Introduction

These Cheesy Potatoes, also known as Funeral Potatoes, are the ultimate side dish for any gathering. This classic recipe is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you need a potluck favorite or a cozy family dinner side, this dish delivers. For another potato-based comfort food, try this One-Pot Potato Soup Youll Make Weekly (2025).

Ingredients

This recipe for These Cheesy Potatoes, also called Funeral Potatoes, combines creamy, savory ingredients with a delightfully crunchy topping for the ultimate side dish experience.

• 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 (8 ounce) bag potato chips, crushed

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than many traditional funeral potato recipes thanks to a simplified preparation method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature is perfect for cooking the potatoes through without burning the cheesy topping. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2 — Combine the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine one can of condensed cream of chicken soup, one cup of sour cream, and one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat sour cream.

Step 3 — Add the Potatoes

Add one 30-ounce bag of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed) to the creamy soup mixture. Gently fold the potatoes in until they are evenly coated. Using thawed potatoes ensures they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce properly.

Step 4 — Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, pressing down gently. An even layer promotes uniform cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.

Step 5 — Prepare the Topping

In a separate medium bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed cornflakes with ¼ cup of melted butter. Stir until the cornflakes are thoroughly coated. This buttery topping will become golden and crispy as it bakes.

Step 6 — Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping evenly over the potato mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes. The casserole is done when the edges are bubbly and the topping is a deep golden brown.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Remove the cheesy potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve these Funeral Potatoes warm as the ultimate side dish for your meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	25g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

While classic These Cheesy Potatoes also called Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate side dish, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit different dietary needs or health goals. Here are some simple and tasty swaps.

• Sweet Potatoes — For a lower glycemic index and a boost of vitamins, swap regular potatoes for cubed sweet potatoes. They add a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.
• Cauliflower — Create a lower-carb version by replacing half or all of the potatoes with steamed cauliflower florets. It still delivers that comforting casserole texture.
• Greek Yogurt — Instead of canned cream soup, use plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little chicken or vegetable broth. This swap adds protein and reduces fat while maintaining creaminess.
• Nutritional Yeast — For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese and stir in nutritional yeast with the soup mixture. It provides a cheesy, savory flavor without any dairy.
• Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs — To make the topping gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free cereal or bread crumbs mixed with melted butter or olive oil.
• Low-Sodium Broth & Cheese — To significantly cut sodium, use a low-sodium cream soup alternative (or the Greek yogurt swap) and choose a low-sodium cheese.
• Turkey Bacon or Ham — For a leaner protein addition, use diced turkey bacon or lean ham instead of regular bacon. It adds the same smoky flavor with less fat.
• Olive Oil — A simple swap is using olive oil instead of butter in the topping and sauce for a heart-healthier fat profile.

Serving Suggestions

• For a comforting family dinner, pair these cheesy potatoes, also called funeral potatoes, with a simple roasted chicken or a juicy meatloaf.
• Serve this ultimate side dish at your next potluck or holiday gathering alongside a glazed ham or a roasted turkey.
• Turn it into a hearty brunch by pairing these cheesy potatoes with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
• For a casual barbecue, serve them with grilled burgers, hot dogs, and a crisp coleslaw.
• Create a beautiful buffet plate by garnishing the potatoes with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.
• For a complete comfort food meal, serve alongside a green vegetable like steamed green beans or a simple garden salad.

No matter the occasion, these cheesy potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that completes any meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using soggy, pre-shredded potatoes. Fix: Pat thawed hash browns completely dry or shred your own russet potatoes for superior texture.
• Mistake: Overmixing the creamy sauce, making it gluey. Fix: Gently fold the ingredients until just combined to keep the dish light.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of sautéing the onions. Fix: Briefly cook diced onions to mellow their sharp bite and deepen the overall flavor.
• Mistake: Using a low-fat cream soup or sour cream. Fix: Stick with full-fat dairy for the classic, rich, and creamy consistency that won’t separate.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the sauce adequately before baking. Fix: Taste and season the sour cream mixture well, as the potatoes will absorb the flavors.
• Mistake: Forgetting to grease the baking dish thoroughly. Fix: Generously butter the dish to prevent sticking and to add a delicious, buttery crust.
• Mistake: Under-baking, resulting in a lukewarm center. Fix: Bake until the top is golden brown and the center is bubbly, about 45-60 minutes.
• Mistake: Adding the crunchy topping too early. Fix: Sprinkle the cornflake or breadcrumb topping in the last 15-20 minutes to keep it crisp.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store these cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or microwave until hot throughout.

Properly storing these cheesy potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes, ensures they remain the ultimate side dish for your next meal.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Potatoes, also known as Funeral Potatoes, truly are the ultimate side dish for any gathering. Their creamy, cheesy goodness is always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below! For another comforting main course, consider pairing them with Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs.

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Basic Funeral Potatoes

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A creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole topped with a crunchy potato chip crust, known as Funeral Potatoes, is a beloved Midwestern side dish perfect for gatherings.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x
• Method: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 (8 ounce) bag potato chips, crushed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine hash browns, Cheddar cheese, onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle crushed potato chips evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use crushed butter-flavored potato chips as the topping. This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

FAQs

Why are these called Funeral Potatoes?

The name Funeral Potatoes comes from their tradition of being served at gatherings after funerals in the American Midwest. This comforting, make-ahead casserole is easy to transport and feed a crowd. These Cheesy Potatoes also called Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for such occasions.

Can I prepare These Cheesy Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole completely up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.