Deliciously Comforting Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

When I first made Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, I was aiming to serve something comforting and satisfying with as little fuss as possible. It was a hectic weeknight, and the kids were tired, my to-do list was longer than usual, and I needed a meal that felt like a soothing hug after a busy day. I stumbled upon this creamy cheesy potato casserole recipe, and let me tell you… it quickly became a comfort food win around our table. The first bites sparked surprised smiles—and even requests for seconds, which, as a mom, feels like a small victory!

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes fit perfectly into our family’s comfort food basket because it’s a cozy side dish that works well with simple mains or even as an easy main itself. Plus, it’s kind of magical how this hash brown casserole looks like a humble potato cheese bake but tastes like pure love. I appreciate how it brings us together—whether that’s for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. This creamy cheesy potato casserole has become one of those meals I trust to soothe the chaos of our everyday.

If you’re a busy mom like me, juggling school runs, homework, and finding time to breathe, then this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe is for you. It’s all about comfort without overwhelm. Over the years, I picked up little kitchen tricks to make this funeral potatoes recipe quicker and yummier. And trust me, this is not reserved for special occasions only—it’s perfect for any day you want to create a little warm comfort on the table.

If you love hearty, cheesy dishes that remind you of home, you’ll want to try this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes for your family next meal. It’s a comforting classic that’s easy to tweak to your family’s tastes—something every mom deserves in her dinner arsenal.

Ingredients for Cheesy Funeral Potatoes laid out on kitchen counter

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a quick look at what goes into this cozy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. The list is simple, so you won’t need a special grocery trip—most ingredients show up in my regular cart!

  • 32 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed, drain excess moisture)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (feel free to mix cheeses for a little extra creaminess)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom if you want a vegetarian twist)
  • 1 cup sour cream (adds tangy richness)
  • ½ cup diced onions (optional, my family loves the little crunch and flavor boost)
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted (for that buttery, cozy flavor)
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions (classic topping that makes a hash brown casserole crave-worthy)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t worry if you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand—I sometimes use cream of celery or a homemade creamy sauce for my Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. My family gets extra comfort when I add a bit of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the mix—little flavor cheats that make dinner feel a bit more special.

You can find all these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store or even in the pantry staples you have on hand. For budget-friendly swaps, shredded mozzarella works well instead of cheddar, and homemade fried onions from scratch or crushed potato chips make a fun topping twist.

This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. The shortcuts, like using frozen hash browns, keep it easy while feeding a crowd. Busy moms need simple dishes like this creamy cheesy potato casserole that bring comfort without complexity.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to bring this comforting Cheesy Funeral Potatoes to life? Let’s walk through it together, step-by-step!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This little prep step gives you time to gather your ingredients and warm up your kitchen.
  2. Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy. This is the heart of our creamy cheesy potato casserole.
  3. Add the potatoes and cheese: Gently fold in the thawed hash browns and most of the shredded cheddar cheese, saving a bit of cheese and crispy onions for the topping. I love this part—the cheese instantly promises comfort.
  4. Fold in onions (if using): Adding diced onions gives a mild savory crunch, but you can skip this if your family isn’t a fan.
  5. Transfer to a baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. This potato cheese bake base is simple but oh so satisfying.
  6. Top it off: Sprinkle the reserved cheese and crispy fried onions over the top. It’ll add that golden crunch we all look forward to.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like the ultimate comfort food spot. If your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes looks a little bubbly and the crispy onions are golden, you’re on the right track!

I usually start prepping tomorrow’s school snack or fold laundry while this hash brown casserole cooks. In our busy kitchen, this comforting Cheesy Funeral Potatoes usually takes under an hour. You get a moment to breathe and the reward of a warm, cheesy dish on the table.

If you try to rush it and your casserole looks a bit runny, no worries—just let it bake a little longer to set. Sometimes I poke the center with a knife to check for creamy potato readiness. This recipe is forgiving and fuss-free—a true comfort hack for moms!

