If you’ve ever attended a family gathering, church potluck, or holiday feast in the Midwest, you might already know and love Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes). This comforting casserole is legendary for its craveable, creamy interior and irresistibly crispy, golden topping. The blend of hash browns, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and buttery cornflakes is deliriously delicious—no wonder it’s a must at celebrations both joyful and bittersweet. Whether you call them Funeral Potatoes or Cheesy Potatoes, this dish is a warm hug in casserole form and will turn pretty much any meal into a happy occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking up a batch of Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) is straightforward—you probably have most of the essentials on hand! Each ingredient pulls its weight, elevating this humble casserole into something that’ll have everyone at the table coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
- Frozen shredded hash browns: The foundation of this casserole, they absorb the flavors of the creamy sauce while staying tender yet toothsome.
- Unsalted butter: Adds that signature richness and helps brown the topping beautifully; splitting the amount boosts both the filling and the crunchy finish.
- Cream of chicken soup: The nostalgic backbone, delivering a velvety texture and hefty dose of comfort; sub with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option.
- Sour cream: Brings tanginess and balance to the richness, making every bite creamy but not heavy.
- Diced yellow onion: Sautéed flavor straight from the casserole dish, these little bits melt into the background with gentle sweetness.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The gooey, melty factor—sharp cheddar ensures every forkful is packed with big cheese flavor.
- Garlic powder: Subtle, savory undertones that round out the whole dish.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together; don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: A gentle kick to brighten up the creamy base.
- Cornflakes, crushed: That iconic golden crunch you just can’t skip—an absolute must for texture!
How to Make Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes)
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) won’t stick and lets you serve with no messy scraping at the bottom.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab your largest mixing bowl—you need room to stir. Add the thawed shredded hash browns, half of the melted butter (that’s 1/4 cup), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy—this is where all those classic flavors meet and mingle.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Scoop that gloriously creamy hash brown mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or big spoon to spread it evenly from corner to corner, smoothing out the top for even baking. Each bite should be bursting with the savory, cheesy mixture!
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Stir gently to coat every flake in buttery goodness. Now, sprinkle the mixture generously and evenly over the top of your casserole—it’ll toast up beautifully and deliver that signature crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your hot oven, uncovered, and let the Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The house will soon smell amazing! The top should turn a deep golden color and the edges will bubble; that’s your cue it’s ready. Let it cool for a few minutes so it sets just enough to scoop out perfectly.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes)
Garnishes
You don’t need much to make these potatoes shine, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives can add vibrant color and a fresh touch. For extra flair, try scattering a little more sharp cheddar over the top right as it comes out of the oven—melty cheese on a crispy crust is pure magic.
Side Dishes
Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) are hearty enough to play with just about any main, but they’re especially dreamy alongside classic comfort foods. Think roasted ham, juicy roast chicken, or a simple green salad for balance. Don’t forget warm rolls to mop up every last bite!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow at your next gathering? Spoon the casserole into mini ramekins for individual servings, or pile it high into a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, shareable centerpiece. Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) also shine as a star at brunch, paired with eggs or dolloped on top of fluffy biscuits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) are just as good (maybe better) the next day! Once cooled, cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The topping will soften a bit, but the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole but hold off on the cornflake topping. Wrap tightly with plastic and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed. If you have baked leftovers to freeze, portion into small airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes for a larger portion. If you’re in a hurry, individual servings microwave well, but the topping won’t be quite as crisp. A quick few minutes under the broiler can revive that golden crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Simply peel and grate fresh potatoes (about 6 cups) and squeeze out as much liquid as you can before combining with the other ingredients. The texture will be slightly different but just as delicious.
What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?
You can substitute crushed buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even potato chips for the cornflake topping. Each will bring its own unique crunch and flavor.
Can I make Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup (or another favorite vegetarian condensed soup) and check your cheese for vegetarian-friendly options.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
To make your Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) gluten-free, use gluten-free condensed soup and select a gluten-free crunchy topping, such as crushed rice cereal or gluten-free crackers.
How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and drained, and don’t skip the baking time; baking uncovered helps evaporate any excess moisture and gives that crave-worthy golden top.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes can match the universal comfort and crowd-pleasing goodness of Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes). Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a potluck or serving it as a family side, it always brings warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of cheesy joy. Give it a try and watch it disappear—this is one comfort food classic you’ll want to make again and again!
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Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Funeral Potatoes, also known as Cheesy Potatoes, are a classic comfort food side dish perfect for potlucks and gatherings. Creamy and cheesy with a crispy cornflake topping, these potatoes are sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Dish
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, 1/4 cup melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread into baking dish.
- Add topping: Mix crushed cornflakes with remaining melted butter. Sprinkle over potatoes.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup.
- You can also substitute potato cubes for shredded hash browns if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
