Why You’ll Love these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish for a potluck or simply craving something comforting on a chilly evening, these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes will quickly become a family favorite.
They’re incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with ham, turkey, or even a simple roast chicken. The creamy, cheesy goodness nestled beneath that crispy cornflake topping? Heaven on a plate.
Best of all, they’re ridiculously easy to prepare. Just mix, spread, top, and bake. Can’t find hash browns? Shredded potatoes work in a pinch.
Trust me, the combination of melted butter and crunchy topping is worth every calorie.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
These Cheesy Funeral Potatoes require simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create something truly magical.
The contrast between the creamy, cheesy interior and that crispy cornflake topping is what makes this dish so irresistible. I’m getting hungry just thinking about all these ingredients coming together in one delicious casserole.
- 1 bag (about 30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cornflake cereal, lightly crushed
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters—especially with the cheese. A nice sharp cheddar will give you the most flavor bang for your buck, but medium works beautifully too if that’s more to your taste.
And while the onions are listed as optional, they add a lovely depth of flavor that really complements the creaminess of the dish. If you have picky eaters, you could always finely mince them so they practically disappear into the mixture.
How to Make these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Making these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes couldn’t be simpler, and the end result is pure comfort food magic. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This generous size is perfect for feeding a crowd, which is exactly what this recipe is designed for.
In a large bowl, combine your thawed 30 oz bag of hash browns (make sure they’re fully thawed to guarantee even cooking), 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup, 2 cups of sour cream, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. The creaminess from these ingredients is what gives funeral potatoes their irresistible texture.
Add ½ cup chopped onion if you’re using it (and I really recommend you do), 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and half of your ½ cup melted butter. Stir everything until well combined—you’re looking for a consistent mixture where all those hash browns are coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. Spread this mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, making sure to get it into all the corners.
For that signature crispy topping that makes funeral potatoes so distinctive, take 2 cups of cornflake cereal and lightly crush them in a bowl. Not too fine, mind you—we want some texture here. Toss these cornflakes with the remaining melted butter until they’re evenly coated, then sprinkle this mixture over the top of your potato mixture.
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbly with that gorgeous golden topping. The contrast between the crispy cornflakes and the creamy potato mixture below? That’s what dreams are made of.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set up slightly, making it easier to portion out those delicious, cheesy squares.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
While traditional Funeral Potatoes hold a special place in many hearts, there’s always room to customize this beloved casserole to suit your dietary needs or ingredient availability.
Can’t find hash browns? Try diced potatoes or tater tots instead. Swap cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or celery soup to change the flavor profile.
Dairy-free? Use plant-based sour cream, non-dairy cheese, and vegan butter. The cornflake topping can become gluten-free by using rice cereal or crushed potato chips—oh, the crunch!
For a gourmet twist, mix in caramelized onions, bacon bits, or roasted garlic.
These humble potatoes welcome your creative touch.
What to Serve with Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
When pairing side dishes with Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, you’ll want to balance the rich, creamy texture with contrasting flavors and textures.
Consider serving a bright, acidic salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the cheesiness. A simple green salad works wonders.
Want protein? Honey-glazed ham is a classic companion, or try roasted chicken for a homey combo.
Don’t forget vegetables – steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts provide nutritional balance.
And bread? Soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce.
For a complete meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, these pairings just can’t miss.
Final Thoughts
After preparing these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple at gatherings across America.
There’s something magical about that perfect combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and crunchy cornflake topping that brings comfort to any table.
Whether you’re sharing these at a somber occasion or Sunday dinner, they’ll never disappoint.
The beauty lies in their simplicity—comfort food that’s easy to make but impossible to resist. You can prep them ahead, too, which is always a bonus when you’ve got a lot on your plate.
Some recipes come and go, but this one? It’s a keeper for generations.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- If using, add the chopped onion along with the salt, black pepper, and half of the melted butter. Stir everything until the hash browns are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it reaches all the corners.
- In a separate bowl, gently crush the cornflake cereal until there’s some texture. Toss the cornflakes with the remaining melted butter until evenly coated, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes, or until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the topping has turned golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
