Name: Funeral Potatoes - Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30 oz frozen hashbrowns, diced or shredded, thawed; 16 oz sour cream; 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 oz Onion Dip Mix; 1 tsp salt, or to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup corn flake cereal; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you haven’t yet discovered the comfort and joy that comes with making Funeral Potatoes - Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole Recipe, get ready to meet your new favorite crowd-pleaser. This casserole combines crispy, golden-topped hashbrowns with creamy sour cream and cheese, making each bite a cozy hug of flavor. It’s a dish that perfectly balances ease and indulgence, turning simple ingredients into a sensational family classic that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up view of a white dish filled with a baked casserole that has two layers: a bottom layer of soft white rice mixed with a creamy texture, and a top layer of golden crispy cornflakes that cover the surface, adding a crunchy texture. A spoon lifts a scoop of the casserole, showing the contrast between the soft, creamy rice layer below and the crunchy, evenly browned cornflake topping. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that truly impresses. Each one plays a crucial role in building the creamy texture, cheesy richness, and satisfying crunch that make this casserole so memorable.

30 oz frozen hashbrowns: Choose shredded or diced and thaw overnight to ensure perfect texture.
16 oz sour cream: Adds tanginess and creamy moisture that binds the casserole together.
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup: Brings savory depth and velvety richness without extra effort.
½ cup butter, divided and melted: Used both inside the mixture and in the crunchy topping for richness and golden color.
1 oz Onion Dip Mix: Powers up flavor with a perfect balance of savory onion and seasoning.
1 teaspoon salt, to taste: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts beautifully for gooey goodness inside and a cheesy layer on top.
3 cups Corn flake cereal: Crushed for a delightfully crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy casserole beneath.

How to Make Funeral Potatoes - Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes

Start by thawing your frozen hashbrowns in the fridge overnight. This step prevents excess water from making your casserole soggy and ensures your potatoes have the perfect consistency for mixing.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Preheat your oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, half of the melted butter, Onion Dip Mix, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy, creating the flavorful base that will bind everything together beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Cheese

Fold the thawed hashbrowns and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into your creamy mixture. This is where the magic happens: the cheese starts melting right into the potatoes and soup mixture, creating that signature cheesy comfort.

Step 4: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Transfer the potato mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking pan. This size lets the casserole bake evenly and you get that perfectly tender inside and crispy edges we all love.

Step 5: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This layer turns into a gooey, melty blanket of cheese that adds another dimension of richness.

Step 6: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Crush the cornflake cereal in a ziplock bag or with a rolling pin until you have a coarse texture. Mix the crushed flakes with the remaining melted butter, ensuring every bit will turn golden and crisp during baking.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the cheesy potatoes. Bake the whole casserole for about 40 to 50 minutes until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbling throughout.

How to Serve Funeral Potatoes - Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole; the top layer is golden brown and crispy with a rough texture formed by crushed cornflakes or similar crunchy topping, underneath is a melted yellow-orange cheese layer, and below that is a soft, white, creamy rice layer visible where a spoon has scooped out part of the dish. The spoon is resting inside the dish, slightly lifting some of the crispy topping mixed with the creamy rice. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the casserole is delicious on its own, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions right before serving gives a pop of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Funeral Potatoes go wonderfully with classic holiday proteins like ham or roasted turkey, but they also shine alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal that pleases every eater at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with bacon bits or slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick. It’s a sure way to impress guests and turn this comforting dish into a festive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover Funeral Potatoes tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a great option for easy reheats or next-day meals.

Freezing

This cheesy hashbrown potato casserole is freezer-friendly too. Assemble in a foil pan and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed for thorough heating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To revive the crunch, consider giving the top a quick broil at the end, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

You can, but frozen hashbrowns are convenient and provide consistent texture and moisture content. If using fresh potatoes, be sure to grate and then cook or parboil them first to avoid excess water.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes, simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or another vegetable-based cream soup to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even chopped spinach can be stirred into the mix for added nutrition and flavor complexity.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is traditional and offers great flavor and melting qualities, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend to suit your taste.

Why is it called Funeral Potatoes?

This comforting casserole often shows up at gatherings after funerals, especially in some U.S. regions, as an easy-to-make dish meant to bring people together and provide warmth during difficult times.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a warm dish like the Funeral Potatoes - Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole Recipe with family and friends. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and has that perfect mix of creamy and crispy. If you’re looking for a classic comfort dish that never goes out of style, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your home, too.