I still remember the first time I made Cheesy Funeral Potatoes—it was one of those chilly Sunday afternoons when the house was filled with the warm aroma of comfort food, and I was desperate for a dish that felt like a big, cozy hug. This creamy cheesy potato casserole quickly became a family favorite because, well, who doesn’t love a dish that’s cheesy, buttery, and just so darn satisfying? That golden, crispy topping combined with those tender hash browns with cheese underneath? Pure magic. And let me tell you, making Cheesy Funeral Potatoes isn’t always smooth sailing—I’ve had my share of mishaps (like adding way too much cream of chicken soup potato bake, which made it a bit soggy), but those moments taught me exactly how to perfect this comfort food potato casserole.
This funeral potatoes recipe has such a sweet backstory in my kitchen. It originated from a neighbor who passed down the recipe after a family gathering, which made it feel extra special. In busy family life, with kids running in and out, school activities, and work deadlines, this dish fits right in because it’s easy to prepare ahead and just pop in the oven when you’re ready. Plus, everyone in my family finds comfort in the creamy cheesy potato casserole—it’s like a familiar friend during hectic weeks.
If you’ve never tried Amish-style Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, you’re in for a real treat—check out this story. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together, whether for Sunday dinners or even holiday spreads.
I love sharing this recipe here on Delilita because it embodies everything I believe in about cooking: approachable, nourishing, and most importantly, joyful. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making this classic comfort food potato casserole that’ll warm your heart and your belly!
What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
To whip up this beloved Cheesy Funeral Potatoes in your own kitchen, here’s my go-to ingredient list that has never failed me:
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed) – I always make sure to get the regular shredded kind, not cubed. It creates the perfect texture for my hash browns with cheese base.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives that deep, cheesy flavor. When making Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, I find that pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly shredded tastes best.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – this cream of chicken soup potato bake ingredient is key to keeping everything creamy without making it too heavy.
- 1 cup sour cream – adds a tangy creaminess that balances the cheese perfectly.
- 1/2 cup melted butter – for that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional, but I love the bite they add)
- 1 1/3 cups crushed cornflakes or crispy fried onions – for a crunchy topping that makes this comfort food potato casserole irresistible.
- Salt and pepper to taste

When shopping for your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes ingredients, keep an eye out for sales on cheddar cheese and frozen hash browns. Frozen hash browns are a fantastic shortcut, especially for busy families like mine—no peeling or shredding potatoes for hours! I found a helpful twist in this classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe that includes alternatives for crunchy toppings if you’re feeling adventurous.
One quick kitchen trick I swear by: thaw your hash browns overnight in the fridge for easier mixing and less water pooling in the casserole. And if you want to stretch your budget, grabbing store-brand cream of chicken soup works just as well without compromising the creamy cheesy potato casserole’s flavor.
Any leftover sour cream or cheese? Store them well in airtight containers in the fridge and they’ll be ready for the next round of this comforting dish!
Let’s Make This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Together
Alright, darling friend, let me walk you through making this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes step-by-step. Don’t worry if you’re new to this; I’ve been where you are, and I’ve learned the hard way that patience makes all the difference here.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is my golden rule—always give your oven time to heat fully before popping your creamy cheesy potato casserole in.
- Mix your base: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy around the salt—it enhances all the flavors.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread everything out evenly. This step makes sure your funeral potatoes bake consistently.
- Prepare the topping: Crush your cornflakes or get your crispy fried onions ready and toss them with a bit of melted butter for that extra golden crunch.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. You want a nice layer that will crisp beautifully.
- Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes. Your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes should smell like heaven right about the 30-minute mark, and you’ll see the edges bubbling and the topping turning golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the casserole sets up nicely. This little wait helps everything stay creamy without being runny.
In my kitchen, Cheesy Funeral Potatoes usually takes about an hour total from start to finish when you factor in prep and cooking. While it’s baking, I like to tidy up the counters or set the table—makes me feel like I’m really getting organized for a nice meal. If you’re wondering, “Will this hash browns with cheese casserole dry out?” my tip is that the sour cream and cream of chicken soup combo keeps it moist and dreamy, every single time.
