This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Cheesy Potatoes are a Midwest classic made with hash browns, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Whether you call them cheesy potatoes, hashbrown casserole, or even funeral potatoes, this baked side dish is always the first to disappear.
If you like cheesy hash brown potatoes, you’ll love my Amish Funeral Potatoes and Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes!
Why you’ll love this family favorite recipe!
This recipe holds a very special place in my heart AND on our plates every holiday. My mom always used to make this cheesy potatoes with hash browns casserole every Easter and Christmas, and now it’s one of those recipes my kids ask for every holiday. It’s the kind of side dish that tastes like family memories and I am sure you’re going to love it!
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.
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
Cream Soup Swap: Try cream of mushroom or celery soup.
Cheese Options: Use Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
Topping Ideas: Crushed Ritz crackers or even potato chips.
Meat Add-In: Add cooked ham or bacon for a full meal version. Try my Cheesy Ham and Potatoes Casserole version – it’s delish!
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 FAQs
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.
Video
Notes
- Do not thaw the diced hash browns potatoes: Using them frozen helps keep the casserole from getting watery and gives the perfect creamy texture.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that keep it from melting as smoothly—freshly grated cheddar will give you the creamiest sauce.
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!