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Cheesy Potato Casserole (Funeral Potatoes)

by Jamie

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Have you ever heard of Funeral Potatoes?

If you’ve been to a funeral luncheon at a Mormon Church, chances are you’ve been served Funeral Potatoes. Shredded potatoes, mixed with cheese, sour cream, butter, cream of chicken soup and topped with crispy corn flakes. Sounds pretty yummy, doesn’t it? 


They are a standard for funeral luncheons because they are so easy to make, are an economical way to feed a crowd, and they taste so good and comforting. Comfort is what people like to have around at funerals, you know. 

Comforting food, beautiful flowers, dear friends and sweet family members. All key ingredients to successful funeral, wouldn’t you say? I actually had the pleasure of attending my dear Grandmother’s funeral just yesterday. She was the kind of Grandmother every girl should get to have. More on this subject to be shared, along with one of her best recipes coming up on Monday.

PS…I think there were 12 pans of Funeral Potatoes all lined up for my family and I after the funeral today. (We have a big family, 150 were there for lunch.) The good women who prepared the meal also served ham, jello salad, green salad, rolls, cake and cookies. These are the components of the standard Mormon Funeral Luncheon.  

PPS…The Funeral Potatoes were good. If you were one of the kind gals who made them for our family luncheon, thank you very much. They hit the spot. 🙂 


PPPS…I made the Funeral Potatoes pictured here a couple of weeks ago, because I thought you might like to make them with your Easter Ham, or something like that. I’m pretty sure there is no law written saying they have to be made only for funeral. Just wanted to clarify. They work well for Pot Lucks and BBQ’s. They also make a great side dish when preparing a Take In Meal.

Cheesy Potato Casserole (Funeral Potatoes)
Time: 10 min. prep + 45 min. cooking time
Yield: 12-15 servings
Recipe adapted from Heather Peterson
1 (32 ounce) package frozen shredded potatoes
1 C sour cream
2 1/2 C cheddar cheese
4 T melted butter, divided
2 (10 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
salt and pepper
1 1/2 C corn flakes
 
 
1. Pour one 32 ounce bag frozen shredded potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Pop that baby into the microwave for 2-3 minutes to thaw the potatoes. 
 
 
2. To the potatoes add 1 cup sour cream
 
 
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
 
 
2 tablespoons of melted butter
 
 
2 cans cream of chicken soup
 
 
and a bit of salt and pepper. 
 
 
3. Stir it all around with a wooden spoon. Make sure all ingredients are combined. 
 
 
4. Pour 1 1/2 cups corn flakes into a small food processor and crush them into crumbs. No food processor? Do not dismay. Put the corn flakes into a gallon sized ziploc bag and roll over the top of the bag with a rolling pin. 
5. Put the corn flakes crumbs into a small bowl and pour 2 tablespoons of butter over the top. Give it a nice stir to combine. 
 
 
6. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and spread the potato/cheese mixture into it. 
 
 
7. Cover the potatoes with the corn flake crumbs, cover the pan with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. 
 

Enjoy!

Pinterest friendly image below…
Cheesy Potato Casserole or Funeral Potatoes from Jamie Cooks It Up!

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92 comments

Lady Jane April 6, 2012 - 6:54 am

We call these Texas Tom Taters. One of my favorite dishes!!

God bless you!

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Kim April 6, 2012 - 11:30 am

The Mormons don't have exclusive rights to these for funeral dinners. They also appear on United Methodist funeral dinner spreads, and they are a go-to side dish for company with ham, BBQ meatballs and other meals. In fact, they are on my menu for Easter Sunday. I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother. Isn't a funeral dinner really a blessing? It gives families a time to gather together and remember. Praying that you and your family were surrounded by wonderful memories yesterday and in the days to come.

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Ann and Billy April 6, 2012 - 2:28 pm

Could these be made with shredded fresh potatoes or must you use the frozen ones?

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Jamie Cooks It Up! April 9, 2012 - 10:12 pm

You can use fresh potatoes for this recipe, but they need to be cooked first. Bake them in the oven or microwave, allow them to cool and then shred them and add to the casserole. Good luck!
~Jamie

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stephanie November 24, 2014 - 10:34 am

how long should you bake/microwave/boil? wont they get too soft to shred? Really want to make from scratch!

