Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe: My Sunday Table Staple

If you’re looking for the famous Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Around here, we call them “Funeral Potatoes,” but don’t let the name fool you, this dish shows up at more Sunday dinners and holiday tables than any funeral I’ve ever been to.

I remember the first time I had them. I was a teenager visiting a friend from church, and her mama pulled this golden, bubbling casserole out of the oven. The scent, cheddar, butter, and something warm and familiar, wrapped around me like a hug. I took one bite and knew I needed that recipe. It tasted like comfort. Like belonging. Like home.

This Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe is iconic for a reason. It’s simple, loaded with pantry staples, and deeply tied to community moments, whether it’s a potluck, a wake, or just supper after a long day. With a creamy base, melted cheese, and a crunchy cornflake topping, this casserole delivers every time.

When you’re short on time but need to show up with something special, this is the dish that gets scraped clean and asked about. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this one alongside other Southern-inspired sides like Best Pineapple Casserole.

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Why You’ll Love This Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe

There’s a reason the Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe has been passed around in church cookbooks and scribbled on index cards for generations. It’s not just good, it’s beloved. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a comforting bite after a long day, this casserole has your back.

Here’s exactly why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re bringing it to a church potluck, a Thanksgiving table, or your neighbor’s baby shower, this dish always disappears fast. It’s one of those rare recipes that appeals to everyone, from picky toddlers to skeptical in-laws.
• Incredibly Easy: No fancy equipment. No complicated steps. Just grab some frozen hash browns, condensed soup, sour cream, cheese, and cornflakes. If you can stir and sprinkle, you can make this.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: That first bite hits with creamy richness, gooey cheese, and a golden, buttery crunch on top. It’s warm, familiar, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without being fussy. Just like our Million Dollar Pineapple Casserole, it’s crave-worthy comfort food.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Life gets busy. The beauty of this recipe is you can assemble it up to two days in advance. Just cover it, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’s perfect for hosting or when you’re bringing food to someone going through a tough time.

Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe isn’t just a dish, it’s a ritual. One that shows up in moments that matter. And once you’ve made it once, chances are it’ll find a permanent home in your family recipe box.

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Ingredients for Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe

This Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe is all about taking everyday ingredients and turning them into something unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, and a few smart substitutions if you want to get creative or use what you already have on hand.

• The Potatoes
  1 (30–32 oz) bag of frozen shredded or cubed hash browns, thawed (Thawing is key; if they’re still frozen, the casserole won’t cook evenly and may turn watery.)
• The Creamy Base
  1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (Prefer vegetarian or gluten-free? Swap with cream of mushroom or cream of celery.)
  1 cup sour cream (You can use plain Greek yogurt for a bit of tang and extra protein.)
• The Flavor
  ¼ cup grated onion (Or use 1 teaspoon onion powder if you’re short on time.)
  ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  1 teaspoon salt
  ½ teaspoon black pepper
• The Cheese
  2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (Or use a Colby Jack blend like in our Cheesy Pineapple Casserole)
• The Topping
  2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed (For variation, crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs work beautifully too.)
  ¼ cup melted butter (Helps the topping brown and crisp in the oven.)

These ingredients come together in the most comforting way, creamy, cheesy, savory, and with that crave-worthy crunch on top. You likely have most of this in your pantry already, which is part of what makes it so dependable.

How to Make Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe (Step-by-Step)

This Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. It’s a no-fuss process that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.

1. Prep Your Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter. This keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Combine the Creamy Base
   In a large mixing bowl, stir together:
   • 1 cup sour cream
   • 1 can cream of chicken soup
   • ¼ cup grated onion
   • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • ½ teaspoon black pepper
     Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This forms the rich, flavorful base that brings everything together.
3. Fold in Potatoes and Cheese
   Gently add the thawed hash browns to the bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to fold them in, you don’t want to overmix or mash them.
   Stir in about 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, saving the remaining ½ cup for the topping.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
   Spread it out evenly and gently press it down with the back of a spoon so it settles into the corners.
5. Make the Crunchy Topping
   In a separate bowl, combine:
   • 2 cups lightly crushed cornflakes
   • ¼ cup melted butter
     Toss together until the cornflakes are evenly coated. The butter helps them brown and crisp beautifully in the oven.
6. Top and Layer
   Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the potato mixture.
   Then add the buttered cornflake topping on top, covering the surface in an even layer for that perfect golden crunch.
7. Bake to Perfection
   Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes.
   You’re looking for bubbly edges and a crispy, golden brown topping.
   Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up and scoops cleanly.

From prep to plate, this dish couldn’t be easier, and the payoff is huge. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with nostalgic flavor. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions before serving if you want to dress it up just a bit.

Tips for the Best Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe

Want your Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe to turn out just right every time? These tried-and-true tips make all the difference between a decent casserole and one that gets recipe requests before dessert is even served.

