Utah's Best Funeral Potatoes
These comforting funeral potatoes use frozen hash browns for an easy, delicious dish.
- SERVES
- 8
- COOK TIME
- 50 Min
When you're called upon to comfort someone and need the perfect bring-along dish, we recommend Utah's Best Funeral Potatoes. This hearty, creamy funeral potatoes recipe will surely be appreciated by friends and family. Of course, this easy potato side dish is perfect for a happy occasion, too.
No matter when you are making this dish, you can rely upon it being easy to make and completely delicious. We use frozen shredded hash browns so you don't have to worry about peeling and prepping fresh potatoes. And the texture that you get from the hash browns is just outstanding. The finished dish is cheesy, creamy, and comforting. The crunch from the buttery cracker topping is the perfect addition to each bite.
We hope you enjoy this comfort food casserole in good times and in challenging ones.
What You'll Need
- 1 stick butter, divided
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 (10-1/2-ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup coarsely crushed butter-flavored crackers
What to Do
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 stick butter. Add onion and saute 4 to 5 minutes, or until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cheese, soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and onion; mix well. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish.
- In a small microwaveable bowl, melt remaining butter in microwave; stir in cracker crumbs. Sprinkle cracker mixture over potatoes.
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 to 15 additional minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Notes
Feel free to substitute any flavor cream soup for the cream of celery. Refrigerated, shredded hash browns also work well in this recipe!
If you're looking for another funeral potatoes recipe, check out our Cheddar Potato Casserole, Company Potatoes, or Cheesy Hash Browns!
If you enjoyed our recipe for Utah's Best Funeral Potatoes, then be sure to check out our collection of Quick & Easy Potato Recipes: 30 Scrumptious Recipes for Breakfast Potatoes, Potato Side Dishes & More.
Casseroles are always a favorite around here, both for their ease and their comfort, so here's another favorite we'd like to share: Amish Country Casserole!
Did You Know? These are commonly referred to as "funeral potatoes" because they're a traditional after-funeral side dish. Folks found that this funeral potatoes recipe iseasy to make, bring along, and even freeze for later. While no one knows exactly when or how funeral potatoes became so popular, it's pretty much agreed that their origin can be traced back to the state of Utah. Either way, it's a treat you'll be making for ages!
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fire capt 1
Mar 30, 2020
I make these for my family before and they love it. This is a keeper.
Jan
Mar 30, 2020
We call the cheesy hashbrown casserole of Pittsburgh Potatoes. The differences are using O'Brien or Southern Hashbrowns as they contain onions and peppers. It eliminates the onions and need to saute. We usually used more cheese on the top instead of crackers
chrisg 3746065
Mar 30, 2020
I am from Utah and have made funeral potatoes for years. Using cream of celery soup doesn't sound good. Here is how I learned 12 oz fresh hash browns (in grocery store usually by eggs. A 8 oz pkg and 4 oz pkg.) Melt in saucepan cup butter, tsp dehydrated onion flakes or onion salt, I can cream of chicken soup. Mix. After the butter is melted add sour cream and blend. Take off heat and add 1 cups shredded cheese. Pour into the hash browns. Place in a 9x13 pan. Place cup corn flakes into a zipped sandwich bag and close and crush. Place crushed corn flakes in a bowl and add 1-2 Tablespoons melted butter. Mix and spread on top of potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
bkm 1529918
Apr 04, 2017
These are just plain good and a nice change regardless what they're called! "Funeral Potatoes", made me curious. Good enough to share with a grieving family means an exceptional dish in my book and one to be proud of. Move on, call it what you want-just make and enjoy! Great holiday side dish.
Peachies
Apr 01, 2016
I wanted something different to add to my Easter dinner. I made this and will definitely be making it again in the future. I will use this recipe for special events as well as cookouts. It was easy to make and I received numerous raving reviews.
LD2U 1026130
Aug 29, 2015
would the taste be the same if i replaced the sour cream with mayo i really want to try this but i am allergic to sour cream and i dont like yogurt.
Test Kitchen Team
Aug 31, 2015
Hello! - Yes, mayo would work in this recipe, but we suggest cutting back to 1 cup of mayo and adding 1/2 cup of milk to the mixture. Enjoy!
jynx
Aug 29, 2015
Has anyone tried cream of mushroom soup? I am thinking about that, I was just wondering.....
lydiaalley 8917568
Aug 12, 2015
It is one of my favorite sides but cream of chicken soup makes it much better than the cream of celery in this recipe. Also the Simply Fresh shredded potatoes work very well and are not frozen.
theringalings
Mar 02, 2015
Could someone advise me on what to substitute sour cream for? My husband is allergic so you think maybe plain yogurt? Any help would be appreciated.
