The Best Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes) – Comfort Food at Its Finest

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There’s a reason Cheesy Potatoes, often called Funeral Potatoes, are a staple at family gatherings and potlucks—they’re the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crunch, this side dish is perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or whenever you need a little soul-soothing food. Today, I’m sharing my version of this classic recipe that’s simple to make and guaranteed to be loved by everyone at the table.

overhead view of a clear baking dish filled with cheesy potatoes with corn flakes, a spoon scooping into it

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a memory-making dish. With a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crunchy topping, this recipe hits all the right notes:

Simple Ingredients: Frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a little soup make this dish easy and accessible.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance, saving time on busy days.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these potatoes disappear fast.

I first discovered this recipe thanks to my neighbor Tiffanie, who always brings the most incredible dishes to the table. Her original version inspired me to tweak it just a bit, making it even creamier and cheesier.

landscape photo of two plates with cheesy potatoes garnished with parsley

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make these cheesy potatoes. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Frozen hash browns: I use diced or small square hash browns for the best texture. No need to thaw them.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Grating your own cheese from a block ensures smooth melting and maximum cheesiness.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang. You can substitute plain yogurt if needed.
Cream of chicken soup: This binds everything together. For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup.
Corn flakes: The crunchy topping everyone loves.
Butter: Mixed with corn flakes to create a golden, crisp finish.

These ingredients combine to make a hearty, soul-satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with just about any main course.

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes

This recipe is straightforward, which is part of why it’s so beloved. Here’s a simple overview of the steps:

Step 1: Layer the Hash Browns

Start by spreading your frozen diced potatoes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. No thawing is required, and using diced potatoes ensures they hold up well while baking.

landscape photo of a baking dish filled with frozen hash browns

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour this creamy mixture over the frozen potatoes, spreading it evenly. This sauce is where all the magic happens—creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting.

clear baking dish filled with creamy sauce and pieces of shredded cheese

Step 3: Bake and Add the Crunch

Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes. Then, top it with corn flakes and drizzle melted butter over them. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in.

landscape photo of baked cheesy potatoes topped with corn flakes

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheesy Potatoes

Making the best Cheesy Potatoes doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to get that perfect creamy texture with a crispy topping every time:

Use block cheese, not pre-shredded: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own ensures the cheese melts perfectly and makes the dish extra gooey.
Vegetarian option: Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish without sacrificing flavor.
Sour cream substitutes: If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works beautifully. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for sour cream. Low-fat sour cream can also be used, but avoid no-fat versions for best results.
Serving sizes: This recipe makes about eight cups. For a family dinner with a main dish, one cup per person works well. For potlucks or larger gatherings, half a cup per person is plenty.

up close photo of vintage spoon scooping cheesy potatoes from a baking dish

Make-Ahead and Storage

Cheesy Potatoes are great for preparing ahead of time:

Make-ahead: Mix the sauce (sour cream, soup, and cheese) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the remaining steps.
Storing leftovers: Keep any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat, in an oven-proof dish at 350°F for 20–30 minutes. Note: The cornflake topping will lose its crunch but still taste delicious.

up close photo of two stacked white plates topped with cheesy potatoes and garnished with parsley

What to Serve With Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy Potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

Prime Rib: The creamy, cheesy potatoes complement the rich, savory flavors of prime rib perfectly.
Meatloaf: A classic comfort food duo that never disappoints.
Honey Baked Ham: Perfect for holiday meals like Easter or Christmas.
Air Fryer Broccoli: Adds a fresh, green element and contrasts the richness of the potatoes.

No matter what you pair them with, these cheesy potatoes will steal the show on your table.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside.
Pour the frozen potatoes into the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle corn flakes over the casserole. Pour melted butter on top.
Bake for an additional 30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Serve warm.