Category: Side Dishes, Casseroles, Holiday
If you make funeral potatoes, come back and leave a rating and comment. Do you team cornflakes or team crackers for the topping? I want to know!
A golden cheesy potato casserole with a crispy topping in a baking dish, with a spoon scooping out a creamy portion.
Funeral potatoes are the definition of cozy comfort food. They’re creamy, cheesy, and baked until bubbly with a crunchy topping that everyone fights over. This casserole is a classic for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings because it’s easy, reliable, and feeds a crowd. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a forever favorite.
Funeral potatoes might have a serious name, but the vibe is pure comfort. Think: creamy potatoes, plenty of cheese, and that golden crunchy top that makes the whole dish feel extra special.
The standout feature is the texture combo—soft and cheesy underneath, crisp and buttery on top. It’s better than any restaurant side and it’s the kind of casserole that disappears fast at parties.
If you need a crowd-pleasing side dish, funeral potatoes (cheesy potato casserole) will not let you down. My family always goes back for seconds—then sneaks a little extra topping.
Why You’ll Love This Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
- Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, cheesy potatoes baked until bubbly and cozy.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
- Easy weeknight prep: Simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble early and bake when you’re ready.
- Crunchy topping: The buttery crisp top is the best part—trust me.
Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
- Frozen shredded hash browns (32 ounces): The easy base; thaw for best baking.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds creamy richness; swap with cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Tangy creaminess; Greek yogurt can work for a lighter swap.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Classic cheesy flavor; freshly shredded melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Onion, finely diced (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth; swap with 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup): Makes it rich and helps browning.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the creamy ingredients.
- Cornflakes, crushed (2 cups): Crunchy topping; swap with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Butter for topping (3 tablespoons, melted): Helps the topping turn golden and crisp.
Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potato Casserole) Recipe
- 1. Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. Mix the filling. In a large bowl, stir hash browns, soup, sour cream, cheddar, onion, melted butter, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- 3. Spread it out. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top.
- 4. Make the topping. Stir crushed cornflakes with melted butter until lightly coated, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- 5. Bake until bubbly. Bake 45–55 minutes, until hot, bubbly at the edges, and golden on top. If it browns too fast, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
- Thaw hash browns so the casserole bakes evenly and isn’t watery.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Don’t press the topping down—sprinkle lightly so it stays crisp.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before serving so it scoops cleanly.
- Taste the mix (before topping) and adjust salt if your soup is low-sodium.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add protein: Stir in 2 cups cooked diced ham for a hearty casserole.
- Extra cheesy: Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for more melt.
- Spicy kick: Add diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne.
- Vegetarian: Use cream of mushroom soup.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free crunchy topping.
- Leftovers: Spoon into tortillas with salsa for an easy breakfast wrap.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
Fridge: Store leftovers covered for 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot, or microwave individual portions.
Make-ahead: Assemble the filling in the dish (no topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add topping right before baking.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole (without topping) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add topping, and bake.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with baked chicken pieces, meatloaf, or ham for a cozy dinner.
- Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Add roasted broccoli or green beans for an easy veggie side.
- Bring it to potlucks—this one travels well.
- Make it a holiday staple next to turkey or roast beef.
Reader Review: “Everyone at the potluck asked for the recipe. The crunchy topping is unreal!”
If you make funeral potatoes, come back and leave a rating and comment. Do you team cornflakes or team crackers for the topping? I want to know!