I still remember the first time I nailed my Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, and it all started with a pinch of curiosity about spices. My grandma always said, “Honey, it’s the little things that make the dish sing,” and she wasn’t wrong. I had tried making a creamy potato casserole before, but something was missing—until I discovered a blend of paprika and a dash of garlic powder that transformed our hash brown potato bake into a comforting, cheddar cheese potato dish that wowed the family.
The best part? As soon as that cheesy aroma filled the kitchen, my kids would come running to the table, ready to dive in. That moment of everyone gathering, sharing stories, and savoring simple flavors made me realize how much Cheesy Funeral Potatoes can create family connection through authentic flavors. My cooking journey with this easy cheesy potato casserole taught me that the right balance of creamy textures and melty cheese not only satisfies hunger but also nurtures togetherness.
Fellow flavor seekers, if you’re looking for a comforting side dish that brings warmth and simplicity to the table, this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe could be your next family favorite. Let’s walk through the ingredients and steps so you can bring that same satisfaction to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns, thawed For the best flavor, I recommend sourcing fresh or high-quality frozen hash browns from your local farmers’ market or trusted grocery store. This helps your creamy potato casserole stay tender and flavorful.
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar adds that signature cheddar cheese potato dish punch. My family loves when I use a blend of sharp and mild cheddar for depth.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes at well-stocked grocers. For a vegetarian twist, try cream of mushroom soup.
- 1 cup sour cream This brings the creamy aspect to our hash brown potato bake, adding tanginess that balances the cheese beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion Adds subtle sweetness and depth. Use fresh onions for the best flavor impact.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder This spice secret enhances flavors without overpowering the comforting goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika A tiny dash of paprika gives warmth and color, a detail that transformed my Cheesy Funeral Potatoes into a family classic.
- Salt and black pepper to taste Simple seasonings are the backbone of any easy cheesy potato casserole. Remember to taste your mixture before baking!
- 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) These create a golden, crunchy topping that’s classic for Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Freshly crushed ones offer the best texture.
Trust me, this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors! These choices shape the final dish into a true comfort food side dish your family will ask for again and again.
Let’s Create This Together!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This sets the perfect stage for that golden cheesy crust we all love in Cheesy Funeral Potatoes.
- In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently using your hands or a wooden spoon to keep the potato texture just right.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This little mix builds layers of flavor without fuss. My family always notices the comforting warmth these spices add.
- Transfer the cheesy mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly — this helps the hash browns bake through perfectly.
- Sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers evenly on top. This crunchy topping seals in moisture and adds that irresistible golden finish.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with the aromas of cheesy goodness—a perfect signal time to set the table!
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole firm up just enough, making serving easier and tidier.
Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Cheesy Funeral Potatoes—the seasoning stage. Adding proper salt and those subtle spices early on makes a huge difference in flavor. While your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!
By following these steps, your creamy potato casserole will come out delicious every time. This straightforward recipe makes an easy cheesy potato casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.
How We Love to Enjoy This!
The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes appears alongside a simple roasted chicken or a fresh green salad. It’s one of those comfort food side dishes that effortlessly pairs with everything from our favorite maple-glazed chicken with sweet potatoes to a holiday ham.
For a fun twist, I sometimes add chopped ham or crispy bacon for a heartier meal. Leftovers transform beautifully into breakfast hash the next day—warmed up with some eggs over easy or scrambled. If you’re like me, you won’t want to waste a single bite!
Presentation-wise, topping your hash brown potato bake with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. This dish shines during family gatherings and potlucks, always drawing compliments for its creamy, cheesy goodness.
I love sharing this easy cheesy potato casserole with friends, especially when paired with these cheesy Rotel sausage balls—they both bring bold flavors to the table. You can find more ideas on combining authentic comfort food side dishes at Let’s kick off the weekend with my easy, cheesy hashbrown casserole.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Does this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes really satisfy hearty appetites?
- Absolutely! The blend of creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar is filling and rich, perfect for big family dinners. My crew always asks for seconds!
- What if someone prefers milder flavors for their Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
- You can easily dial back the paprika and garlic powder or use a mild cheddar instead. The balance stays creamy and comforting without overpowering anyone’s taste buds.
- Can I prepare this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes ahead for busy weeks?
- Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the crumb topping right before baking for the best crunch. It’s a lifesaver on busy evenings.
- Are there vegetarian options for this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
- Definitely. Swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom and use vegetable broth for seasonings. It still tastes like a cheddar cheese potato dish your family will love.
- What’s the difference between this and a cheesy au gratin potatoes recipe?
- Cheesy Funeral Potatoes use hash browns and a crispy crumb topping while au gratin potatoes typically use sliced potatoes and a cream sauce. Both are comfort food side dishes but distinct in texture and flavor. Check an excellent cheesy au gratin recipe to compare!
- How do I get that perfect crispy topping without burning it?
- Keep an eye in the last 10 minutes of baking and tent foil loosely if needed. That buttery cracker topping should be golden, not charred.
- Can this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes be frozen?
- Yes, but it’s best frozen before baking. Thaw completely before baking to keep the texture creamy. I’m a fan of freezing casserole portions for quick meals on hectic days.
For even more helpful ideas about easy cheesy potato casseroles that bring comfort and flavor, check this friendly guide on Cheesy Funeral Potatoes or the lively community discussion on FUNERAL/PARTY POTATO CASSEROLE.
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe supports my family’s goal of simple, authentic meals that everyone looks forward to. Here are My Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Flavor Secrets that made all the difference in our kitchen:
- Freshly crushed crackers for crispy topping
- Balanced paprika and garlic powder for a subtle yet memorable spice kick
- Combining both sharp and mild cheddar for perfect cheese harmony
I’ve tested variations adding ham, bacon, or swapping cream soups to please different family members. My husband prefers the classic, while my kids enjoy a bit of bacon mixed in for extra indulgence.
I encourage you to make this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes your own—tweak the spices, cheeses, and toppings until it fits your table perfectly. Your family’s flavor victories await in every creamy, cheesy bite!
For more inspiration on family meals that blend simplicity with flavor, browse other favorites like maple-glazed chicken with sweet potatoes. Ready to bring your next gathering to life with comforting, easy cheesy potato casserole? Let’s get cooking, fellow flavor seekers!
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a comforting, cheesy casserole made with tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping—perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the hash browns, cheddar cheese, chopped onions, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable broth.