Test Kitchen Team
Mar 03, 2015
Hello! - You can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream or 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1 cup of yogurt will also work. Enjoy!
eburr 1443913
Mar 02, 2015
Tried this recipe yesterday and we thought they were delicious! Recipe is a keeper and I plan to make it for family gatherings too. Thanks for sharing a great recipe.
rmckittrick 617012 2
Feb 28, 2015
I have made the original recipe since 1982. It differs slightly as follows I use 1 stick of oleo in main ingredients, cream of chicken soup, 2 T. diced onion, 1 t. salt, regular cheddar cheese, topped with 2 cups of crushed corn flakes, drizzled with 1/2 stick melted oleo. Bake at 350 for approx. 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hrs. Everyone loves it. 80 yr. old grandmother
1nutnyahoo 6029133
Feb 28, 2015
I will try this by substituting canned fried onions instead of crackers for my topping. Maybe even crumble up some crispy bacon with it Might even skip step 2 to reduce butter what with all the milk and cheese. Thanks for the recipe so I can play with my food.
Zoumonkie
Feb 28, 2015
These are not to die for. On the bright side I'm no longer dying to try these. Couldn't even feed them to the dog because of the onions.
QuickDigits 412994 1
Nov 02, 2014
I can't find my previous 2 comments....not sure why? Anyway, when I was growing up, there was No "Gluten Free", Low Carbs, Zero Cholesterol, Salt-Free or any of these new-age contrived "allergies" and/or dislikes of peanuts, butter, meat, milk, etc. We Ate for Fuel and didn't complain. Today's restrictive society drives me nuts!
theringalings
Mar 02, 2015
We should be neighbors we would get along just fine. Got time email me theringalings@yahoo.com
QuickDigits 412994 1
Nov 02, 2014
I made these potatoes tonight and they are wonderful The only thing I changed is I used a whole medium onion diced and sauteed in real butter To us it added a lot of flavor We both suffer from high cholesterol but tonight we threw caution to the wind lol I baked it in a quart Corning Ware casserole dish which has higher sides than a X baking pan so I added about - more minutes of baking Also I kept the lid on throughout the cooking instead of removing it I Love the title of the recipe I ate small bowls of it for supper and that's All I needed and wanted I definitely recommend this recipe Fortunately Kroger had all the ingredients on sale today coincidence perhaps so it wasn't very expensive at all to make considering the quantity it makes There's just the two of us here so…Read More Funeral Potatoes will go a Long way
pamjgabriel 237829 8
Feb 11, 2014
This is a great potato dish. Will definately make this again!!
pattyouch 6905138
Feb 01, 2014
I have made this in the past using cream of chicken or as a extra use French onion soup with a little corn starch as a thickener. If you use potato chips or corn flakes, it will also be gluten free.
helloitzmeagain 49 32097
Feb 01, 2014
I have made this and used Simply Potatoes shredded hash browns, they're not frozen so no need to wait. Didn't put any topping it just let it get golden brown on top.
Jo4414 9006044
Jan 13, 2014
I always make this with Ore Ida O'Brien hash browns so you can eliminate the diced onions and I also use cream of chicken soup. One time I didn't have any cornflakes or crackers so I used Lay's Low salt potato chips I had on hand, and just used a handful of them which I crushed in my hand and sprinkled on the casserole. No need to add any melted butter either. This was a hit with my family and they request it now with the crushed potato chips on top.
avonmmu 7726617
Jan 13, 2014
Have been making this for years for family get-togethers. Always added the ritz cracker topping and dribbled butter over top. My family likes it with Cream of Chicken soup but I have used cream of mushroom or celery when there are vegans. It was published in a recipes section of my local paper in Pennsylvania and is requested very often. Some variation use corn flakes on top but we like the Ritz!!
kimall 5214178
Jan 13, 2014
Try it with cream of chicken soup and Ore-Ida O'Brien potatoes. Also I don't use the cracker topping and bake it uncovered. It's a favorite when I bring it to parties.
lmh52bjh 0728022
Jan 10, 2014
I make this quite often, in fact I made it for Christmas dinner and it went over big. 5 stars
Bo b
Jan 10, 2014
Can you make this if you are not going to a funeral? I have only been to one funeral in my life and that was in 1969.
Test Kitchen Team
Jan 13, 2014
You can make this dish any time. Doesn't have to be for a funeral.
patscullion 665971 7
Sep 27, 2013
please include nutritional facts that are soooo important for diabetics. thanx
Granny Wild
Jun 06, 2013
I remember Mom making this for us as kids because it helped fill what seemed like our two hollow legs and there were four of us plus the adults to feed. I don't mind the suggestions to change up some of the ingredients, as I am imagination challenges and this might help to offer variety to an already delicious meal. I thank you for bring back such warm memories of us sitting around the table and sharing.
kbutler 3547779
May 13, 2013
I love potatoes in all forms, and I can't wait to go home and try this recipe. The name is fine with me - I always want to take my very best concoction to a funeral dinner to the the bereaved family, so I feel the name is quite appropriate, however, I do not intend to limit it to funeral situations. I love using Cream of Celery Soup, and don't have many recipes that use it, so I'm quite happy. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe. MamaB
PAcook
May 12, 2013
I'm not good at ad-lib whien it comes to recipes. Has anyone tried this in a crock pot? If so, how long did you let it cook? Thanks in advance for any help.