• Thaw Your Potatoes: Don’t skip this step! Using frozen hash browns straight from the freezer can cause excess moisture, making your casserole runny instead of creamy. Lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before mixing.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese might be convenient, but it’s coated with anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the creamiest texture and richest flavor, grate a block of sharp cheddar by hand.
• Keep the Cornflake Texture: When crushing the cornflakes for the topping, aim for coarse crumbs. You want a bit of crunch to contrast the soft, cheesy filling, not a breadcrumb-like dust that disappears after baking.
• Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart on the plate.

This cheesy classic belongs right next to our Pineapple Casserole With Bread on any comfort food table.

Variations and Add-Ins to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about the Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, vegetarians, or spice lovers, here are a few ways to mix things up without losing that classic flavor.

• Make it Meaty: Add 1 to 1½ cups of cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the potato mixture before baking. It gives the casserole a savory depth and makes it heartier, great for brunch or a main dish.
• Add a Kick: Want to spice things up? Stir in a few tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeños or swap some of the cheddar for Pepper Jack. A pinch of cayenne also works wonders without overpowering the dish.
• Veggie Loaded: For extra nutrition and flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers like in our Baked Pineapple Casserole, or even frozen peas. Just be sure to cook off any excess moisture first to keep the casserole creamy, not soggy.
• From Scratch Option: If you prefer not to use canned soup, make a quick homemade base by combining 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 cup milk. Cook until thickened, then season to taste.

Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole recipe: Freezing and Serving Tips

How to Freeze and Reheat Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole recipe

Life gets hectic, which is why I always say, if your freezer isn’t full of casseroles, are you even doing it right? This Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole recipe freezes like a dream, whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers.

If you want to freeze it before baking, just assemble the dish as usual but hold off on adding the crunchy topping. Wrap the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight, top with cornflakes or crackers, and bake as directed.

Already baked it? No problem. Let the casserole cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave smaller portions as needed. It won’t have quite the same crunch, but the flavor holds strong.

For another freezer-friendly classic, check out our Cheesy Pineapple Casserole, a great side-by-side dish for holiday spreads.

Portion Sizes and Crowd-Friendly Serving Tricks

This recipe feeds a crowd, usually 10 to 12 generous servings in a standard 9×13 dish. If you’re cooking for fewer folks, split it between two smaller pans. Bake one now, freeze the other for later. I’ve done this countless times when prepping for both Sunday dinner and a neighbor who could use a meal.

Serving a crowd at a potluck or holiday buffet? Set the casserole on a warm plate or hot pad, and it’ll stay bubbly and delicious for at least an hour. If you’re planning a full church supper, pair it with our Baked Pineapple Casserole; the casserole’s creamy texture is the perfect contrast.

No matter how you serve it, you’ll notice one thing: the dish always disappears fast.

Why This Latter‑day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe is the Best Version

There are dozens of versions of Funeral Potatoes floating around, but this Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe stands out for all the right reasons. It’s not just about taste, it’s about balance, simplicity, and comfort in every bite.

First, it uses the ideal ratio of creamy filling to crispy topping. You get that rich, cheesy interior without it feeling too heavy, and the cornflake crunch brings contrast without overpowering the flavor. Some recipes go overboard with butter or soup, but this one stays true to what makes the dish special: flavor, not fat.

Second, it’s extremely flexible. Whether you’re using cheddar, Colby Jack, or adding a few jalapeños for spice, the base holds up beautifully. It also offers a perfect make-ahead option without sacrificing texture; just assemble and bake when you’re ready.

Finally, it’s been tested in real kitchens, shared at real gatherings, and approved by folks who know the value of a warm, crowd-pleasing casserole. It’s the kind of dish that turns strangers into friends and dinners into memories.

If you’ve been hunting for a version that gets all the comfort and crunch just right, you’ve found it.

The Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe isn’t just food, it’s a tradition. It’s the kind of dish that comforts people during tough times, brings warmth to celebrations, and makes regular dinners feel special. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or bringing a pan to a neighbor, it always says the same thing: “You matter.” And in a world that moves fast, there’s something deeply grounding about that.

Much like our Pineapple Casserole Dish, it reminds us that food isn’t just fuel, it’s how we care for one another.

This Latter‑day Saints Potato Casserole Recipe isn’t just great food, it’s communal love in a dish. Enjoy the creamy potatoes, cheesy warmth, and crunchy top that have graced thousands of gatherings, and now, your kitchen table.

Whether you’re feeding a hospice meal line or hosting a casual Sunday supper, or for a quiet family Sunday, or a full-on church potluck, this Latter-day Saints Potato Casserole recipe brings everyone to the table. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t just fill your belly, it fills your heart. In our house, it’s a symbol of tradition, kindness, and showing up for one another.

And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, funeral or not.

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