Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes is a comforting, cheesy potato casserole that has become a staple at gatherings, potlucks, and holidays. Despite the unusual name, funeral potatoes are all about comfort—they’re traditionally served at after-funeral meals in the Midwest, where hearty, crowd-pleasing dishes are a must.

With shredded hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a golden, crispy topping, this dish is creamy, cheesy, and irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or holiday spreads, it’s a recipe that embodies warmth and tradition.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes

Funeral potatoes have strong ties to the American Midwest and Mormon communities, where they became known as a go-to comfort food for feeding large groups. The Pioneer Woman’s version keeps the classic style—simple ingredients, easy preparation, and rich, indulgent flavor—making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

Try Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy
• Pioneer Woman Fruit Salad
• Pioneer Woman Protein Balls
• Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Classic comfort food – cheesy, creamy, and crispy in every bite.
• Crowd-pleaser – perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family dinners.
• Simple ingredients – made with pantry and freezer staples.
• Versatile dish – works as a side or main with protein.
• Make-ahead friendly – can be prepped and baked later.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

• Frozen hash browns (1 bag, 30 oz, thawed)
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
• Sour cream (2 cups)
• Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Onion (½ cup, finely diced)
• Butter (½ cup, melted)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Cornflakes (2 cups, crushed, for topping)
• Butter (4 tbsp, melted, for topping)

Useful Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat oven

Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix filling

In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 3: Transfer to a baking dish

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.

Step 4: Prepare topping

In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the potato mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Pairs well with ham, chicken, or holiday roasts.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Watery texture – used frozen potatoes directly; fixed by thawing and draining first.
• Soggy topping – added topping too early; fixed by baking uncovered until crispy.
• Too bland – solved by seasoning filling and using sharp cheddar.
• Overly greasy – reduced butter slightly for balance.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes

Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use low-fat cheese, and replace cream of chicken soup with a homemade lighter version. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes

• Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery for variety.
• Use Panko breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes for topping.
• Swap cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.
• Substitute frozen hash browns with freshly grated potatoes.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes

• As a main dish – add diced ham or chicken to make it heartier.
• For breakfast – serve with eggs and bacon.
• In stuffed peppers – use casserole filling inside bell peppers.
• As a party dip – bake in a smaller dish and serve with tortilla chips.
• With barbecue – pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes Success

• Thaw hash browns first – prevents watery filling.
• Season generously – potatoes absorb flavor quickly.
• Use sharp cheddar – for a richer taste.
• Bake uncovered – ensures crispy topping.
• Let rest before serving – allows filling to set.
• Make ahead – assemble casserole, refrigerate, and bake fresh.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes

• Spicy version – add jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Loaded style – top with bacon bits and green onions.
• Tex-Mex twist – mix in green chilies and pepper jack cheese.
• Holiday version – add diced ham or turkey leftovers.
• Creamy ranch style – stir in ranch seasoning for tang.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes

• Refrigerate – cover leftovers and store up to 4 days.
• Freeze – wrap tightly and freeze the unbaked casserole up to 2 months.
• Reheat in oven – keeps topping crispy, unlike microwaving.
• Store topping separately – if prepping ahead, add topping just before baking.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Oven method – reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave – quick option, but the topping won’t stay as crisp.
• From frozen – bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: ~680mg

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FAQs

Where do funeral potatoes come from?

Funeral potatoes are a traditional comfort food from the American Midwest, especially associated with Mormon communities. They earned their name because they were often served at post-funeral gatherings, where creamy, cheesy casseroles could feed large groups easily.

How do you keep funeral potatoes from getting watery?

To keep funeral potatoes from getting watery, always thaw and drain frozen hash browns before mixing. Cooking uncovered also helps evaporate excess moisture and keeps the topping crisp.

Can Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes be made ahead of time?

Yes, funeral potatoes can be assembled a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. For the crispiest topping, add the buttered cornflakes right before baking.

What can you use instead of cornflakes on funeral potatoes?

If you don’t have cornflakes, you can use crushed Ritz crackers, Panko breadcrumbs, or even potato chips for a crunchy topping that complements the creamy filling.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. With its crispy topping and hearty filling, it’s a versatile dish that shines at potlucks, holidays, and family meals. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or make it the star of the table, funeral potatoes are a timeless comfort food that never disappoints.