Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) Recipe
There’s something purely magical about digging your fork into a bubbling, golden pan of Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes). Crunchy on top, creamy inside, and loaded with cheesy flavor, this casserole brings instant warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a holiday, potluck, or just craving a plate of old-fashioned coziness, this dish is the ultimate side that everyone looks forward to. With every melty, crispy bite, you’ll see why Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) are more than just a tradition—they’re a longtime favorite people request again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) come together with a handful of humble ingredients, but each one packs a punch in terms of taste, texture, or appearance. Gather these simple pantry and fridge staples and get ready to create a side dish that’s impossible to resist.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 oz): The backbone of the dish, they create that tender, hearty potato base with zero peeling or grating needed.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds rich flavor and helps create that creamy, decadent casserole texture.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Brings savory depth and binds all the goodness together.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Makes the filling irresistibly creamy and adds a subtle tang to balance the richness.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers that savory aromatic note without any chopping required.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Sneaks in extra flavor with just the right amount of mellow garlicky warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the potatoes and bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of gentle heat that wakes up the whole casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into those potatoes and delivers bold cheesy appeal in every bite.
- Crushed cornflakes (1 1/2 cups): Provides that signature crispy, golden crust everyone loves.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, for topping): Helps turn those cornflakes gloriously crunchy and golden in the oven.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—trust me, you’ll want that heat ready to go. Lightly grease a standard 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks when it’s time to serve. Setting up your pan first means less mess and more time spent enjoying.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and stir together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended. This step is where the magic starts—the mixture will look dreamy and creamy, and it’s the foundation for those luscious, flavorful potatoes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Cheese
Into that creamy base, gently fold in the frozen shredded hash browns and two cups of cheddar cheese. Make sure everything’s evenly coated and those shreds of potato are flecked with cheese throughout. No need to thaw the potatoes first—the oven will do all the work!
Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Take a moment to smooth the top—this helps the casserole bake up consistently, and ensures every bite has a perfect ratio of creamy to crispy.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a separate small bowl, stir together the crushed cornflakes with two tablespoons of melted butter. Toss until the flakes are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the potato base, making sure to cover every inch—this is what gives Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) their famous crunch!
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. Watch for a bubbly, golden top—that’s your cue that it’s perfectly done! Let it cool for about five minutes before scooping out generous portions and serving while warm.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes)
Garnishes
Dress things up with a sprinkle of fresh green onions or chives right before serving. A little parsley adds a pop of color, too. While the classic is always beloved, a garnish can give your Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) just a touch of brightness and freshness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with just about everything—you can serve it alongside roasted ham, baked chicken, grilled steak, or even as the star of a brunch buffet. A crisp green salad or a side of brightly steamed vegetables is a great way to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, spoon your finished Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) into individual ramekins for single-serve portions, or use a cast iron skillet for rustic charm. I’ve even built tiny stacks layered with extra cheese for party appetizers—however you serve them, guests are always wowed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just transfer any extras into an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with foil to keep them from drying out.
Freezing
Need to prep ahead? Assemble the casserole (just don’t add the cornflake topping yet), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with the buttery cornflakes, and bake as usual for a fuss-free side anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil, until hot and bubbly. For smaller portions, a quick microwave zap works too, but a few extra minutes in the oven truly brings back that irresistible crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I make Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. The vegetarian version is just as creamy and delicious, and you can even throw in a handful of sautéed mushrooms for bonus flavor.
Can I use cubed hash browns instead of shredded?
Yes—you can substitute frozen cubed hash browns if you prefer more texture and bite. The bake time might increase by a few minutes, so keep an eye out for that bubbly golden top to know they’re done.
What cheese works best for Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes)?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for bold, familiar flavor, but you can mix in some mozzarella for extra melt or pepper jack for a hint of spice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites!
Is it okay to make these ahead of time?
Definitely! Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) are perfect for prepping in advance. Assemble everything (except the cornflake topping), refrigerate overnight, then top and bake fresh when you need them. This makes them a lifesaver for family gatherings or busy schedules.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
For the crispiest golden crust, be sure to add the cornflake mixture just before baking. If you’re reheating, pop the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two at the end to revive that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking the ultimate comfort side, look no further than Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes). Every creamy, cheesy, crunchy bite is a celebration of everything cozy and delicious. Trust me—once you make them, you’ll understand why they never stick around for long!
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Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes) Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Funeral Potatoes, also known as Cheesy Potatoes, are a classic comfort food side dish perfect for gatherings or potlucks. Creamy and cheesy with a crispy topping, these potatoes are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Main Dish
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add hash browns and cheddar cheese, mix well.
- Transfer to dish: Spread mixture in the baking dish.
- Prepare topping: In a bowl, coat crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle over potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with onions or green onions for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Use cream of mushroom soup or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg