There’s something about Cheesy Funeral Potatoes that feels like a warm hug from the inside on a hectic weeknight. The first time I made this creamy cheesy casserole, I was chasing a solution to constant dinnertime battles—trying to get my crew to eat something wholesome without the stress. I remember pulling the ingredients together after a particularly exhausting day, and honestly, I was skeptical. But those golden, bubbly layers of hash browns and cheese turned out to be like a secret weapon for family nutrition and happiness.
My kids woke up the next morning talking about the “cheesy potato magic” on their plates, and my husband gave me that satisfied nod only a busy mom recognizes after feeding a hungry household well. What surprised me most was how this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes balanced wholesome ingredients with delicious comfort that everyone loved, showing me that nutritious doesn’t have to mean complicated or boring.
This dish found its way into our regular menu not just as southern comfort food but as a simple nutrition win, offering a thick, creamy cheesy casserole that satisfies the soul and body alike. It even helped me sneak in extra veggies—because, let’s face it, we all need hacks that help our families thrive.
If you’re a fellow mom looking for dishes that bring sanity-saving nutrition without the stress, stick around. I’ll share everything I’ve learned about making this cheddar cheese potato dish your family will enjoy over and over. Plus, you’ll find plenty of practical kitchen tips, so your next tater tot casserole or hash browns potato bake turns out just right every time. Let’s keep nourishing our families with meals that feel like love on a plate.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

4 cups frozen hash browns (shredded, thawed)
A convenience and nutrition win! Frozen hash browns keep it simple, and they’re typically just potatoes—no preservatives.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Our star cheddar cheese potato dish hero! It adds protein and calcium. For an extra nutrition boost, try sharp cheddar for richer flavor and more antioxidants.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
No worries if you don’t have cream of chicken soup—I swap in homemade mushroom or low-sodium cream of celery to cut sodium and add veggies to this classic Cheesy Funeral Potatoes.
1 cup sour cream
The creamy element that makes this casserole irresistibly smooth. Greek yogurt is a great swap here, adding protein and probiotics for family gut health.
1/2 cup diced onions
These bring a subtle sweetness and extra fiber. Tip: Keep these pre-chopped in the fridge for faster cooking nights.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds flavor without extra fuss.
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/3 cups crushed cornflakes or crushed tater tots (optional topping)
Our crispy topping adds texture. I love using whole-grain cornflakes for a crunch with a nutrition twist.
2 tablespoons melted butter
Helps the topping brown beautifully. I often use olive oil for a heart-healthier touch.
You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store aisles. Bonus: they’re budget-friendly, making this creamy cheesy casserole family-friendly both in flavor and cost.
For extra nutrition in your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, I sometimes add a cup of finely chopped spinach or broccoli florets. These sneak in vitamins and fiber without anyone noticing. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because, as busy moms, we need nutrition without complexity!
Let’s Make it Happen!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
This step helps your cheesy funeral potatoes cook evenly and get that perfect golden top.
2. Mix your base ingredients in a large bowl: hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup (or your substitute), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), diced onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
I like mixing these with a big wooden spoon while thinking about how this cheesy casserole is going to nourish my family after their busy day.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
This hash browns potato bake volume fills the kitchen with comforting aromas.
4. If you’re using a topping, combine crushed cornflakes or tater tots with melted butter.
Spread this over the casserole’s surface for that golden, crispy finish.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, uncovered.
This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s school lunches or sneak in some self-care.
6. Look for bubbling edges and a golden crispy spot on top.
Your Cheesy Funeral Potatoes should smell nourishing by now—cue all the cozy vibes!
In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Cheesy Funeral Potatoes usually takes about an hour total, including prep. One kitchen lesson I learned? Don’t panic if your topping browns a little faster—just slap on some foil for the last 15 minutes of baking, and you’re good.
This creamy cheesy casserole is forgiving, which is a total sanity-saver.
If you want some ideas if your family loves this cheddar cheese potato dish, you might enjoy this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe, another creamy cheesy dinner win that’s simple enough for weeknights.
How We Love to Eat This!

