Comforting Cheesy Potato Casserole

Cheesy Potatoes, also affectionately known as Funeral Potatoes, stand as the epitome of comforting side dishes. This beloved hash brown casserole brings together a delightful blend of tender cheesy potatoes, savory onion, aromatic garlic, and rich sour cream, all crowned with an irresistibly crunchy cornflake topping. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a culinary hug, perfect for any gathering, especially during the holidays.

For those who simply can’t get enough of potato-based delights, I highly recommend exploring my Twice Baked Potato Casserole and my all-time favorite Mashed Potatoes. Each recipe offers a unique take on this versatile vegetable, guaranteeing a satisfying experience.

This post is proudly sponsored by Challenge Dairy.

As the holiday season truly gets into full swing, a familiar warmth fills the air, and our kitchens become centers of creation. I find myself meticulously finalizing the Thanksgiving menu while simultaneously looking ahead to the joyous celebrations of Christmas. Most importantly, I’m eagerly anticipating the feast—eating all.the.food. And among the many delicious traditions, this particular dish holds a special place, making an appearance year after year.

Classic Cheesy Potatoes: A Holiday Essential

My home is currently bustling with all sorts of culinary delights, but there’s one recipe I absolutely had to share before the holidays are fully upon us: these incredible Cheesy Potatoes. This straightforward, yet incredibly satisfying, cheesy potato casserole is an undeniable holiday staple. Whether gracing your Thanksgiving spread, adorning your Christmas dinner table, or adding flavor to your Easter brunch, it’s a dish that consistently receives rave reviews and empty serving dishes.

What makes this casserole so special? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Creamy, rich potatoes mingle with sharp, savory cheeses, balanced by subtle hints of onion and garlic. The crisp, buttery cornflake topping adds an essential contrast, making every bite a delight. It’s a dish that manages to feel both indulgent and homey, striking that perfect balance for festive occasions.

The Origins of “Funeral Potatoes”

Complementary Side Dish Favorites

While Cheesy Potatoes can easily steal the show, this versatile casserole recipe makes a delicious side dish for virtually any meal, shining particularly brightly during holiday feasts. Its rich, savory profile complements a wide array of main courses, from roasted meats to festive vegetarian options. If you’re looking to round out your meal with more crowd-pleasing sides, here are some of our other top picks that pair wonderfully:

Creamed Corn: A sweet and creamy classic that balances the savory potatoes.
Candied Yams: For a touch of festive sweetness and vibrant color.
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes: Another decadent potato option for the true potato lover.
Green Beans: A fresh, crisp contrast that adds a healthy touch.
Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food duo when served alongside cheesy potatoes.

Essential Cheesy Potato Casserole Ingredients

One of the many appealing aspects of this recipe is its simplicity and reliance on readily available ingredients. Despite creating our own incredibly flavorful creamy sauce from scratch – a welcome departure from canned cream soups – the ingredient list remains wonderfully manageable. This approach ensures a fresher, richer flavor profile that truly elevates the dish.

I confidently use Challenge Butter in this recipe, and for almost all my culinary endeavors. It has been my unwavering brand of choice for years, and I trust it implicitly with all my baking and cooking. Made with 100% real cream, its superior quality and rich flavor make it the perfect foundation for any dish, including this comforting casserole.

Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to assemble this magnificent casserole, along with a few helpful tips:

Diced or Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes: The foundation of our casserole. It’s crucial that these are fully defrosted before cooking to ensure even baking and a tender texture. A quick method for defrosting is to spread them out on a large baking sheet.
Unsalted Butter: Used generously throughout the recipe, from tossing with potatoes to creating the creamy sauce and the crunchy topping. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, though salted butter can be used if that’s what you have on hand; just adjust added salt accordingly.

All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for creating the roux, which forms the rich, thick base of our homemade creamy sauce.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and the creamy sauce. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
Sour Cream: The secret to an extra creamy and tangy potato mixture. It adds a luxurious texture and a slight zesty note that complements the cheese beautifully.
Sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: This combination provides both robust flavor and excellent meltability. Sharp cheddar offers that classic cheesy tang, while Monterey Jack contributes a milder, creamier consistency.
Onion: Finely diced, onion adds a foundational savory sweetness to our homemade cream sauce, building a deeper flavor base.
Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic, sautéed with the onion, infuses the sauce with an irresistible aroma and a pungent, savory depth. There’s truly nothing better than the smell of onion and garlic sizzling in butter – pure deliciousness!
Low Sodium Chicken Broth or Stock: Used in the creamy sauce to provide liquid and a savory umami base. Opting for low sodium allows for better control over the final salt content.
Milk: Contributes to the smooth, luscious consistency of our creamy sauce, making it rich and velvety.
Cornflakes: The quintessential topping for Funeral Potatoes, providing a delightful, buttery crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft potatoes below. See below for other delicious topping ideas if you wish to experiment!

