This cheesy party potatoes recipe is everything you want in a comfort-food casserole: creamy, cheesy, crispy on top, and always the first thing to disappear at gatherings. My family always asked me to make this amazing dish. Whether you call them funeral potatoes, hash brown casserole, or cheesy baked potatoes—this version is a total keeper.
Another family favorite is my loaded baked potato salad recipe and for more cheesy potatoes try my scalloped gruyere potatoes.
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Why this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is a Keeper
This classic side dish is a guaranteed win for any occasion because it’s easy to make and always a hit.
- Crowd Favorite: My Cheesy Party Potatoes are always the first dish gone at potlucks and family dinners.
- Customizable Toppings: Crunchy corn flakes, chips, or crackers—take your pick!
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying with minimal effort.
What are Cheesy Party Potatoes?
They’re a classic Midwestern comfort food made with shredded or diced hash browns, sour cream, cream soup, cheese, and topped with something crunchy like corn flakes or chips. You might know them as “funeral potatoes”—a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and always a hit.
Pro Tip for this Potato Recipe
Thaw Hash Browns: Using frozen hash browns straight from the freezer will water down the casserole.
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Ingredient Notes to Make Cheesy Potatoes
These are everyday ingredients, so there’s plenty of room to mix things up in this cheesy potato bake:
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Hash Browns: Shredded or cubed frozen hash browns both work great—just thaw them first.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds rich, creamy texture. Use homemade or store-bought.
- Sour Cream: Helps bind everything together and adds tang. Greek yogurt works too.
- Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Topping: Corn flakes, crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or even buttery panko.
Variations and Substitutions for Funeral Potatoes
Easily customize these cheesy hashbrown potatoes. Take it to the next level by using different ingredients and trying different flavors.
- Add Protein: Stir in diced ham or cooked bacon for a delicious dish.
- Make it Meatless: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken for the cheesy party potatoes.
- Boost the Flavor: Mix in sautéed onions or garlic powder for extra depth.
- Try a New Topping: Swap cornflakes for crushed kettle chips or buttery breadcrumbs.
How to Make Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
This recipe comes together in 4 quick and easy steps. This potluck staple side dish is so good, it quickly became one of my favorite recipes.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Mix the Ingredients: Crush the corn flakes and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, seasonings and melted butter.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the potato mixture in the bottom of the prepared dish and top with the crushed corn flakes and melted butter.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake at 350 degrees F until the corn flake topping is golden brown.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for this Easy Potato Side Dish
Preparing ingredients ahead of time can help to save me time and kitchen space when it comes to making this recipe for funeral potatoes.
- Assemble Early: Mix everything (except the topping) and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead so that it’s ready to bake.
- Top Just Before Baking: Wait to add the topping so it stays nice and crisp.
- Make It a Freezer Meal: Assemble in a foil pan, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Alternate Cooking Methods
Make this cheesy corn flakes potatoes recipe another way by using your crockpot or smoker.
- Smoker Method: Preheat to 350°F and cook uncovered for 45–60 minutes until hot and bubbling. This method is great for adding a subtle smoky flavor!
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook the easy side on low for 4 hours, then crisp the top under the broiler or in the oven if desired.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Baked Cheesy Potatoes
These potatoes reheat beautifully and make great leftovers.
- Storing: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
- Using Leftovers: Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a breakfast-for-dinner twist or turn into cheesy potato patties.
Common Questions About This Recipe
I like to use a bag of frozen shredded hash browns potatoes, but I’m sure you could also use frozen diced potatoes or frozen cubed potatoes.
Cheesy funeral potatoes got their name simply because they’re often at gatherings and potlucks following funerals.
If you want a really crunchy topping, you can broil the Cheesy party potatoes dish for just a couple minutes.
Expert Tips for Making Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes
- Don’t Overmix: Fold gently so the hash browns keep their texture for the cheesy party potatoes .
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese and gives a creamier texture.
- Bake in the Baking Dish Until Golden: The edges should bubble and the top should be crispy and golden on the Cheesy party potatoes
- Thaw Hash Browns: Using frozen hash browns straight from the freezer will water down the casserole.
- Topping: When potatoes are tender after being baked in the oven, top with sour cream, green onions, chives or extra cheese.
- Serve this Recipe With: Serve with Cucumber Pepper Salad, Grilled Warm Potato Salad or Kool-Aid Slushie.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Cheesy Party Potatoes
Equipment
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
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Ingredients
- 26 ounces Hashbrowns, 1 bag, thawed
- 16 ounces Sour cream
- 10.5 ounces Cream of chicken soup, 1 can
- ½ cup Butter, melted
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 cups Corn flakes, crushed
- 6 Tablespoons Butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉, and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Crush and measure the corn flakes.
- In a large bowl, stir together the hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and seasonings, along with ½ cup of melted butter.
- Spread the mixture in the casserole dish, then top with the crushed corn flakes and drizzle the 6 tablespoons of melted butter over the top.
- Transfer the casserole dish to the oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, until the corn flake topping is golden.
Christina’s Notes
- Thaw First: Always thaw your hash browns before mixing.
- Keep Topping Separate: Add it right before baking for the best crunch.
- Use Sharp Cheese: It adds a bold flavor that balances the creaminess.
- Customize It: Add bacon, diced ham, or even veggies to make it your own.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
Hi Ms Christina,
I recently was looking at your recipe for CHEESY PARTY POTATOES and I wasn’t sure about the butter and was wondering if you could help me because I want to get it right. In the instructions, you add a half cup of melted butter, so that is EXTRA, right?
Thank you for sharing this recipe and look forward for your reply.
Sincerely,
Cathy
The 1/2 cup is the only amount of butter that you add to the recipe.