If you’re curious to see other how-to tips, I love the tricks shared in this creamy cheesy potato casserole guide, which is a great sibling recipe to this funeral potatoes recipe.
How I Love to Serve This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
My family absolutely goes wild for Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, and it shines best served alongside my maple-glazed chicken with sweet potatoes—you can find the recipe here. The sweet and savory combo paints such a perfect meal, especially during cooler months.
This dish is ideal for gatherings—whether a comforting Sunday dinner or a festive potluck. I often make a double batch for Thanksgiving or Christmas because friends and family just can’t seem to get enough! The creamy cheesy potato casserole pairs beautifully with fresh green beans or a crisp garden salad, adding balance to the indulgence.
For presentation, I love to bake the Cheesy Funeral Potatoes in a glass dish so the layers peek through, and sometimes I sprinkle extra cheese over the top just for that gooey bonus. If you’re like me and always have leftovers, you’ll appreciate knowing that leftover Cheesy Funeral Potatoes make fantastic breakfast hash—just fry up portions with some eggs on the side for a hearty morning treat.
If you want to switch things up seasonally, adding bits of cooked bacon or swapping cheddar for pepper jack gives it a fun twist my family adores. Friends who’ve tried this creamy cheesy potato casserole keep coming back asking for the recipe—especially when I serve it alongside my cheesy hamburger potato soup right here.

Your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Questions Answered
Q1: Can I make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble your creamy cheesy potato casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. I’ve found this cuts down on stress during busy days.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for this funeral potatoes recipe?
I stick with sharp cheddar because it melts wonderfully and gives that signature tang. Some friends prefer a mild cheddar or even a Colby jack blend for a different flavor profile.
Q3: Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version?
Yes, you can! I’ve experimented with homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and a bit of chicken broth. It works great and feels fresher—you can find some tasty tips on making cream of chicken soup potato bake easier over at Donuts2Crumpets.
Q4: Why did my Cheesy Funeral Potatoes turn out watery?
This usually happens when the hash browns aren’t fully thawed or drained. I learned the hard way to thaw them overnight and pat them dry before mixing. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking to let it set.
Q5: Can I add meat to this comfort food potato casserole?
Definitely! Some of my family members love it with cooked ham or diced cooked chicken tossed in for a hearty twist.
Q6: What’s a good crunchy topping alternative?
If you want a change from cornflakes, crispy fried onions or crushed potato chips are fantastic. Sometimes I mix a bit of paprika into the topping for a little smoky touch.
Q7: Is using frozen hash browns okay?
For sure! Frozen hash browns are a lifesaver for quick meals. Just make sure they’re thawed and excess moisture is drained—then you’re all set.
If you want to brush up on some troubleshooting while making hash browns with cheese or this creamy cheesy potato casserole, this handy post from All Things Mamma has some great insights shared from fellow cooks.
My Final Thoughts on This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes isn’t just a dish to me—it’s a slice of family history filled with love, laughter, and the occasional kitchen chaos that comes with feeding a hungry crew. This creamy cheesy potato casserole holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than comfort food; it’s a tradition my kids now ask for on their birthdays and holidays.
My Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Pro Tips:
- Always thaw and drain your hash browns fully to avoid a watery casserole.
- Don’t skimp on the butter in both the mix and the topping—it makes all the difference.
- Give the dish time to rest after baking to let the flavors meld and it to set perfectly.
Over the years, I’ve tried variations like adding sautéed mushrooms, swapping out cheddar for mozzarella, and even mixing in a hint of mustard powder for some zing. My husband loves it classic, my kids adore the cheesy crunch on top, and I enjoy the versatility that this funeral potatoes recipe offers.
If you’re inspired, I encourage you to make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes your own and share it with those you love—it’s the kind of dish that brings people around the table, sharing smiles and full bellies. For more cozy potato recipes, don’t forget to peek at my Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes and Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. Here’s to many warm family meals ahead with your own fluffy, cheesy batch of Cheesy Funeral Potatoes!
Happy cooking, my friend!
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy casserole made with hash browns and a crunchy topping, perfect as a comforting side dish for gatherings or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and chopped onion. Mix well.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced green onions to the mixture before baking.