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Margaret November 7, 2013 - 7:00 am

I use shredded fresh potatoes for this recipe and it turns out just as tasty….We have it quite often with many meals….

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stephanie November 24, 2014 - 10:35 am

did you bake/boil the potatoes before shredding them?

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Joan April 6, 2012 - 2:30 pm

That looks delicious! I have a similar recipe but it uses a lot more butter so I am going to try yours. I also plan on adding shredded chicken breast to the dish so it's all in one meal!

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ButterYum April 6, 2012 - 2:47 pm

Oh Jamie – I'm so sorry you lost your grandmother, but I'm sure you feel blessed to have had her in your life all these years. I look forward to seeing her recipe on Monday. PS – this sounds exactly like the potato casserole my daughter keeps telling me about (someone where she works brings it in frequently and my daughter loves it).

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Talia April 6, 2012 - 3:35 pm

I am so very sorry for your loss. Funeral dinners are such a blessing. A time to gather with loved ones and remember those who have gone before us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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L3 April 6, 2012 - 4:26 pm

I like a little onion in mine.

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Anonymous April 6, 2012 - 4:37 pm

I am so sorry for your loss, may all the happy memories wrap you in your time of grieving. I do have to say not only did you describe the meal plan for a Mormon service, but Catholic as well!My grandmother has been planning funeral lunches at her church for the past 25 years… Same recipe every single time and prepared by the same ladies every time, but its the comfort food that is loved by all!

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Anonymous April 6, 2012 - 4:38 pm

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandmother. Awesome Grannies are the best and will be carried in your heart forever.

Would cream of mushroom soup work as well? I don't eat meat.

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Jamie Cooks It Up! April 9, 2012 - 10:10 pm

Yes, Cream of Mushroom would work just fine. Good luck!
~Jamie

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Usama February 8, 2014 - 4:39 am

OMG!! You serious!!! Yippie!!!!!!! can’t wait to see all papres. Did I ever tell I love Paper? 🙂 :)On another note, I know today will be one of the hardest days for Tim’s family, but I wish them comfort knowing that she is in a better place. Hugs to all of you and his family.

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Horsebroad April 6, 2012 - 5:15 pm

I would have to say that my Chinese noodle salad is my “to go” food simply because it's quick, easy, and GOOD!

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Anonymous April 6, 2012 - 5:39 pm

Jamie – I am sorry to hear of your Grandmother's passing. I hope her memories carry you through these days of mourning. I have used a similar recipe for years only I use 2 cans of cream of potato soup and 3/4 C. parmasean cheese, plus a little onion.

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Anonymous April 6, 2012 - 6:20 pm

I add green onion, I like the flavor. Also, I use sharp cheese, it makes a difference. I cook my own potatoes and shred them, I'm that crazy but they are delicious!

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MommaMary April 6, 2012 - 6:30 pm

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your grandmother. My Gramma was the most special person in my life and will be missed for the rest of mine.

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Egretta Wells blog April 6, 2012 - 7:58 pm

Hi Jamie, I have never heard them called funeral potatoes, even though I recently had them at a funeral. Deepest sympathy in the loss of you grandmother…I know you have wonderful memories of her.

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Kristy April 7, 2012 - 10:26 pm

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your grandma.

Here in GA we call this Hashbrown Casserole and it is really good.

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Leslie April 8, 2012 - 12:13 am

Wow! I just found out I have to bring potatoes to Easter dinner and thought I'd hop on over because you always have something good and voila – It's on the front page! I've eaten them many times, but never made them. I'm sure they will be wonderful!

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Mary April 8, 2012 - 11:12 am

I've heard of these potatoes but have never made them. No I have no excuse not to. I am new to your blog, so I've spent some time browsing through your earlier posts. I'm so glad I did that. I really like the food and recipes you share with your readers and I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary

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Anonymous April 8, 2012 - 5:06 pm

Condolences for your loss. It sounds like your family was lucky to have such a special grandmother! And I have to say that I missed the part about the meal being a Mormon funeral meal the first time I read your post, because it sounds just like a Baptist funeral meal, too! Maybe the common denominator is the love and caring by the women (and Men) who prepare these meals!

