Cheesy funeral potatoes served in a casserole dish with golden crust.

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone loves. These potatoes are a hit at gatherings, whether it’s a family reunion, a potluck, or even a simple weeknight dinner. They’re creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of crunchy on top. Plus, they are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for busy cooks.

How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Ingredients

1 28-32 oz pkg frozen southern hash brown potatoes (square cut preferred)
1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)
1 can cream of chicken soup
16 oz container sour cream
1-1/2 Tbsp onion powder
12 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Put the frozen hash browns in the microwave and heat them on high for ten minutes to defrost.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
Once the hash browns are done, add them to the mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish.
Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 60-75 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remember, leaving them longer will make them crispier around the edges. Check at 60 minutes to find the perfect texture for you.

How to Serve Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes can be served as a side dish alongside any main course. They pair well with chicken, beef, or even vegetarian dishes. For a special touch, sprinkle some extra cheese on top just before finishing them in the oven, or garnish with chopped green onions for added color and flavor.

How to Store Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

If you have leftovers, store the Cheesy Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are fully cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

To save time, you can prepare the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking.
If you want a bit more crunch, you can add some breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes on top before baking.
Feel free to adjust the cheese type if you prefer a milder flavor, or mix in different types of cheese.

Variation

You can add cooked crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor or include some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color. Another variation is to use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a different taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just make sure to slice them thinly and parboil them before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish the night before and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a vegetable soup to make it vegetarian-friendly.