Moose Miss
Apr 21, 2013
What do you think? Why is there so much discussion on the name? It is a simple, inexpensive recipe that neighbors made to help friends in their time of need. The presentation of a dish showed their friendship, and their sympathy. No one had much money so this was a presentable offering. Call it whatever you want, but it was, historically used as a funeral offering.
captreg 9032754
Apr 19, 2013
Why do people alter such beautiful recipes? People come on this site to obtain a good recipe then either complain or change it to their liking.
Moose Miss
Apr 21, 2013
I agree. So many people rate a recipe before they try it. I can understand when they say they want to try it, but please don't make suggestions on how you would change it if you haven't tried the original recipe. Why are you even looking at the recipe if you are allergic, or have other medical issues that prohibit you from making the original recipe? Don't give it a low rating just because you can't have one of the ingredients. Your problem. Not the recipe.
sf43935 7969940
May 11, 2013
I like the people who say "I'm on a low-fat, low-carb, no-dairy, vegan health diet" and demand the nutritional information. Here's a hint, if it's full of cheese and potatoes, and you're on a no-dairy, no carb diet, you might want to find a different recipe.
betsyhartmann 9948 713
Apr 17, 2013
I think that I will label it "Family Gathering Potatoes" as I will be making them more often for non-funeral occasions.
Honeybun64
May 13, 2013
I cannot wait to try this recipe. No changes for me. I love all that is in it. Yummy! OOOOh! It's so good! & I also agree with the comments. If u don't like the recipe, or r allergic to anything in it. Find another recipe. Thanks, Jackie, Virginia Beach, Va.
QuickDigits 412994 1
Nov 02, 2014
last I checked, the word "funeral" was not a dirty word?? Geezz!
bsa1 1765559
Apr 17, 2013
I use cream of mushroom soup and French onion chip dip instead of the sour cream.
vparker
Jan 12, 2013
I would like to have the nutritional information for this recipe for "Funeral Potatoes" I am now on alow carb, hight protein eating plan and want to be careful.
sf43935 7969940
Apr 17, 2013
Not to be rude, but if you are on a low-carb eating plan you should not be looking at potato recipes.
grannyblu
Apr 18, 2013
vparker Why in the world are you looking at these kinds of recipes if you are truly on low carb? for low carb it is simply meats and salads boiled eggs al ittle cheese also veggies like broccoli green beans cauliflower tomatoes no sauces nothing white like floor or sugar or made with white.. simple as that we suspect you very well Know IT!
Dea Licious
Jan 12, 2013
I use cream of chicken soup, plus I just mix 1-Tb of dried minced onion instead of cooking the onion. In addition, instead of cracker crumbs, I mix approx 1-Cup of cornflake crumbs with 1/4 cup melted butter, papirika and seasoned salt, and sprinkle on top.
judiu
Jan 12, 2013
Use cream of anything but celery soup. Cream of broccoli would be good, as would asparagus or onion.
virginiablancha 65 24089
Jan 12, 2013
i guess not many people know that old time funerals were nearly as much about the food as the funeral.....old timers wouldn't be offended....call it what ever you want....
sf43935 7969940
May 11, 2013
Italians, too! I've never heard it called funeral potatoes until now, but I've always seen these at pot luck dinners. No matter, they're good!
MMMR
Jan 12, 2013
The reason it is called Funeral Potatoes is when Mormon's are asked to make this dish for a funeral lunch/dinner for a family in their congregation then everyone quickly knows what they are talking about. It has become a standard part of the "funeral lunch menu." We use it for other times also! Yes, it is super delicious and most everyone always loves it.
Bravehrt
Jan 12, 2013
LOL. FYI This recipe has been in my family for many years and not being from Utah or Mormon, it's always been referred to as "Funeral Potatoes" Reading this comment, I really did laugh out loud - Funny how names evolve. :-)
candc 0637791
Jan 12, 2013
Why not call it the "Good Neighbor Casserole'? Sounds much more appetizing.
tdzm 7811775
Jan 12, 2013
I think the recipe could use a new title.
ljj33957 7593083
Jan 12, 2013
I certainly agree. Gross title and doesn't inspire anyone to want to make it.
yopauly
May 11, 2013
The name indicates it is the best tasting side dish worthy of consoling a family after a loss of a family member. Nothing gross about it. If you look around the internet I'm sure you will find a similar recipe that has a name that is suited for you.
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