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Anonymous April 8, 2012 - 6:03 pm

can I use fresh shredded potatoes instead of ready made?

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Jamie Cooks It Up! April 9, 2012 - 10:09 pm

You can use fresh potatoes, but they need to be cooked before you shred them. Bake them in the oven, let them cool and then shred them before you put them in the casserole. Good luck!
~Jamie

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stephanie November 24, 2014 - 10:36 am

bake for how long?! wont they become too soft, or is it not quite that long?

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Thauan February 7, 2014 - 7:30 pm

Dan Adams was an amazing man. He was a great tcehear and coach who was loved by his students. He was admired and respected by his colleagues. We will all miss Dan. Dan loved his family and was so excited when he became a grandpa. May your family find comfort knowing that Dan is now free from his pain. ~When someone you love becomes a Memory, that memory becomes a Treasure~ Your memories of Dan will help you as you go through this difficult time. Marie Remember that everyone at Wasatch is your family and we love you.Love ~ Debbie Lund

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Priscilla April 8, 2012 - 7:05 pm

As a Mormon girl I grew up on these. I live in KY now and we call it hash brown casserole. I add a little onion and Parmesan to a similar recipe. It's a good way to use up leftover potatoes too. I'm using your recipe for my Easter feast.

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Elizabeth April 9, 2012 - 1:30 am

Made this for Easter dinner tonight. I've made funeral potatoes before, but this recipe was the best. Thank you! I came here via Pinterest, and now I have you bookmarked. This (funeral potato-like stuff) isn't how I normally eat, but your other recipes look great too. Can't wait to get started trying them!

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GinaB April 9, 2012 - 5:16 pm

I also made these for Easter dinner to the rave reviews of everyone. You know you hit it out of the park when there are no leftovers. I added about 1/4 cup crumbled bacon bits and 4oz. of cream cheese. I also thought I opened 2 cans of cream of chicken, but turns out one was cream of celery. Turned out to be a good mistake. Love your blog and can't wait to see more of your grandmother's recipes.

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Richelle April 10, 2012 - 9:30 pm

Like Kristy said above we just call this hashbrown casserole down in South Carolina. During college my roommates and I made a few memorable trips to Cracker Barrel for these potatoes! Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for broadening my horizon by sharing what these potatoes mean to you at a time when you are mourning the loss of someone very dear.

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windymeadow April 11, 2012 - 12:19 am

I am sorry about your Grandma. I had one of those kinds of Grandmas, the kind that makes you feel that if you could only just be like her your life would be successful. Thank you for the recipe, i was looking for it recently, only I had it with Ritz crackers on it.

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one crazy girl April 12, 2012 - 2:21 pm

My family likes these with chopped green onion and topped with shredded cheese instead of corn flakes. We always joke that we're not sure if they're called funeral potatoes because they are served at a lot of funeral lunches (Mormon or otherwise) or because the cream and butter content will hasten the funeral of whomever eats them.

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Erika April 13, 2012 - 2:24 pm

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother.
We make these for all sorts of family gatherings. We mix it up a bit though by using the frozen Potatoes O'Brien by OreIda. Adds a little variety with the peppes and onions. We just call them Cheesy Potoates 🙂

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Joel April 14, 2012 - 10:04 pm

These are a staple at our church funerals and I make them at home. We refrigerate them for 24 hours before baking them. There really is a yummy difference. I also add a chopped saute in butter onion. I use cream of mushroom soup if I don't have the c of c soup. Debra

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kmeyersvt April 22, 2012 - 2:11 pm

I add chopped onion and ham inside and french's onions on top instead of cornflakes. I serve them for Friday breakfast at work and they're always gone!

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Moleff Family! May 11, 2012 - 3:01 am

one of my all time favorite dishes!!

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Anonymous May 15, 2012 - 12:50 am

We make these with cubed hash brown potatoes (frozen), with sauteed onions and diced ham, then top with bread crumbs that have been mixed with a little melted butter. SO yummy!

Reply
Easter Brunch/Easter Dinner Recipes March 18, 2013 - 12:31 am

[…] Cheesy Potato Casserole (Funeral Potatoes) […]

Reply
HOPE April 9, 2013 - 1:01 pm

I grew up in SLC and yes these are a staple at any funeral even if your not a Mormon as I am not. Either way, they are good and very versatile. I add browned ground beef, sauteed onion and chopped green chile’s to make a one dish, main dish for my family. They devour it ever time I make them.

