Irresistible Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Introduction
Crispy, golden, and incredibly cheesy, Irresistible Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that will bring everyone to the table. Bursting with creamy textures and savory flavors, this classic casserole is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. This dish combines tender potatoes, rich cheese, and a buttery, crunchy topping that is impossible to resist. You’ll learn how to create this comforting casserole step by step, along with expert tips and variations to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are beloved for their creamy interior contrasted with a perfectly crunchy topping. The tender potato base melts in your mouth while the melted cheese and buttery topping provide an indulgent crunch. This casserole is quick to assemble yet delivers a rich, homemade flavor that tastes far more complex than the effort suggests. Its versatility makes it perfect for breakfast-for-dinner nights, festive gatherings, or even as a side to a hearty roast. The combination of textures — gooey cheese, soft potatoes, and crispy crumbs — ensures each bite is comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s kid-approved and easily adaptable for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

2 lbs. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sour cream, full-fat for creaminess
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 cups crushed cornflakes or potato chips
2 tbsp melted butter for topping
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Pro Tips

Use thawed potatoes: Thawing the hash browns prevents excess water in the casserole, keeping it creamy, not watery.
Balance cheese and creaminess: Using both sour cream and a can of cream of chicken soup ensures a rich, velvety base without being too heavy.
Crunchy topping magic: Toss cornflakes or crushed chips with melted butter for maximum crispiness and golden color. Bake uncovered the last 10 minutes to enhance texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Add Cheese
Fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to ensure a uniform layer.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the potato layer, then evenly distribute the buttery cornflakes on top.

Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort experience.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
Extra Cheesy: Add Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese along with cheddar for a more complex flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Swap hash browns for cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly casserole.

Storage/Serving

Store leftover Irresistible Cheesy Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating. Serve as a side with roasted meats, alongside a fresh salad, or as a hearty brunch dish.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake the next day, adding an extra 10 minutes if chilled.

Q2: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes, peel and dice them small, boil until just tender, then use in place of hash browns.

Q3: How do I make it extra crispy?
Add a final broil for 2-3 minutes and make sure the cornflake topping is evenly coated with melted butter.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free cornflakes for the topping.

Q5: What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but mixing in Monterey Jack or Gruyère adds richness and depth.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe is comfort food at its finest — a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures that satisfy every craving. It’s the kind of dish that elevates any gathering, making family meals or potlucks memorable. Whether served for a cozy dinner or a festive brunch, it will always be the first dish to disappear from the table.