Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Potatoes, or Funeral Potatoes, offer a delightful blend of creamy and cheesy goodness that will satisfy your taste buds with every bite. The combination of tender hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, and a homemade creamy chicken sauce creates a luxurious texture that perfectly complements the crispy cornflake topping. It’s the kind of dish that everyone reaches for seconds of, and it’s so easy to prepare. With its rich flavor and comforting appeal, this is a side dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 32 ounces diced hash brown potatoes or shredded hash brown potatoes, defrosted

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 ½ cups sour cream

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Creamy Chicken Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ medium onion, diced

• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock

• 1 ½ cups milk

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Crunchy Topping:

• 2 cups crushed cornflakes

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheeses (cheddar and Monterey Jack) and toss to mix. Set aside.

3. Place the defrosted hash brown potatoes in a large bowl. Toss them with 4 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir in the sour cream and 2 cups of the mixed cheese. Set aside.

5. To make the creamy chicken sauce, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

6. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, and cook for an additional minute while stirring.

7. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, followed by the milk. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

8. Pour the creamy chicken sauce over the potato mixture and gently fold it together to combine. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish.

9. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese.

10. For the crunchy topping, combine the melted butter and crushed cornflakes in a medium bowl, tossing to coat. Spread the cornflake topping evenly over the cheese layer.

11. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cornflakes are golden brown.

12. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly.

• Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat in your cheesy potatoes.

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the potato mixture for extra protein and flavor.

• Cheese Variations: You can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Mozzarella, or Pepper Jack for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may lose some of its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I freeze Cheesy Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time to 1 hour or more, depending on your oven.

Can I use frozen hash browns?

Yes, frozen hash browns work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before using.

What other toppings can I use besides cornflakes?

While cornflakes are traditional, you can also use crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or Panko for a different texture.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer, or add a little more flour. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.

Can I make this recipe without sour cream?

Yes, if you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the cheeses in this recipe with what you have on hand. Mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan can work well.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy topping, make sure to bake the casserole uncovered for the second half of the baking time. This will allow the cornflakes to crisp up.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the cheese is melted, and the topping is golden brown. You can also test the center with a knife to make sure it’s hot.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, you can reduce the ingredients to fit a smaller baking dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using a smaller dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes) are the ultimate comfort food side dish, perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any meal that needs a bit of cheesy indulgence. The creamy potatoes, savory sauce, and crispy topping create a combination that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. Easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly adaptable, this dish will soon become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!