Description

This Funeral Potatoes recipe is a comforting and creamy casserole featuring shredded hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy buttery cornflake topping. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this easy-to-make dish delivers a deliciously cheesy and crunchy experience baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the potato mixture)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the topping)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
Mix Potato Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped yellow onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Add Hash Browns: Gently fold the thawed shredded hash browns into the creamy mixture, making sure all the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning and dairy blend.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the potato and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface for consistent baking.
Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter until they are well coated and ready to form a crispy topping.
Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the potato base. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole set for easier serving and enhances the overall texture.

Notes

You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese provides better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cornflakes or crackers for the topping.
Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake it when ready to serve, adding extra baking time if chilled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: funeral potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, hash brown casserole, comfort food, potluck recipe, cheesy hash browns, creamy potato bake