Our family loves this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes as the star of dinners paired with roasted veggies or green beans on the side. The kids usually devour this nutritious hash browns potato bake when I also serve a crisp side salad or steamed broccoli for added fiber and vitamins.
This cheddar cheese potato dish shines at potlucks, holiday dinners, and, yes, even “comfort food” days when I want my family to feel cozy and well-fueled.
For presentation, sprinkling fresh parsley or chives on top makes this cheesy casserole look inviting and adds a fresh burst of color. It’s a simple trick that makes healthy food look more appealing to hungry eyes.
Leftovers? Always a hit! We reheat our Cheesy Funeral Potatoes for lunchboxes or pack it for post-activity snacks to keep energy up without junk.
Seasonally, I’ve swapped in sweet potatoes for hash browns in this creamy cheesy casserole, mixing in cinnamon and nutmeg for fall-friendly flavors. It’s a small twist that made this southern comfort food even more nutritious and family-approved.
If your crew loves this, check out more family-friendly casserole ideas like this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup to keep dinnertime nutrition wins coming!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Yes! With potatoes for vitamin C and potassium, cheddar cheese for calcium, and the option to sneak in veggies, this casserole offers key nutrients kids need. Plus, it’s a great comfort food that won’t leave parents stressing over balanced meals. If you’re curious about more nutrient-rich potatoes in kid-friendly ways, I’ve found Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe a good reference, too.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Cheesy Funeral Potatoes?
Try making it with their favorite cheese or topping—sometimes that crispy tater tot casserole crust wins them over. You can engage them by letting them help sprinkle the topping or stir ingredients; ownership often changes picky habits.
Can I meal prep this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes for busy weeks ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days. It also freezes well; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. I often make a double batch for quick family nutrition during busy periods!
Can I make this dish without cream of chicken soup?
Yes! Low-sodium or homemade cream soups work well. Or try cream of mushroom or celery for a veggie boost. One great tip I learned from this Facebook casserole discussion is to use cream cheese as a thickener for a richer texture.
Is this casserole more like a hash browns potato bake or a tater tot casserole?
It’s a bit of both! You can use shredded hash browns or swap in tater tots for topping or base—both versions bring creamy cheesy satisfaction. This flexibility is perfect for family preferences and pantry staples.
How can I make this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes more fiber-friendly?
Add chopped spinach, cooked broccoli, or even a handful of canned corn. One reader shared a great hash brown bake variation with cream cheese that is packed with veggies and flavor.
Is this casserole considered traditional southern comfort food?
Yes! Cheesy Funeral Potatoes is classic southern comfort food, beloved for its rich cheddar cheese potato dish layers and creamy cheesy casserole texture. Making it at home brings that cozy feeling with healthier tweaks.
If your family likes this little nutrition win, they’ll appreciate this comforting Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes to round out your rotation.
Final Thoughts:
This Cheesy Funeral Potatoes recipe supports my family’s nutrition goals by blending familiar comfort with real food ingredients. The creamy cheesy casserole scores high with kids and adults alike, proving that wholesome food can be simple and satisfying.
My Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Nutrition Hacks:
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to boost protein and probiotics.
- Add hidden veggies like spinach or finely chopped broccoli for fiber and vitamins.
- Use whole grain or low-fat cheese options for heart-healthier calcium and fats.
We’ve tasted family-tested variations, including the classic cheddar cheese potato dish, a tater tot casserole twist, and even a dairy-free “cheesy” version with nutritional yeast. My little ones tend toward the traditional cheesy layers, while my husband likes the veggie-boosted spin.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Tweak ingredients to match what your family loves and your pantry stocks. My hope is that you find this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes brings warmth, ease, and nutrition to your family table without the overwhelm.
Remember, busy moms — you’re doing an amazing job. Here’s to more nourishing chaos and delicious dinners ahead!
For more simple nutrition ideas that make family meals happy and healthy, check out my other favorites: Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, and Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes. Also, dive into community ideas like the casserole chat on this Facebook group for real-life mom-tested inspiration.
You’ve got this!
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are a comforting baked casserole featuring creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and a crunchy topping, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, 2 cups cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, chopped onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the potato mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.