Speaking of hacks, I’ve learned to double the recipe for family gatherings or freeze half for a quick future dinner. It’s a lifesaver when you need a comforting meal in a pinch, and the leftovers taste just as dreamy.

For more cozy potato ideas, check out my Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes recipe or this hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for a twist on comfort food with potatoes.

Serving dish with creamy cheesy funeral potatoes topped with crispy fried onions

How We Love to Eat This!

Our family digs into this comforting Cheesy Funeral Potatoes on repeat. It’s perfect alongside roasted or glazed chicken (like my Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes recipe) or paired with a crisp salad when I need to add some fresh balance.

The kids especially love it with simple baked chicken nuggets or meatloaf—classic Monday night hits at our house. They devour this comforting Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, especially when it’s bubbling hot and topped with those golden fried onions. Presentation-wise, I let the crispy onions be the star on top. It makes the casserole look inviting and gives a textural contrast that excites everyone’s taste buds.

This potato cheese bake is excellent for family gatherings, potlucks, or those days when you know you need comfort fast without a lot of fuss. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. I often turn last night’s hash brown casserole into a quick breakfast bake topped with eggs and salsa—it’s a total family favorite twist.

Seasonal variations? In fall and winter, I add some diced green chiles or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a little warmth, which my spice-loving husband adores. I first read about fantastic versions of this comfort food side dish over at Cooking in the Midwest, and I love trying different takes for variety.

For guest reactions, this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes is always a crowd pleaser. Friends often ask for the recipe after tasting it—proof that simple comfort food hits the spot every time.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes filling enough for growing kids?
Yes! The mix of potatoes, cheese, and creamy soup makes it hearty. My two hungry teenagers walk away stuffed and happy.

What if my picky eater won’t try Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
I get it. Try mixing in a little extra cheese and crispiest fried onions. Sometimes swapping the onion out for bacon bits or leaving it off entirely helps make it more approachable.

Can I meal prep Cheesy Funeral Potatoes for busy weeks?
Absolutely! You can assemble it ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake later for dinner. It also freezes well anytime before baking.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Sure, but I recommend shredding and parboiling them first to get the creamy texture in this potato cheese bake.

Is there a vegetarian version of this funeral potatoes recipe?
Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom, and it keeps the cozy vibe just right.

Can I make this dairy-free?
That’s trickier, but using dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives might work. The casserole won’t be as creamy but still comforting.

How do I prevent Cheesy Funeral Potatoes from getting soggy?
Drain the thawed hash browns well and don’t cover the casserole while baking. That helps keep the top crispy.

I often get questions on how this hash brown casserole compares to other comfort classics. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my cheesy hamburger potato soup, another cozy meal that fills hungry tummies.

Final Thoughts:

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes has become a star in my family’s comfort food rotation for good reason. It’s easy, forgiving, and so cozy—perfect for the “mom, what’s for dinner?” chaos. Here are some Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Comfort Hacks I swear by:

  • Use leftover chicken or ham in your potato cheese bake for a one-dish meal.
  • Swap fried onions for crispy crushed potato chips for a fun twist.
  • Double the mixture to feed a crowd or freeze for quick dinners later.

My youngest loves the crispy onion topping while my husband prefers extra cheese mixed in. I like to sneak in some diced roasted bell peppers for an unexpected flavor boost.

If you’ve been searching for simple solutions to feed your family well without stress, this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes is your cozy sidekick. Make it your own with little tweaks, enjoy the comforting smells in your kitchen, and watch your family come back for more.

Wishing you many happy dinners with this satisfying Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe. For more cozy ideas, swing by my other favorites like my cheesy au gratin potatoes or the maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes. We’re all in this cozy chaos of family meals together!

For a tasty spin or to see another classic take, check out Cheesy Funeral Potato Casserole or the beloved Funeral Potatoes (Hash Brown Casserole) Recipe. And if you want more ideas inspired by Midwestern comfort, Cooking in the Midwest has great variations too.

Happy cooking, fellow comfort seekers!

Print

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a comforting casserole featuring tender potatoes baked with creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy topping, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter until combined.
  5. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the potato mixture.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and omit the onions if preferred.

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