the dish if necessary for even browning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set up nicely for serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Properly Thaw the Potatoes: Make sure your frozen potatoes are fully thawed before mixing to ensure even cooking.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the sour cream and soup, stir just until combined to keep the potatoes from breaking down too much.
Use a Shallow Dish: A wider, shallower dish creates more surface area for that delicious crispy topping.
Watch the Broiler Carefully: The difference between perfectly golden and burnt is just seconds under the broiler, so don’t walk away!
Crush Chips Properly: Place chips in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin for the perfect consistency – not too fine, not too chunky.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Funeral potatoes are classically served alongside ham, but they’re equally delicious with grilled chicken, meatloaf, or roast beef. For holiday meals, they’re the perfect companion to turkey or prime rib.

Complementary Sides

Balance the richness with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or tangy coleslaw. The creamy-crunchy contrast pairs wonderfully with something acidic like cranberry sauce.

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle with extra chives, crispy bacon bits, or a light dusting of paprika for color and flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions, adding about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The topping will lose some crispness, but the flavor actually improves as the ingredients meld together.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without the chip topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, then add the chip topping fresh before the final bake.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch, but the topping won’t stay crispy.

FAQs

Why are they called “Funeral Potatoes”?

These potatoes earned their somewhat somber name because they’re traditionally served at post-funeral luncheons, particularly in Mormon communities. They’re the ultimate comfort food during difficult times, but they’re so delicious they’ve become popular for all kinds of gatherings!
Can I make this recipe with fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You’ll need about 6 cups of diced potatoes. Par-boil them for about 5 minutes until just tender but not fully cooked, then drain well before proceeding with the recipe. Add some diced bell peppers and onions to replicate the O’Brien potato mix.
My family doesn’t like cream of chicken soup. Is there a substitute?

You can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even make a simple homemade white sauce (béchamel) with chicken broth added for flavor. For a homemade version, melt 3 tablespoons butter, add 3 tablespoons flour and cook for a minute, then whisk in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup milk until thickened.
Can I make these potatoes in a slow cooker?

Yes! Prepare the potato mixture as directed and place in a greased slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the crushed chips and melted butter for the last 30 minutes of cooking with the lid off to crisp up slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Funeral Potatoes might have a somber name, but there’s absolutely nothing sad about their incredible flavor and comforting appeal! This is one of those treasured recipes that creates memories around the table and gets passed down through generations. The contrast between the creamy, cheesy potatoes and that irresistible crispy topping makes this dish special enough for holidays yet simple enough for Sunday dinner. Give them a try – I promise they’ll become a requested favorite in your recipe collection!