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Bubleyone May 3, 2013 - 10:49 am

I use the cubed frozen potatoes, and cream of mushroom soup. It is an altime favorite for my family! My condolences on the loss of you Gramma!

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Karen Young May 24, 2013 - 8:05 am

can’t wait to try new receipes

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Pam Muehlman May 29, 2013 - 10:29 pm

Jamie,
Need recipe for your”funeral potatoes” to feed 50/60 people. We will only have electric roasters to cook in. Concerned about corn flake topping getting soggy. Thank you for any help you can give!!!
Blessings,
~pam~

Reply
Redoing Cheesy Potato Casserole with Caulflower | Resourceful Solutions June 2, 2013 - 8:50 pm

[…] To see the original recipe – Go here […]

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December Menu Plan 2013 December 2, 2013 - 12:32 am

[…] Cheese Topping Creamy Dreamy Fudge (pictured below) Two Ingredient Onion Dip with Ruffle Chips Cheesy Potato Casserole…Funeral Potatoes Cheesy Pesto Pull A Part Bread (pictured […]

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Razzle December 23, 2013 - 4:51 pm

I think this is a Northern Utah thing, not a Mormon thing.
Here in southern Utah we are almost all Mormons, yet in 50 years I have never seen this and I have been to a lot of funerals lately. I found it searching potato dishes.
I’m making it tonight though with ham. Yum.

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Colleen December 24, 2013 - 8:28 am

I make them now with cream of celery soup and some seasoned salt instead of regular salt. I really like the potatoes this way.

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Joi Jordan January 29, 2014 - 10:32 pm

Can I use cubed potatoes instead of the hash

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Jamie January 30, 2014 - 10:38 am

Joi,
You bet. Hope you love it!
~Jamie

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Nicole March 17, 2014 - 1:38 pm

Jamie-
Thanks for posting this. I too live in Herriman Stake and signed up to bring these to the funeral this week for the men killed while biking to work, one man was our home teacher and my son’s YM leader. So sad. Glad to find your web site and this recipe as I’m probably the only person living in Utah who does not know how to make this (though I’ve only been here 1.5 years). Thanks!

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Melody T. April 19, 2014 - 4:45 pm

This sound amazing! If I put in two pans at once how much longer will I have to cook it?

Reply
Gro Master, Inc. | Post-Easter Ham April 21, 2014 - 10:29 am

[…] personal favorite is to add chopped ham to a big pan of church potatoes. You know, the creamy, cheesy casserole at potlucks?  Church potatoes.  Add diced ham and […]

Reply
leyla April 22, 2014 - 5:28 pm

My son is a policeman in a city 4 hours away. He is home for a couple days and we will be having our belated Easter dinner. This sounds like it would go great with the shredded ham I am making. Thanks!!

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Melody T. April 22, 2014 - 7:23 pm

I made these for Easter and they were wonderful! I added a sprinkling of onion powder, but left everything as written. I would suggest stirring the sour cream, soup, butter, cheese and salt and pepper together before adding to the potatoes. That way you know that everything is mixed together evenly.

Reply
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Brandon July 11, 2014 - 6:40 pm

Got mine in the oven now and excited to taste how it turns out. Halfway through prep, I thought to myself, “I bet this would be great with some crumbled up bacon or sausage in it…” Will try that next time. Serving with fresh green beans and Joan Crawford’s famous meatloaf recipe.

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Carrie August 23, 2014 - 4:31 pm

This Catholic girl would like to testify that the Mormons do not have exclusive rights to this recipe 🙂 It is commonly served at potlucks and funeral lunches of many denominations, which where I live, are predominantly Catholic or Lutheran. In any case, cheesy potatoes are seriously ddelicious.

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Paula May 3, 2015 - 11:12 am

Substitute French Onion Chip dip for Sour Cream.

Reply
Dianna November 29, 2015 - 3:10 pm

I use the frozen O’Brian potatoes (they have green and red peppers and onion in them) and they are wonderful !

Reply
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