A Versatile Holiday Side Dish That Steals the Show

When the holiday season rolls around, the quest for the perfect side dish begins. Look no further than Funeral Potatoes with Ham. This hearty casserole effortlessly earns its spot at any festive table, particularly at Thanksgiving where a generous spread of comforting casseroles is always welcome. Beyond turkey day, it shines as an excellent way to transform leftover Easter ham into a spectacular new dish, preventing food waste and delighting palates.

Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it a beloved addition to Christmas dinners, family reunions, and potlucks. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to be prepared ahead of time, a true blessing for busy hosts during the most wonderful (and often most hectic) time of the year. Imagine the ease of assembling this casserole the day before, then simply baking it to golden perfection when your guests arrive. This convenience, combined with its undeniable deliciousness, solidifies its status as a holiday culinary hero.

Unveiling the Comfort: What Exactly Are Funeral Potatoes?

For those unfamiliar with the name, “Funeral Potatoes” might sound unusual, but don’t let the moniker deter you from experiencing this truly exceptional dish. Originating in the Mountain West, particularly in Idaho and Utah, this casserole is a cherished regional delicacy. It gained its distinctive name from its common appearance at post-funeral luncheons and family gatherings, where its comforting nature offered solace and nourishment during difficult times. However, its popularity has long transcended such occasions, making it a favorite for celebrations and everyday meals alike.

At its core, Funeral Potatoes is a baked casserole typically made from a base of diced potatoes or frozen hash browns. The potatoes are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, often made with condensed soup, sour cream, and generous amounts of cheese. What truly sets this casserole apart is its signature crunchy topping. While variations exist, the most classic versions, like this recipe, feature crushed cornflakes, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft, savory interior. Some recipes opt for crushed potato chips, offering a saltier crunch, but the subtle sweetness and crispness of cornflakes create a uniquely balanced flavor profile that many prefer. We often find a box of cornflakes readily available in the pantry, making them a convenient and delicious choice for this iconic topping.

The interplay of textures and flavors is what makes this dish so compelling. The gentle sweetness from the cornflakes perfectly complements the tangy sour cream, the sharpness of the cheddar, and the savory notes of the ham. It’s a symphony of tastes that satisfies deeply, offering a truly gratifying culinary experience.

Crafting the Irresistible Creamy Base

The heart of these Funeral Potatoes lies in its incredibly rich and flavorful creamy base. This “potato and sour cream nirvana” is achieved through a generous blend of ingredients designed to create a deeply satisfying texture and taste. A large container of sour cream forms the luxurious foundation, contributing a tangy depth that cuts through the richness. Combined with condensed cream of mushroom soup and a touch of milk, it creates a luscious sauce that coats every potato piece, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

To further enhance the savory profile, this recipe incorporates approximately 1 ½ teaspoons of powdered Ranch dressing mix. Brands like Hidden Valley Ranch work wonderfully, infusing the casserole with a blend of herbs and spices that elevate the overall taste. This secret ingredient adds an extra layer of complexity and makes the dish truly unforgettable. You can even use any leftover Ranch mix to whip up a delicious salad dressing or to season mashed or twice-baked potatoes for another delightful side.

The final touch for the creamy base is, of course, a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the potato mixture, adding a salty, tangy, and gooey dimension that ties all the flavors together. This casserole is so incredibly rich and filling that a single serving goes a long way, making one dish sufficient to feed a considerable number of people.

Creative Variations and Dietary Adaptations

One of the many charms of Funeral Potatoes is its adaptability. While ham is a fantastic addition, lending a savory depth and making the casserole feel more substantial—almost like a main dish—it’s entirely optional. For those following a vegetarian diet, simply omit the ham for a equally delicious potato casserole. A thoughtful approach is to mix ham into only one side of the dish, catering to diverse dietary needs at a family meal without compromising flavor.

Beyond removing the ham, there are countless ways to customize this casserole to your liking:

• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and color by incorporating vegetables like broccoli florets, sweet peas, corn kernels, or diced bell peppers. These can be added along with or in place of the ham.
• Different Proteins: If ham isn’t your preference, consider other cooked proteins. Diced, cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or even browned ground sausage would all make excellent additions, transforming the casserole into a hearty main course.
• Cheese Blends: Experiment with various cheese combinations. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a milder, meltier finish, while a touch of smoked gouda or Gruyere can add sophisticated notes.
• Spice It Up: For a little kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (as suggested in the recipe), or even a small amount of diced jalapeño can add a welcome heat.
• Alternative Toppings: While cornflakes are traditional, feel free to try other crunchy toppings. Crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, or even crispy fried onions can provide a different texture and flavor profile.

For more delicious side dish recipes, explore our collection HERE.

More Essential Holiday Casseroles

No holiday feast is complete without a variety of savory casseroles. If you love Funeral Potatoes with Ham, you’ll definitely want to add these other comforting dishes to your holiday menu planning:

• Southern Broccoli Casserole
• Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
• Butternut Squash Casserole
• Pineapple Casserole
• Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Funeral Potatoes with Ham

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 3 votes

By Christin Mahrlig

Prep:
10 mins

Cook:
45 mins

Total:
55 mins

Servings:
8

Pin Recipe

Funeral Potatoes with Ham is crowd-pleasing, delicious comfort food. The filling is rich and creamy and the whole thing is topped off with a buttery and crunchy corn flake topping.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 (30-ounce) package frozen hash browns, defrosted
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces ham, diced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry Ranch mix (we recommend Hidden Valley Ranch)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Dash of hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups Corn Flakes, crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
2. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients (including the cooked onions), except for the crushed Corn Flakes and the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Transfer the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Corn Flakes and the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 492 kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 903mg | Potassium: 522mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1009IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 286mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Originally published November 23, 2014.