This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Nothing says comfort food quite like a bubbling dish of Cheesy Potatoes straight from the oven. This Midwest classic transforms simple hash browns into pure gold with layers of melted cheese and a rich, creamy sauce that brings families together around the dinner table.
Whether you know them as cheesy potatoes casserole, hashbrown casserole, or even funeral potatoes, this irresistible baked side dish has earned its reputation as the first to disappear at any gathering.
If you like this cheesy side dish, you’ll love my Amish Funeral Potatoes and Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes!
Why you’ll love this Cheesy Potatoes recipe!
I have to tell you about this recipe that’s been in my mom’s handwritten recipe book for as long as I can remember. Every single holiday – and I mean EVERY one – this cheesy potato casserole shows up on our table, and honestly? It wouldn’t feel like a real celebration without it.
I’m talking about that golden, bubbly dish that makes the whole house smell like comfort and love. You know the one – some folks call it funeral potatoes, others say party potatoes, but in our family, it’s just “Mom’s potatoes,” and that’s all we need to say for everyone to know exactly what we’re talking about.
The best part? This recipe is so foolproof that even if you’re not much of a cook (no judgment here!), you’re going to nail it. Trust me on this one.
Crowd pleaser: Always a hit at holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
Make ahead friendly: Easy to prep and bake later.
Comfort food: Creamy potatoes + melty cheese = instant favorite.
If you love this recipe, be sure to try this Barefoot Contessa mac and cheese recipe too!
Table of Contents
Cheesy Potatoes Ingredients
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes – the base of the casserole; using frozen makes it quick, easy, and perfectly textured without peeling potatoes yourself.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – creates the creamy, savory sauce that ties everything together (can swap for mushroom or celery for variety).
- Sour Cream – adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheese and soup.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – the star flavor; sharp cheddar gives that gooey, melty cheesiness everyone loves!
- Butter – makes the topping rich and golden brown while adding flavor throughout the dish.
- Cornflakes – bring crunch and texture contrast to the creamy potatoes, plus they make the casserole look irresistible on the table.
Variations
For the meat-lovers: Throw in some leftover ham or crumbled bacon – especially good for Easter brunch! I did that here with my Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole.
Spice it up: My brother-in-law adds diced jalapeños because he puts hot sauce on everything. It’s actually pretty good!
Veggie boost: Sometimes I’ll mix in some frozen broccoli or peas. The kids don’t even notice (shh!).
Different cheeses: I’ve tried it with a mix of cheddar and monterey jack, or even some cream cheese mixed in for extra richness.
Lighter version: You can use light sour cream and soup – it’s still delicious, promise!
Gluten-free option: Just make sure your cream soup and cornflakes are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives – it works!
How to Make Cheesy Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Stir together hash browns, soup, sour cream, cheese, and melted butter in bowl.
- Add potato mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Add cornflakes to a bowl and mix in 1 stick of melted butter..
- Add the cornflakes mixture evenly to the top of the potatoes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Make Ahead + Storage
Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Fridge: Store leftovers up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months; thaw before baking.
Topping Options for Cheesy Potato Casserole
Everyone’s favorite part of this cheesy side dish isn’t the potatoes themselves but the buttery, crunchy topping! I use cornflakes, but you can use what you have on hand at home, too! Here are some alternatives:
- Ritz crackers
- French-fried onions
- Breadcrumbs or panko
- Crushed potato chips
- Cheese
- Rice Krispies
Cheesy Potatoes Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight.
Yes, freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
They’re a common dish at funeral luncheons because they feed a crowd and bring comfort.
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but Colby Jack is great too.
More Easy Potato Side Dish Recipes
Side Dishes
Hashbrown Casserole
All Recipes
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Easter
Scalloped Potatoes
Side Dishes
Potatoes Au Gratin
💌 Love comforting casseroles? Sign up for my free Top 10 Reader Favorites eBook and never miss a recipe! Sign Up Here
Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 lb bag frozen hash browns
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 stick unsalted butter – melted
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 stick butter – melted
- 2 cups corn flakes
Instructions
- Preheat over to 375 degrees. Grease a 9×13. baking dish.
- Mix diced potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 stick of melted butter together in a large bowl.2 lb bag frozen hash browns, 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, 1 stick unsalted butter – melted, 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, salt & pepper to taste
- Add potato mixture to a 9×13 baking dish.
- Melt 1 stick of butter and pour over cornflakes in a small bowl – mix well.1 stick butter – melted
- Add cornflakes mixture evenly to the top of the casserole2 cups corn flakes
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Do you think I could mix this up and freeze then bake later? I’m traveling so it would likely thaw before getting there…
This recipe will always get 5 stars from me! It ALWAYS turns out! You can swap out the cheese, use different potatoes, make ahead, heat up – it’s ALWAYS perfect!
Yum!! So delicious and love the crunch that the topping adds. This recipe is so versatile and you could easily add some veggies to it as well.
These were delicious and so so easy
To make !
Very easy and a big hit with my family
Could u use this recipe but for baked Mac n cheese? Subing potatoes with macaroni?
Delicious and super easy to make. Made a day ahead, minus the corn flakes, and it turned out great!!!
We’re so happy to hear it, Heather! Did you add the cornflakes the next day?
Love this recipe!
I to prep multiple batches (without baking) and freeze for a big gathering im hosting in a couple weeks. Do you recommend leaving off the cornflakes until thawed and right before baking?
I dont want to put them on prior to freezing and have them turn soggy when thawed. What do you recommend?
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Paige! Yes, we recommend leaving off the cornflakes until baking. This will keep them crisp!
Do you let your potatoes slightly thaw before adding the rest of the ingredients?
If they’re clumped together, you might need to. Otherwise, you can mix it all up right away!
We’d love to know how it turns out for you!
Can this be made in the crockpot?
We recommend making these crockpot cheesy potatoes instead!
Can these be made in roaster? Temp and how long would you recommend if so.
Skip any onions mentioned. Instead use 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion. THAT is what brings this whole recipe to be not only good but fantastic. Try it!
Thanks for the feedback, Frances!
These are the best!!!! I have a granddaughter who doesn’t eat much here but when I made these…OMG she loved them and asked me if I would make them every time she comes!! Delicious!
My family hates the texture of onions so I sub french onion dip for the sour cream and onions. I make this for every bbq, its a favorite of our family.