Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy delight! Made with shredded potatoes, sour cream, and lots of cheese, this dish is always a hit at gatherings.
There’s something about that cheesy, crunchy topping that makes it hard to stop eating—even at the saddest of events! I’ll gladly take seconds (or thirds!).
These are super easy to whip up. Just mix everything together, bake, and you’re ready to impress your family or friends with a warm, comforting side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns make this recipe super convenient. If you don’t have them, you can shred fresh potatoes, but remember to wring out extra moisture to avoid a soggy dish!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is key for that tangy flavor. If you’d like something milder, use medium cheddar, or you could mix in some Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess, but for a vegetarian option, substitute with cream of mushroom soup. You can also try a homemade version using flour, chicken broth, and milk if you’re up for it.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and tang. If you’re after a lighter option, Greek yogurt works perfectly here and adds protein too!
Cornflakes: They give that delightful crunch on top! Try using crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs if you don’t have cornflakes on hand, but keep an eye on baking time as they might brown faster.
How Do I Ensure My Cheesy Potatoes Are Hot and Bubbly?
Baking these potatoes lengthens their deliciousness, but getting that perfect golden top can be tricky. Preheat your oven well, and keep an eye on the time.
- Layer the mixtures evenly in the baking dish. A thin, even layer helps with consistent heat distribution.
- Check the potatoes around the 45-minute mark. If the top is golden, but the inside isn’t fully heated, cover loosely with foil to avoid burning while it finishes baking.
- Always let them cool a few minutes after baking. This helps the texture set up nicely, making serving easier!
How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter (plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then around 45 minutes to 1 hour of bake time. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes until you can enjoy your delicious Cheesy Funeral Potatoes with a crispy top.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Greasing:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking. This will help your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes come out easily after baking!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. If you like onions, now’s the time to add the chopped onion too. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper, then mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Transferring to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the potato mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly, so it cooks thoroughly as it bakes.
4. Preparing the Crunchy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with about 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir them until the cornflakes are well coated. This buttery goodness will create a delicious crunchy topping for your potatoes!
5. Adding the Topping:
Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover it well for that perfect crispy finish!
6. Baking the Dish:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and crispy, and the potato mixture is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning!
7. Cooling Down:
Once it’s baked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors settle and make it easier to serve!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color before serving. Your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are ready to enjoy—creamy, cheesy, and crunchy all in one delicious dish!
Happy cooking! Enjoy the comfort of your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, just peel and shred them, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This helps avoid a soggy dish and ensures proper baking.
What Substitutes Can I Use for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, feel free to use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option, or try an equivalent homemade white sauce using flour, butter, and broth!
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to keep them creamy!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it starts from cold.