A Pro Tip for Optimal Cheese Melt: While any cheese variety can work in this recipe, I strongly recommend grating a block of cheese yourself rather than purchasing pre-shredded bagged cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese will melt much more uniformly and create a luxuriously creamy sauce without any grainy texture.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Cheesy Potatoes

Creating this comforting Cheesy Potato casserole is surprisingly simple, yielding impressive results. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time:

Prepare the Potatoes and Casserole Dish:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter or grease a standard 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside, ready for assembly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the defrosted hash brown potatoes. Pour 4 tablespoons of melted butter over them, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Next, stir in the sour cream and 2 cups of the combined sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until well incorporated. This forms the creamy, cheesy base of your casserole.

Craft the Homemade Creamy Sauce:

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Continue to cook for one more minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. This step helps thicken the sauce and cooks out the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the low sodium chicken stock until the mixture is smooth and completely combined. Then, gradually whisk in the milk until equally smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and allow it to cook for three to four minutes, or until it has noticeably thickened. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Assembly and Baking Time!

Pour the freshly made creamy sauce over the potato mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are thoroughly coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.
Transfer the combined potato mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of crushed cornflakes with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss until the cornflakes are evenly coated. Spread this crunchy topping over the layer of cheese in the baking dish.
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly, the potatoes are tender, and the cornflake topping is beautifully golden brown and crisp.
Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Potatoes

Delicious Cheesy Potatoes Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this classic cheesy potato casserole lies in its adaptability. It serves as an excellent canvas for creativity, allowing you to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some of our favorite twists to make this dish uniquely yours:

Experiment with Toppings: While cornflakes are traditional and fantastic, feel free to swap them out for other crunchy elements.

Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter create a rich, salty, and incredibly flaky topping.
Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs, toasted in butter, offer a satisfying crunch.
Crushed Potato Chips: For an extra salty and playful twist, try crushed potato chips (plain or even a flavored variety!).
Crispy Fried Onions: A classic casserole topping that adds both texture and a savory, oniony flavor.

The goal is always to add a salty, crunchy contrast to the creamy potatoes below.

Creative Add-ins: This recipe is a perfect starting point for adding extra layers of flavor and substance. Don’t be shy about incorporating your favorites:

Bacon or Ham: Crispy crumbled bacon or diced cooked ham adds a smoky, savory depth, transforming it into an even heartier meal.
Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, frozen peas, or finely diced bell peppers for added color, nutrients, and texture.
Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little heat, thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños can add a welcome kick.
Green Onions/Chives: Fold in chopped green onions or chives for a fresh, oniony bite and a vibrant pop of color.

You truly can’t go wrong when adding ingredients that complement the rich potato and cheese base.

Choose Your Potatoes: Whether you prefer diced or shredded hash brown potatoes, both work beautifully and yield delicious results.

For a Heartier Texture: Use diced hash browns.
For a Smoother Texture: Opt for shredded hash browns.
Homemade Fresh Potatoes: If you prefer to make your own from scratch, here’s how:

Dice fresh potatoes into small, uniform cubes, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Add the diced potatoes to a pot of salted boiling water. Cook just until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 6 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as they will continue to bake.
Drain the potatoes very well, then return them to the hot, empty pot for a minute or two. This helps to cook off any residual water, ensuring your casserole isn’t watery.
Let the potatoes cool for 15 to 20 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.

For shredded hash browns from scratch, peel and parboil about 8 medium potatoes until slightly tender, then let them cool and grate them.

Explore More Potato Recipes

If your love for potatoes knows no bounds, you’re in the right place! Here are more fantastic potato recipes to inspire your next meal:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Candied Yams
Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes
Decadent Scalloped Potatoes
Rich Twice Baked Potatoes

Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes) Recipe Card

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