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Irresistible buttery creamy goodness is what Cheesy Potato Casserole is all about! Packed full of cheese, potatoes, and so much yumminess you will be spooning out another helping for sure.
Why you’ll love this Cheesy Potato Casserole
This cheesy funeral potato recipe has been a family favorite in our home for years. Since my daughter was little, it’s the side dish she always asks for, especially for Sunday dinner, potlucks or around the holidays. This recipe was given to me by a dear friend at church many years ago, and after making it countless times, I’ve fine-tuned it to be just right.
My version includes an extra can of soup for that ultra-creamy texture everyone loves. It’s simple, comforting, and always brings people back for seconds!
What makes these crave-worthy!
❥ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: That extra can of soup makes every bite rich, smooth, and perfectly cheesy.
❥ Crispy Topping: The buttery corn flakes bake up golden and add just the right crunch. I also share some variations that are delcious if you want to change it up!
❥ Always a Crowd Favorite: Simple ingredients, big flavor, and everyone goes back for seconds! You always come home with an empty dish!
NikkiCheesy Potato Casserole Recipe Ingredients
- Hash Brown Potatoes: I prefer using diced frozen hash browns for this recipe, but shredded hash browns also work well. If they’re frozen solid, let them thaw just a bit so everything mixes easily.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat gives the richest, creamiest texture, but light sour cream works if you’d like to lighten it up a little.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the classic base that makes the casserole creamy and flavorful. I use two cans for an ultra-creamy version, but you can swap one for cream of mushroom if you prefer.
- Butter: Melted butter makes the filling smooth and helps the topping bake up golden and crisp.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts the best and gives that perfect cheesy flavor. Use mild or sharp—whatever your family loves most.
- Corn Flakes: Lightly crush them so they stay a little chunky. They bake up buttery and crisp, giving that crave-worthy topping everyone loves.
How to Make Cheesy Potatoes Casserole
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2 | Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Add the shredded cheese and hash brown potatoes, and mix until everything is well coated.
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Step 3 | Add to the Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 4 | Make the Topping
Crush the cornflakes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or gently crush them by hand.
Add the melted butter to the crushed flakes and stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the potatoes.
Step 5 | Bake
Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets up nicely and scoops easily.
Funeral Potatoes Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked, diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon to turn this side dish into a hearty main.
- Switch the Soup: Swap one or both cans of cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor twist.
- Try a Different Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both also melt beautifully.
- Add a Little Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to give it a mild heat.
- Make It Lighter: Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, or a smaller amount of butter for a slightly lighter version.
Recommended Toppings
Change the Crunch: Instead of corn flakes, try crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, potato sticks, or even buttery panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Funeral Potatoes Recipe FAQs
The name comes from the tradition of serving this comforting casserole at church luncheons and gatherings after funerals. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and offers that warm, cheesy comfort everyone loves — which is why it often shows up at potlucks, holidays, and family dinners, too.
Yes, you can! Just dice your potatoes into small cubes and parboil them until they’re barely tender — about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain them well and pat them dry before mixing them into the casserole. This step keeps the sauce from getting watery.
You sure can. Substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a similar texture and flavor. Or, if you prefer homemade, whisk together about 2 cups of a simple white sauce made with butter, flour, and chicken broth. It’s an easy swap and keeps the casserole just as creamy and delicious
What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Casserole
This cheesy potato casserole goes with just about anything! It’s the perfect side for Sunday dinners, holidays, or potlucks.
- Baked Ham: The salty, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. Try it with my Brown Sugar Glazed Ham.
- Roast Chicken or Turkey: Delicious with my Oven Roasted Turkey Breast or Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken.
- BBQ or Ribs: The creamy, cheesy potatoes balance smoky flavors. Serve them with Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, Grilled Chicken, or Oven Baked Ribs.
- Beef Roast or Meatloaf: Perfect comfort food with my Classic Meatloaf Recipe or Mississippi Pot Roast.
- Vegetables or Salad: Round out the meal with southern green beans, broccoli, or a fresh garden salad.
No matter what you serve it with, this creamy, cheesy casserole always disappears first!
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 30 ounce frozen hash brown potatoes - diced or shredded, THAWED
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 21 ounces cream of chicken soup - 2 – 10.5 ounce cans
- ½ cup salted butter - melted (1 stick)
- 1 teaspoon salt - or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper - or to taste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese - shredded
- 2 – 3 cups corn flakes - crushed
- ½ cup salted butter - melted (this can be reduced to 4 tablespoons if using 2 cups of corn flakes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Make the Potato Filling: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, soup, butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Then add the cheese and hash brown potatoes and mix until combined and coated.
- Spoon the mixture into a single layer in a 9×13'' pan.
- Crush the cornflakes in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or gently crush them by hand.
- Make the Topping: Crush the cornflakes in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or gently crush them by hand. To a bowl, add melted butter to the crushed cornflakes and combine well.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely so it scoops easily and stays perfectly creamy.
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