Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

One of my all-time comfort food go-tos has to be this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports me back to family gatherings and potlucks, where everyone reaches for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). I still remember the first time I brought this to a friend’s house—let’s just say I earned some pretty serious bragging rights. The magic of warm, cheesy potatoes topped with that buttery, crunchy cornflake crust always manages to bring people together. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in casserole form.

What I love most about this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe is how approachable it is. Even if you’re new to casseroles, you’ll enjoy how straightforward the steps are and how forgiving it is with timing. Plus, it’s versatile: feel free to swap in your favorite cheese or add some extra diced veggies if you like. Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every step so your dish turns out creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor on the very first try.

Gather Your Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive in, gather everything you need and measure carefully—the full ingredient amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom, but here’s a quick look with some handy tips.

• Frozen shredded hash browns: The base of the dish; thaw completely for even cooking.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and depth; substitute cream of mushroom for a twist.
• Sour cream: Brings tang and richness—full fat works best.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or medium cheese both shine here; freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded.
• Unsalted butter: Divided for mixing and topping; use real butter for flavor.
• Chopped onion (optional): Adds a mild punch of flavor; onions can be omitted if preferred.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Just enough for a gentle bite.
• Cornflake cereal: Lightly crushed for a perfectly crispy, golden topping.

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese, though texture might differ slightly. The cream of chicken soup can be replaced with a homemade white sauce for a fresher touch too.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for even cooking and crisp topping development.
• Large mixing bowl: To combine all the ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision ensures balance of flavors and texture.
• Spatula or large spoon: For gentle mixing and spreading the casserole evenly.
• Small bowl: Toss your cornflakes with butter for that perfect crunch.
• Oven thermometer (optional): Keep your oven at the right temp for consistent results.

How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Ready to get cooking? This cheddar-packed casserole is surprisingly simple to make and a winner every time. Just follow these clear steps to creamy, cheesy potato bliss.

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and helps the topping crisp up beautifully.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, stir together thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped onion if using, salt, pepper, and half the melted butter. Make sure everything’s combined but don’t overmix or the potatoes could get mushy.
3. Spread Evenly: Pour your cheesy mixture into the prepared dish and smooth it out evenly—this helps it cook uniformly and looks prettier when served.
4. Prep Topping: Toss crushed cornflakes with the remaining melted butter in a small bowl until all flakes are coated. This buttery coating is the secret to that winning crunch.
5. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling hot and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown.
6. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking—this sets it up nicely for serving and helps prevent burns.

How to Serve

Taste Enhancers

You can always kick the flavor up a notch by sprinkling some fresh chives or crispy cooked bacon on top just before serving. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side adds a nice tangy contrast that brightens the dish. Don’t be shy about experimenting with your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh twist.

Tasty Combos

This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roast chicken or a fresh green salad to balance all that richness. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon helps cut through the creaminess. If you’re serving a crowd, consider fresh steamed veggies or a tangy coleslaw on the side to add texture and color.

Serving Tips

If serving at a potluck, use a slow cooker insert or chafing dish to keep your casserole warm and bubbly for hours. When portioning, cut into squares about 3×3 inches for easy serving, or mini casserole dishes for a fun individual presentation. Leftovers make fantastic heat-and-eat lunches, so pack some in a reusable container for work or school too.

Easy Variations

• Use cream of mushroom soup for a subtle earthiness instead of chicken soup.
• Add cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham to make it heartier.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese vibe.
• Try mixing in some frozen peas or spinach for an easy veggie boost.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cornflakes and verifying the soup labels.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
• If topping loses crunchiness after storage, sprinkle fresh crushed cornflakes and briefly broil to crisp it up again.

Common Questions

• Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? You can, but shredded fresh potatoes need to be blanched and well-drained to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
• Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians? Yes, just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or another vegetarian alternative.
• What’s the best way to keep the topping crispy? Avoid covering the dish tightly while baking, and add the buttered cornflake topping just before baking.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two standard dishes, adjusting baking time slightly if needed.

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