Late one night, I found myself deep in a kitchen experiment fueled by the simple craving for comfort food with a twist. I had heard whispers of Funeral Potatoes, this legendary cheesy potato casserole that turns up at holidays and potlucks like a warm, delicious hug. So, I threw together my own batch, combining crispy hash browns, that rich cream of chicken soup recipe (my secret touch), and loads of cheese. The anticipation was real—would it live up to the hype? Oh, it did, big time!
This Funeral Potatoes quickly became a happy accident turned favorite. There’s something addictive about the creamy potato casserole with cheese that melts perfectly and has that golden crunchy topping everyone raves about. I was hooked after that first bite—and my friends who came over for game night? Their reactions were priceless. Eyes wide, forks flying, smiles spreading—they couldn’t get enough of this comfort food side dish magic.
If you’re craving a weeknight winner that’s both cozy and bold in flavor, this Funeral Potatoes recipe invites you right into my kitchen. It’s simple to make, satisfying to eat, and dresses up any meal like a pro. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking some for yourself, this cheesy potato casserole is a total flavor adventure worth having. Ready to turn your meals into something special? Let’s do this together! And hey, if you love this, check out my twist on creamy cheesy hash brown casserole I have over at Grill Drip right here.
Ingredients You Need
This Funeral Potatoes ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together and come from your everyday grocery store. Grab your essentials, and let’s get cooking:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed (shredded potatoes also work if you prefer fresh)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I adore extra for that ooey-gooey factor)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup recipe – this is the creamy backbone of our cheesy potato casserole
- 1 cup sour cream (adds tang and creaminess)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (because buttery everything is life)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, but adds zesty green crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (bold flavor booster alert!)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (the best golden topping ever!)
No worries if you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand—I’ve swapped in homemade creamy mushroom soup before with fantastic results in my Funeral Potatoes experiments.
Pro tip: Grab frozen hash browns during your regular shopping trip—they save time and keep you ready for those weeknight winners when life gets busy. Store your leftover potato casserole with cheese tightly wrapped to keep it fresh and tasty for at least 3 days in the fridge.
I love adding extra cheddar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to my Funeral Potatoes for that extra kick. The mix of creamy, cheesy, and a crispy topping gets me every time!
Let’s Make Some!
Ready for the delicious magic? Let’s make this unforgettable Funeral Potatoes recipe together! This one usually takes me about 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for turning comfort food dreams into reality.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This slight warmth gets everything ready for golden, bubbly perfection.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese. I love watching that cheese cling to every crispy potato piece—such a flavor buddy!
- Next, stir in the cream of chicken soup recipe, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and black pepper. This is where the magic starts happening—the creamy, cheesy mixture that makes this Funeral Potatoes the ultimate comfort food side dish.
- Fold in the chopped green onions for a fresh pop if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t worry if you skip these—they’re optional but fantastic.
- Pour the whole heavenly mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread it so every bite has that potato casserole with cheese goodness.
- Top with crispy fried onions for that irresistible crunch. This crispy topping is the secret ingredient that gets everyone dreaming about your Funeral Potatoes.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible right now—heads up, grab a fork and napkin!
While your Funeral Potatoes is doing its thing, get ready for those happy dance moments when everyone takes their first bite. Don’t worry if your potato casserole with cheese isn’t picture-perfect—it’s all about that bold, satisfying flavor that counts.
If you want to try a fun twist, I’ve got an amazing recipe combining garlic steak bites with potatoes for a hearty meal. It’s another bold favorite!
How to Serve Up This!
This Funeral Potatoes shines as a star comfort food side dish at everything from Sunday dinners to holiday gatherings. People literally do happy dances when this cheesy potato casserole hits the table with crispy onions on top.
I love pairing these Funeral Potatoes with main dishes like juicy roast chicken, glazed ham, or even spicy BBQ ribs for a meal bursting with bold flavors. For a fun fusion vibe, I’ve tried adding a dash of smoked paprika and some jalapeños to turn it into a southwestern hash brown casserole twist. It was a hit!
Presentation matters, too. I like serving my Funeral Potatoes in a festive glossy dish with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for that pop of green. It wows guests and makes the whole meal feel extra special.
Got leftovers? Don’t toss them! Mix leftover Funeral Potatoes into scrambled eggs the next morning or crisp it up in a skillet for cheesy potato-filled breakfast bites. Double the yum, no waste, and a great flavor adventure to start your day.
If you’re loving this comfort food spin, you’ll go crazy for my cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe that brings all the rich flavors together with an extra cheesy punch. Check it out for more inspiration.
FAQs
I get tons of questions from fellow food lovers about this cheesy potato casserole so let’s dive into some of the hottest asks about Funeral Potatoes!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Funeral Potatoes?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward with simple steps, and it’s perfect for anyone wanting bold flavor without fuss. My first batch was a total kitchen experiment, and it turned out amazing!Q: What if I mess up my Funeral Potatoes?
Don’t sweat it. Even if the topping isn’t as crispy or the casserole looks a little different, the creamy potato casserole with cheese flavor holds strong. Comfort food magic is forgiving!Q: Can I prep this Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when ready, adding a few extra minutes to bake.Q: What if I want a vegetarian Funeral Potatoes?
Swap the cream of chicken soup recipe for cream of mushroom or celery soup. It’s still rich and delicious.Q: Can I make this with fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Totally! Just shred, boil briefly, and drain fresh potatoes before mixing in. It lends a more rustic texture but the same comfort food vibe.Q: What do you recommend as side dishes with this cheesy potato casserole?
Fresh green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp salad balance all that cheesy richness perfectly.Q: Where did the name Funeral Potatoes come from?
Great question! It is believed to be served commonly at funeral gatherings in some regions to comfort grieving families. Thankfully, it’s so tasty it’s now a celebration staple too.
Taste testers say this Funeral Potatoes recipe combines golden crispy topping and creamy potatoes in a way that wins hearts every time. If you want a pro-level version, check out the BEST FUNERAL POTATOES Recipe for more tips.
Conclusion
There’s just something about Funeral Potatoes that makes me smile from the first spoonful to the last. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s all about mixing creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden top—and trust me, those flavors stick with you.
My Funeral Potatoes Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skip the crispy fried onions on top—they bring the perfect crunch.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold punch of flavor that melts beautifully.
- Stir in a little garlic powder and black pepper for that extra savory depth.
I’ve tested versions swapping hash browns for homemade diced potatoes, adding bacon for smoky charm, and even mixing in a little cream of mushroom soup for a different savory twist. Each way brings a new flavor adventure, great for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any time you need a warm hug from your food.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a comforting side dish, this Funeral Potatoes recipe is your flavor-packed, no-fail solution. I can’t wait for you to bring your own twist and share the joy of this cheesy potato casserole.
If you want more inspiration or variations, see these bold favorites like the cheesy Funeral Potatoes with hash browns or get inspired by the classic cheesy potato casserole love shared by Kim’s Cravings.
Get ready to turn your table into a flavor party with Funeral Potatoes, and trust me—your taste buds will thank you!
For a festive holiday spin that keeps that cheesy potato casserole magic alive, check out this hearty take that’s a non-negotiable at every holiday potluck: This cheesy potato casserole is a non-negotiable at every holiday.
Ready to cook up your own batch and make kitchen magic? Let’s go!
Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy casserole made with hash browns and a crispy topping, perfect as a comforting side dish for gatherings or holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.