I’ve lived in New York for three years, but if you ask me where home is, the Midwest—specifically, Kansas—comes to mind. I still spend the majority of my holidays there, of course to see family, but also because it doesn’t feel like a holiday without my favorite Midwestern dishes. The top one that comes to mind, no matter the holiday or season? Cheesy potatoes, also known as "funeral potatoes."

Okay, the name is up for debate, but this cheesy potato casserole topped with crispy Cornflakes is universally delicious, no matter what you call it. Whether it’s the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family get-together, you can bet that this comfort food will make an appearance. When my brother and I go home, one of us will inevitably beg our mom to make this casserole (at least once, maybe twice). One bite of the crunchy topping and cheesy middle, and I instantly feel at home. For me, this is what comfort food is all about: a connection to those I love most.

When I started working at Delish, I was pleasantly surprised to see that we had our own recipe for these potatoes, but I was even more delighted to discover it had been developed by a fellow Kansan. Outside of the Midwest, sides like mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes get all the love, so I’m here to convince you to give those a rest and try this Midwestern staple instead.

Why Are They Called 'Funeral Potatoes'?

Our recipe is called Funeral Potatoes, which seems to be the most widely agreed-upon name for this casserole. It likely got this depressing (sorry!) name from being a casserole commonly served at significant events, such as funerals. However, I grew up knowing them by a different, not-as-much-of-a-bummer name: "party potatoes." For fellow Kansan Lindsey Ramsey, Director of Content Operations and developer of Delish’s funeral potatoes, they're called "cheesy potatoes."

While that’s what some people in my family call it, its original name in my household has always been party potatoes. No party or gathering in my childhood home is complete without these potatoes, so to me, the name is perfectly fitting. That being said, whatever you want to call them is fair game; the name is less important than the layers of dairy goodness.

Where Do They Come From?

While I’ll always associate these potatoes with my Midwestern roots, they are actually a staple Mormon dish and extremely popular in Utah. No one knows exactly how this dish came to be, but sources agree that it was most likely popularized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a staple food to bring to funerals. The casserole remained a prominent Mormon dish and a Utah favorite, but how it made its way to Midwest states is a mystery (I'm just thankful it did).

My Southern grandma had her own recipe for cheesy potatoes when she moved to Kansas, but after trying a friend's slightly different version, it was adapted to be the recipe my family knows and loves today.

How Do You Make Funeral Potatoes?

Just like the name, the method for making this dish can vary from household to household. But the result is always the same: a creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole topped with Cornflakes. Delish’s recipe makes a homemade sauce from flour, milk, and chicken stock. My family’s recipe replaces that with a good ol’ can of cream of chicken soup (a staple in many Midwestern casseroles). We also aren’t specific on the cheese—in fact, my family’s original recipe card says "process shredded cheese," which neither my mom nor I understand. She says that she uses "just shredded cheese, any kind." Like all casseroles, it’s clear that you can really use whatever you’ve got.

This side dish is a staple in my family, not only because of how irresistibly good it is (with practically everything), but also because of how incredibly easy it is to make. In our recipe, there’s no stovetop cooking—only baking the casserole. Combine all your filling ingredients, place them in a casserole dish, top with Cornflakes mixed with melted butter, and bake! Once done, you’ll have a cheesy, starchy filling with a buttery, crisp topping (convinced yet?)

Long story short, there’s no wrong way to make this dish—every family’s version is the "right" version, so put your own spin on it!

They're The Perfect Last-Minute Side Dish

If I haven’t convinced you to whip out a casserole dish already, then let me give it one last shot. These potatoes are the perfect last-minute side dish—you only need a handful of ingredients (eight if you’re using the canned soup hack), and they’re ready to serve in just over an hour. In my opinion, they’re way less effort than mashed potatoes (and way less fussy). My family has a history of one dish being less-than-perfect every holiday (sweet potato casserole was the culprit last year), but these are never, ever it.

Whether you’re from the Midwest and understand my love for these potatoes or are looking for a carb-heavy scoop of comfort food, add this casserole to your must-make list. You won’t regret it.