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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
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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.
This is the best cheesy hash brown recipe! I use crushed up plain ruffles on top instead of corn flakes and throw in some minced onion. There’s never any leftovers!
What kind of hash browns do you use?
Frozen Ore Ida O’Brien hash browns!
May I ask if you used the butter on top of ruffles? Thank you
My husband doesn’t like sour cream. What can I use in it’s place? Can I use milk or maybe ranch dressing?
You could use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Or even cream cheese would work too
Shredded has browns? The picture looks like cubed potatoes?
Is it possible to use shredded potatoes?
Yes, they are cubed. But you could try shredded. I’ve not but I bet it’s good!
I followed the recipe ingredients and did the same thing…hope they turn out.
I added bacon and onions it was amazing…. this is definitely a keeper
Wonderful idea, Sheila!
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We’ve always had this at church suppers, but used crushed Ritz or HiHo crackers on top with the melted butter! And if you want to make a real meal of it, drain a can of chicken breast meat and add to the mix. (save the broth in freezer for soup base)
What a great variation!!
I used the ritz worked great thanks and added about 5 slices of finely chopped bacon ! Yum
Wonderful idea!
Made 10x the recipe with great success!
I sauté onions in melted butter and add soup and sour cream and stir over hash browns and cheese, French onions on top!
Do they have to be frozen potatoes?
I don’t see a portion size
Small or large can of cream of chicken soup? Also, is it fine to substitute cubed fz potatoes instead of shredded? Thank you!!
No you can use cubed fresh , I used hash browns just smashed up!
Reg. Size can or large can of cream of chicken ?
Can the soup be left out to make it vegetarian?
Sure! I’d substitute cream of mushroom so it is still cooked right.
I wouldn’t. What about Cream of Mushroom?
I think you could try it!
I crush up Doritos instead of corn flakes. It adds a nice flavor to the dish.
I like to add garlic salt and onion powder.
YES! Great additions!
how many servings in a dish
12 servings
Can you make these cheesy potatoes in a crockpot?
I’ve never tried but I do think it would work! It’s worth a try. Maybe half the recipe and try for dinner one night instead of when you’ll have over a bunch of people. 🙂
When you say mix the first 5 ingredients together, is the stick of butter supposed to be melted?
Thanks!