Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, and impossibly comforting, Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a classic side dish that always disappears fast. Whether it’s a potluck, holiday dinner, or Sunday supper, this dish brings a rich and hearty bite of nostalgia to the table. The crispy topping paired with the creamy, tender potatoes makes every forkful irresistibly indulgent.
These potatoes get their quirky name from being a traditional dish brought to gatherings after funerals in the Midwest and South. But don’t let the name fool you—there’s nothing somber about this golden, bubbly casserole. It’s a feel-good, crowd-pleasing favorite that makes you want to go back for seconds and thirds.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
This dish is quick to prep, full of flavor, and bakes into creamy perfection. It’s one of those recipes you can make ahead, which makes it a lifesaver during the holidays or when you’re feeding a crowd. The simple pantry ingredients come together into something much more magical than the sum of its parts. And let’s be honest, anything with a layer of golden, cheesy crunch on top is destined to be loved.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
For this recipe, frozen hash brown potatoes work perfectly. You don’t need to peel, shred, or cook them ahead of time. Just make sure they’re thawed before mixing to ensure everything bakes evenly. You could use fresh shredded potatoes if you’re up for the extra work, but the ease of frozen ones is part of what makes this dish such a go-to.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
The ingredients in this dish are all about comfort. They bring together creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures in a beautiful harmony that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
- Frozen hash brown potatoes
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Chopped onion
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cornflakes or Ritz crackers (for topping)
Each ingredient has its purpose here: the potatoes provide the hearty base, sour cream and cream of chicken soup deliver the creamy goodness, cheddar cheese brings the meltiness and tang, while butter adds richness. The onion and seasonings give the dish depth, and the topping creates the perfect golden crunch.

How To Make the Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s all blended together smoothly.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Fold the thawed hash brown potatoes into the creamy mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Transfer and Top
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers with a bit of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
This dish is made to serve a crowd. It easily feeds 8 to 10 people as a hearty side dish, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks. Serve it warm right from the oven for the best experience. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
What to Serve With Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
Glazed Meatloaf
The sweetness of a brown sugar glaze balances the richness of the potatoes beautifully.
Roasted Chicken
Juicy roasted chicken is a classic pairing and makes this dish part of a comforting Sunday dinner.
Cajun Potato Soup
Want potato on potato? Try this bold and spicy Cajun Potato Soup for a hearty Southern-inspired meal.
Cheeseburger Sliders
Pair with Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls for a party platter that’ll wow your guests.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Serve alongside Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo.
Green Bean Casserole
A green veggie side like classic green bean casserole balances out the richness.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Honey Butter Skillet Corn adds a touch of sweetness to round out the plate.
Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?
If you can’t get enough cheesy, crispy, creamy goodness, you’ll want to check out these favorites:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for an oven-baked combo meal.
- Cajun Potato Soup for spice lovers.
- Honey Butter Skillet Corn to add something sweet to your sides.
- Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions if you’re after something crispy and golden.
- Mexican Sopa de Conchas for a twist of flavor with your comfort food classics.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it when you need that ultimate comfort food fix.
Let me know if you added bacon or used a different cheese blend. Did you make it ahead or serve it fresh? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Explore more delicious dishes and nostalgic favorites on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.
Conclusion
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side. With their rich flavor, crunchy topping, and creamy texture, they hit every note you want in a classic casserole. Whether it’s for a big family dinner or a cozy potluck, this dish always brings people back for seconds.

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food casserole made with frozen hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy cornflake topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners. A crowd-pleasing potato side dish!
Ingredients
2 pounds frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
2 cups sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup melted butter (plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in thawed hash browns until evenly coated.
4. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Mix crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over top.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
7. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use thawed hash browns for best baking results.
Substitute cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist.
Top with diced green onions or bacon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg


