Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute about 6 cups of diced, parboiled potatoes. Be sure to cook them until just tender before mixing with other ingredients, as they won't have as much time to cook through in the casserole as the recipe is written.

Why are they called Funeral Potatoes?

This comforting dish earned its name because it's commonly served at post-funeral luncheons, particularly in Mormon communities. It's easy to make in large quantities and universally appealing during difficult times. But don't let the name fool you – these potatoes are perfect for any gathering!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken. The dish will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.

My family doesn't like peppers. Can I still make this?

No problem at all. You can use the plain frozen cubed hash browns instead of O'Brien potatoes (which contain peppers). The dish will still turn out wonderfully creamy and delicious.

Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
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; 2 cups finely crushed potato chips (measured after crushing); 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted

This classic Funeral Potatoes dish is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy potato chip topping. This hearty casserole comes together quickly using frozen potatoes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of tender potatoes, rich sour cream, melty cheese, and that irresistible crunchy topping creates a dish that never fails to please a crowd!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pure Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly satisfying about the creamy, cheesy potato base paired with that crispy chip topping that just hits all the right notes.
Time-Saver: Using frozen O’Brien potatoes cuts prep time dramatically – no washing, peeling or chopping required!
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish has universal appeal – I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love it. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy dinner at home.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this dish in advance and bake it when needed, making it perfect for busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen O’Brien potatoes: The foundation of the dish that saves you tons of prep time – the little bits of peppers in these add nice color and subtle flavor, but you can use the plain cubed potatoes if you prefer.
Garlic salt: Adds savory depth without having to mince fresh garlic.
Pepper: Balances the creaminess with a hint of spice.
Dried onion flakes: Provides onion flavor throughout the dish without the tears or chopping.
Dried chives: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Cheddar cheese: The sharper the better for maximum flavor – it creates that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.
Cream of chicken soup: Acts as the binding agent and adds rich flavor to coat every potato cube.
Sour cream: Brings creamy tanginess that makes this dish irresistible.
Potato chips: Creates that addictive crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes underneath.
Butter: Helps the potato chip topping brown beautifully and adds richness.

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

Switch Up the Soup

Try cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of bacon soup for a different flavor profile.

Cheese Options

Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in some pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for depth, or a combination of whatever you have on hand.

Add Protein

Mix in diced ham, crumbled bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a complete meal.

Topping Alternatives

If you’re out of potato chips, try crushed cornflakes, buttered breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions for the topping.

Healthier Version

Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and baked chips for a slightly lighter version that still delivers on flavor.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Thaw the frozen O’Brien potatoes either overnight in the refrigerator or for about an hour on the counter. This step is crucial for even cooking and the right texture.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a moment to spray your baking dish (11×7-inch works perfectly, but 9×13-inch is fine too) with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the thawed potatoes, garlic salt, pepper, dried onion flakes, dried chives, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well so the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Elements

Stir in the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and consistent throughout.

Step 5: Bake Covered

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

Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the chips to help them brown.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden. If you want that picture-perfect golden top, broil for a minute or two at the end (watching carefully to prevent burning).

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Properly Crush the Chips: For the best texture, crush the potato chips finely but not to dust – you want some texture but no large pieces that might burn.
Don’t Skip the Thawing: Thawing the potatoes prevents excess water in your casserole and ensures even cooking.
Sharp Cheddar Makes a Difference: Choose a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the most flavor impact.
Watch the Broiler: If you use the broiler for extra browning, don’t walk away – chips can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Mix It Well: Ensure all the potatoes are coated with the creamy mixture before baking for the best flavor throughout.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Funeral potatoes pair beautifully with ham, grilled chicken, or meatloaf. The creamy, cheesy goodness complements almost any protein.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans.

Occasion Ideas

This dish is perfect for potlucks, holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or anytime you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. Add the chip topping just before the final bake.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chip topping will soften but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled casserole (without the chip topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, then add the topping during the final cooking stage.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute about 6 cups of diced, parboiled potatoes. Be sure to cook them until just tender before mixing with other ingredients, as they won’t have as much time to cook through in the casserole as the recipe is written.
Why are they called Funeral Potatoes?

This comforting dish earned its name because it’s commonly served at post-funeral luncheons, particularly in Mormon communities. It’s easy to make in large quantities and universally appealing during difficult times. But don’t let the name fool you – these potatoes are perfect for any gathering!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken. The dish will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
My family doesn’t like peppers. Can I still make this?

No problem at all. You can use the plain frozen cubed hash browns instead of O’Brien potatoes (which contain peppers). The dish will still turn out wonderfully creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Funeral Potatoes might have a somber name, but there’s nothing but joy in this crowd-pleasing dish. With its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy potatoes and crispy topping, it’s no wonder this casserole has become a staple at gatherings of all kinds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want some comfort food on a weeknight, this simple yet satisfying recipe deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. Trust me – once you make these potatoes, you’ll be asked for the recipe time and again!