Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a warm, comforting dish made with creamy potatoes and lots of gooey cheese. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for gatherings and feels like a big hug on a plate!
Don’t be surprised if you end up going back for seconds—these cheesy bites are hard to resist! I love serving them alongside a nice salad for a tasty balance. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Brown Potatoes: Using frozen shredded hash browns is super convenient! If you prefer, you can use fresh grated potatoes, but remember to drain them well. This will help to avoid a soggy casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. However, you can swap it with mild cheddar or even a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This brings creaminess to the dish. If you want a vegetarian version, opt for cream of mushroom soup or any vegetable creamed soup instead.
Sour Cream: This adds a tangy creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt. It gives a similar texture and flavor.
Onion: Adding chopped onion provides extra flavor. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with onion powder for a milder taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Golden Topping?
The topping of this casserole is a key feature. For that nice golden crunch, you’ll want to properly coat your cornflakes or potato chips in melted butter. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a bowl, mix crushed cornflakes or chips with melted butter until well combined.
- Spread the topping evenly over the potato mixture before baking. This ensures every bite has that delightful crunch.
- Keep an eye on it during baking! If it starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil to avoid burning.
Let it cool slightly after baking. This allows the cheesy goodness to set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your dish!
How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or potato chips
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 45-55 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick side dish or a main event at your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with some melted butter. This step will help your casserole not stick to the pan and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the chopped onion if you’ve decided to use it. Then add in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s all combined and looks tasty!
3. Transfer the Mixture to the Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the potato mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will ensure that it cooks uniformly in the oven.
4. Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed cornflakes or potato chips with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss them until the crumbs are well coated. This butter will help them get wonderfully crispy while baking!
5. Add the Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes or potato chips evenly over the top of the potato mixture in your baking dish. This added crunch will take your casserole to the next level! Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Let It Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This slight cooling helps the cheesy goodness firm up a little, making it easier to serve. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Cheesy Funeral Potatoes!
Can I Use Fresh Hash Brown Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If you prefer using fresh potatoes, simply grate them and make sure to drain any excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
Can I Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it the next day, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. If it seems dry when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream for extra creaminess.
Can I Use Other Cheeses?
Yes, feel free to mix it up! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. Mixing different cheeses can add interesting flavors and textures to your casserole!
