Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (Funeral Potatoes)

Tender Hashbrown Casserole is perfect for dinner and holiday tables. Frozen hash browns slathered in decadently rich, creamy, golden cheese is unbelievably delicious and ready to bake in five minutes. I dare you to keep anyone from getting seconds!

Cheesy potatoes are the perfect side dish. If you like this family-favorite potato recipe, you should try Au Gratin Potatoes, Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes or Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. They are all the perfect comfort food the whole family will enjoy.

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Why Are They Called Funeral Potatoes?

Due to the popularity of hashbrown casserole recipes at funerals, the macabre moniker stuck. This creamy, cheesy comfort food has become a long-standing mainstay for these events.

Funeral potatoes are also equally popular with friends and family members who appreciate the ultimate ease of a seriously delicious mix-and-bake casserole; it’s a “Godsend.” Maybe we can coin something new like “Palate Party Potatoes” or “Tongue Tango Casserole?” Just sayin’!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

First, this fantastic hashbrown casserole has other names that don’t evoke the “ewww” factor or downright woe. Whether handed down or regional, you may have heard of “company potatoes,” “party potatoes,” or even just “those potatoes”. No matter what someone else calls them, you’ll definitely call them delicious, so spread the love!

• Quick. a cheesy hashbrown casserole takes just five minutes to throw together. While you are at it, double the recipe and throw an extra one in the freezer for one of “life’s-unexpected-moments!”
• Feeds a crowd. This side dish easily feeds many. Baked in a large pan (foil pans are great) and it’s easy to double or even triple the recipe.
• No clean-up. Mix, bake and serve all in a foil pan for literally no dishes to wash.
• Crowd-pleasing party potatoes work for get-togethers where everyone loves a superb cheesy potato casserole: potlucks, holidays, brunch, football Sunday, or office parties, to name a few.  
• Any time of day. Tasty hashbrown casserole is so versatile it can work for any meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner! 
• The ultimate comfort food recipe, yes, I’m going there. Funeral potatoes bring a welcomed, soothing measure of comfort for those on both sides of the serving dish.

Ingredients For Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Without Cornflakes

With six simple ingredients and a little seasoning, you’re on your way to a delicious hashbrown casserole with only five minutes of prep. You (and everyone else) will be asking why you don’t make this more often!

*For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Frozen Hashbrown Potatoes – shredded (or diced) hashbrown potatoes thawed. 
• Melted Butter – if hashbrowns are cold, mix butter with other stuff first.
• Onions – chopped. I like to use frozen chopped onions (thawed). 
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – If you have time, hand shredded is best. But bagged shredded cheese works too, it just doesn’t melt quite as nicely because of the anti-caking agents.
• Sour Cream – creamy tang is the “thang!” Greek yogurt works well in hashbrown casserole too.
• Cream Of Celery Soup – or any creamy condensed soup you prefer can work fine.
• Kosher Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper

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How To Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Without Cornflakes

There are lots of recipes that claim simplicity and ease. Undoubtedly, this cheesy hashbrown casserole has withstood decades of tasting, tampering, and reinventing. The bottom line stays the same:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
2. Spread the hashbrown casserole evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Cool slightly and serve

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Frozen hashbrowns are sold in many sizes; the exact amount isn’t significant as long as you get something between 25-30 ounces. (I always err on the side of more).
• Hashbrowns that are shredded and NOT pre-cooked are preferred in a cheesy hashbrown recipe.
• When I make a hashbrown casserole, I like to pull my frozen hashbrowns and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Another great tip for a delicious hashbrown recipe; if the hashbrowns are cold or slightly frozen, mix all the other ingredients first, then stir in the potatoes.
• I prefer to mix the ingredients right in the baking dish; it saves time and an extra dish to wash!
• A brilliant time saver is to use frozen chopped onions. They are quick and easy for funeral potato casseroles, no onion chopping is required.

Storage and Reheating Hashbrown Casserole

Refrigerate – Place leftover cheesy potatoes in an air-tight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. 

Reheat – To reheat, place on a microwave-safe plate and reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Freeze – there’s no argument that a hashbrown casserole recipe, when made ahead and frozen uncooked, is just as good as one freshly made when it comes to taste. Use a foil pan, seal tightly, and don’t wait a whole three months to enjoy this cheesy comfort dish!

Variations & Additions For Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

My family prefers cheesy hashbrown casserole without cornflakes, but you can certainly add a crunchy top to your casserole. See the FAQ section below for alternatives. Some other variations to you might like to try:

• Potatoes: cubed hashbrowns, potatoes O’Brien, uncooked seasoned fries, or tater tots. You could even use leftover baked potatoes! 
• Soups: cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or broccoli cheddar soup.
• Proteins: add some protein and make it a main dish with southwest chicken, bacon, sausage, ham, or hotdog slices
• Cheeses: white cheddar, colby jack, gouda, pepper jack, Havarti, or cream cheese. (Speaking of leftovers, it’s an excellent opportunity to clean out your cheese drawer of bits and pieces.)
• Veggies: peas, mushrooms, green beans, shredded carrots, veggie mix, or diced broccoli. Diced tomato or cilantro on top. 
• Sauces: red or green salsa, ranch dressing, or liquid smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions For Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

A traditional holiday side dish; Easter with ham, Thanksgiving with turkey, and Christmas with everything! 

But there’s no need to wait for a holiday, we love to serve hashbrown casserole with sandwiches like Italian Roast Beef and Amazing Pulled Pork, or Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Chicken Strips, alongside our favorite eggs at breakfast even quiche.

Make cheesy hashbrown casserole into an irresistible “company potatoes” meal by adding meat and complementing veggies.

When serving a hashbrown casserole to a large party, use a disposable heavy-duty foil pan. No clean-up, no forgotten baking dish, and usually no leftovers!

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