If you’ve ever attended a family gathering or a holiday potluck, you’ve probably heard of cheesy funeral potatoes. This creamy potato casserole, also known as funeral potatoes or a cheesy hash brown casserole, is a beloved comfort food that’s perfect for sharing. Bursting with melty cheese, hash browns, and a crispy cornflake topping, this dish has become a family favorite in homes across the country. Whether you’re looking for an easy cheesy funeral potatoes recipe, a make-ahead casserole, or a holiday side dish, this recipe will guide you every step of the way. With a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can create a crowd-pleasing, creamy, and crispy potato casserole that everyone will ask for again and again.
What Are Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Cheesy funeral potatoes are a classic comfort dish that has become a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners. Despite the name, they aren’t just for funerals they are a creamy potato casserole loved for their melty cheese, tender hash browns, and crispy topping. Also called a cheesy hashbrown casserole, this dish typically combines hash browns, sour cream, butter, shredded cheese, and cream of chicken soup, topped with cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or potato chips. It’s a versatile side dish that can be made ahead, frozen, or adjusted for dietary preferences like vegetarian or gluten-free. With its rich flavor and crunchy topping, it’s no wonder that cheesy funeral potatoes remain a family favorite across generations.
Ingredients for Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Base
- 4 cups hash browns (frozen or fresh, shredded)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or potato chips
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (to sprinkle on topping)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheese, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, salt, and pepper, then mix everything evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle your topping of choice crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or potato chips evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
- For an extra crunchy finish, broil for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve warm and enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy casserole that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.
Variations and Twists
One of the best things about cheesy funeral potatoes is how versatile they are. For a vegetarian version, skip the cream of chicken soup and use cream of mushroom soup. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free hash browns and cornflakes. Want extra indulgence? Add bacon, caramelized onions, or extra cheese for a richer, melty casserole. During holidays, try mix-ins like roasted vegetables, herbs, or different cheese blends for festive flair. You can also make a smaller, individual casserole for single servings. With these easy twists and variations, your cheesy funeral potatoes recipe can be adapted for holidays, potlucks, or everyday dinners, keeping this classic comfort dish fresh and exciting every time.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
To make the best cheesy funeral potatoes, follow a few simple tips. Use thawed hash browns to prevent sogginess and mix ingredients evenly for consistent flavor. For a crispy topping, press crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs on top before baking. Choose sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses for a rich, flavorful sauce. Avoid overbaking to keep the inside creamy. For make-ahead casseroles, assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly to maintain texture and flavor. With these tips, your cheesy funeral potatoes will turn out creamy, melty, and perfectly crispy, impressing family, friends, and holiday guests alike.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy funeral potatoes are best served as a side dish with holiday mains like ham, turkey, roast chicken, or meatloaf. They also work perfectly for potlucks, family gatherings, and weekend dinners. Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Portion into individual servings for parties or make a large casserole for bigger gatherings. This dish also pairs well with gravy, cranberry sauce, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Whether it’s a holiday spread or casual dinner, serving your creamy, cheesy, and crispy funeral potatoes alongside your favorite mains will make your meal memorable, comforting, and crowd-pleasing every time.
Storage & Reheating
Cheesy funeral potatoes are great for make-ahead meals and leftovers. You can refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience. Avoid overbaking when reheating to keep the inside creamy and the topping crispy. For a fresh crunch, add extra crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs on top before reheating. With these storage and reheating tips, your cheesy funeral potatoes stay flavorful, melty, and crowd-pleasing, making them perfect for holidays, potlucks, or busy weeknight dinners.
Fun Facts & History
Did you know funeral potatoes got their name because they were traditionally served at funerals and community gatherings in the Midwest and Intermountain West? This creamy potato casserole became a family favorite for its comforting taste and easy preparation. Over time, it evolved into a holiday and potluck staple, often customized with cheese, hash browns, and crunchy toppings. Today, people make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family events. Its popularity comes from being creamy, cheesy, and easy to share. Learning about the history of cheesy funeral potatoes adds a layer of nostalgia and culture to your cooking, making it more than just a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cheesy funeral potatoes vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup and skip any bacon. You’ll still get a creamy, cheesy casserole everyone will love.
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Definitely. Just make sure to thaw them and drain excess liquid before mixing. This prevents your cheesy funeral potatoes from getting soggy.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly to keep the cheese melty and the topping crunchy.
How do I get a perfectly crispy topping?
Use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or potato chips on top and lightly brush with melted butter before baking. For extra crunch, finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as usual for a warm, creamy, and crowd-pleasing side dish.
Conclusion
Cheesy funeral potatoes are a creamy, melty, and crispy potato casserole that has become a family favorite and comfort food classic. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this crowd-pleasing casserole is easy to make, versatile, and endlessly delicious. With a few simple ingredients, optional variations, and tips for perfect texture, anyone can make this classic dish. Try this cheesy funeral potatoes recipe, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that have made it a beloved side dish for generations.
