Funeral Potatoes: Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Funeral potatoes, also called cheesy hash brown casserole, are a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish that never fails to impress at gatherings. This creamy, cheesy creation has long been a favorite at family dinners, potlucks, brunches, holidays, and yes — even funerals. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Made with frozen hash browns, melted cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce, then finished with a crunchy golden topping, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re serving it for Easter brunch, Thanksgiving dinner, or a cozy Sunday meal, this casserole will disappear fast — so don’t be surprised when people come back for seconds!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy and cheesy casserole:

Time and Servings

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the casserole mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until evenly coated.

Step 3: Fill the baking dish
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 4: Add the crunchy topping
Sprinkle crushed cornflakes (or potato chips) over the top to add a golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake to perfection
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and slice neatly.

Recipe Notes

• Variations: You can swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery if you want a different flavor profile.
• Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the flavor.
• Vegetarian option: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the cream of chicken soup with a vegetable-based option or using a homemade sauce.

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Don’t thaw the hash browns: For the best texture, use frozen hash browns directly from the freezer without thawing them first.
• Crispier topping: If you want the topping extra crispy, add a bit more crushed cornflakes or potato chips right before serving.
• Mix-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked bacon, green onions, or even diced ham to make the casserole even more flavorful.

If you love cozy, comforting casseroles, you’ll also enjoy this Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe — it’s a warm and protein-packed breakfast that pairs perfectly with a weekend brunch.

🍽️ How to Serve

Funeral potatoes make an excellent side dish for:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• BBQ ribs or grilled steak
• A fresh garden salad or coleslaw
• Holiday brunches (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas)

They’re also wonderful as a stand-alone comfort dish with a dollop of sour cream or green onions on top.

🧂 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or spoon
• Measuring cups
• Oven mitts

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

FAQs

1. Can I make Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s heated through and golden on top.
2. Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
   Frozen hash browns work best for this recipe since they hold their shape and texture better when baked. If you do use fresh hash browns, make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
3. Can I make Funeral Potatoes without cream of chicken soup?
   Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade cream sauce or any other condensed soup, like cream of mushroom or cream of celery, for a slightly different flavor.
4. How can I make this casserole healthier?
   To make it lighter, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, or swap the cream of chicken soup for a lighter version or homemade sauce. You can also skip the cornflake topping or use whole-grain breadcrumbs for added fiber.
5. What should I serve with Funeral Potatoes?
   This dish pairs well with grilled meats, such as roast chicken or steak, and is also delicious with fresh salads or sautéed vegetables. It’s also a great addition to brunch spreads or holiday meals.

Final Thoughts

Funeral potatoes, or cheesy hash brown casserole, are a comforting and hearty dish that brings joy to any gathering. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a family dinner or taking it to a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its creamy, cheesy filling and crispy topping, it’s easy to see why this casserole has become a favorite at so many occasions. So, next time you’re looking for something delicious and crowd-pleasing, try making this cheesy hash brown casserole and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table!