This is truly the best cheesy potato casserole in the world. It’s at least 50 years old and going strong. In Utah, this recipe is also known as “funeral potatoes.” When we have a funeral in Utah, we typically serve lunch to the deceased’s family. It’s a time to remember the good times with family and friends, with a meal being served to those in attendance.
Funeral Potatoes
I’m usually asked to make my infamous chocolate cake as dessert for those special lunches. In case you missed this post, try this Best Chocolate Cake Ever. Okay, back to the cheesy potatoes. This dish has frozen hash browns, sour cream, butter, shredded cheese, and cream of chicken soup and is topped off with your favorite version of Frosted Flakes.
UPDATE: I tried using Augason Farms Dehydrated Potatoes
This is a great brand; keep in mind these are dehydrated, so they take a very long time to cook. Augason Farms. They say it’s simple: add water and use. It’s not that simple. I had to cook them in my pan for two hours to soften them without making them mushy. Then I tried another batch in my slow cooker, 6 hours on low. They take a LOT of water and a LOT of time to cook them. Please remember they are dehydrated. There is a difference. They worked well for my cheesy potatoes, but be prepared to cook them longer than normal. This is exactly why we need to practice with our food storage. My friend, Lisa, had asked me if I had trouble cooking them. I told her I would test them. She was right; they take forever to cook. So please be prepared.
Funeral potatoes are a beloved comfort food with deep roots in Utah and the Mountain West, closely tied to Latter-day Saint culture and community traditions. The dish earned its name because it was so often prepared by neighbors and church groups to bring to families after a loved one passed away, offering an easy-to-make, hearty meal that could feed a crowd in times of grief. Made with humble pantry staples like potatoes, cheese, and cream of chicken soup, it became a symbol of community support and togetherness, showing up not only at funerals but also at potlucks, holiday dinners, and family gatherings across generations. Today it remains a nostalgic favorite, often called the best cheesy potato casserole for its rich, creamy texture and crispy topping, and it continues to represent the spirit of neighbors caring for neighbors during life’s hardest moments.
I’d be surprised if we all didn’t have our family recipe for cheesy potatoes. Where I live (Utah), we serve these cheesy potatoes not only at funeral lunches but also at church activities, neighborhood parties, family reunions, and regular family meals. They really are yummy and so easy to make, so I decided to show you how to make them today using frozen hash browns and dehydrated potatoes.
Kitchen Items You May Need
My mouth is watering just thinking about these! First, let’s talk about how to prepare your dehydrated potatoes for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Shredded Potatoes: Potatoes are a nightshade vegetable grown for their starchy edible tubers.
- Sour Cream: This 20% fat product adds more flavor to the cheesy potatoes. It is mixed with lactic acid, which creates the sour taste we all love. The acid also helps to thicken the cream.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This savory, smooth soup is made with chicken stock, seasonings, small pieces of chicken, celery, and cream.
- Butter helps to keep the potatoes from crumbling and prevents the water from evaporating, creating moist, soft, cheesy potatoes.
- Grated Colby Jack Cheese: This is a very smooth, moist, and mild cheese. It is the perfect choice for this cheesy potato casserole because of its melting properties, which help combine all the ingredients.
- Frosted Flakes or Corn Flakes: These are the perfect toppings! Use Frosted Flakes for a sweeter crunch and Corn Flakes for a milder yet savory crunch. You are also welcome to use a cracker of choice or other topping.
The Best Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Step One: Gather the Ingredients – Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Gather all of the ingredients and prepare to make the recipe.
Step Two: Crush the Frosted Flakes
Crush the Frosted Flakes in a bag. Note that you can use another cereal or even your favorite cracker you feel would be a good fit flavor-wise. You may be wondering why I use Frosted Flakes. I get it. One day, many years ago, we were out of cornflakes and crackers. The only cereal we had was Frosted Flakes. So we crushed the yummy cereal, and now we only use them. I’ve heard from readers that they like crushed potato chips, too. The topping you add could be made from dozens of crunchy things you like.
Step Three: Combine the Ingredients
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step Four: Stir Until Smooth
Stir the ingredients until smooth.
Step Five: Scoop the Mixture Into The Pan
Grease a nine by 13-inch pan with cooking spray and scoop the mixture into the pan or baking dish.
Stir Six: Bake as Directed
I crush the Frosted Flakes and sprinkle them over the casserole. Bake at 350°F (176°C), covered with foil, for 1 hour or until bubbly.
Finished Product
Whether you use frozen hash browns or dehydrated potatoes from your pantry or the store, this recipe will prove you’ll grow to love and serve it. When our extended family visits, there are two recipes I always have to make: these cheesy potatoes and cream-chipped beef on toast. I used to think they came to see their grandma, but now I wonder if it isn’t so they can enjoy my meals!
The Best Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
The Best Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 cooked and shredded potatoes or 30 or 32-ounce bag of frozen hash browns
- 1 pint Sour Cream
- 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted
- 2-3 cups Cheese-shredded
- 1 cup crushed Frosted Flakes type cereal or plain corn flakes
Instructions
- Gather all of your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Crush the Frosted Flakes in a bag. Note: You are welcome to use another cereal or favorite cracker, if desired, in place of the Frosted Flakes. The Frosted Flakes give the casserole a sweet flavored topping that is delicious and pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. (Except for the Frosted Flakes and butter, set them aside).
- Stir the ingredients until smooth.
- Grease a 9 by 13-inch pan with cooking spray and scoop the mixture into the pan or casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (176°C), covered with aluminum foil, for 1 hour, or until bubbly.
Frosted Flakes Topping
- Combine the melted butter and crushed Frosted Flakes, you will sprinkle these on the casserole before baking or add them to the baked casserole, for the last 15 minutes of baking.
How do I store the leftovers after baking them?
In the refrigerator, I store them in an airtight Tupperware-type container for 2-3 days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
The nice thing about this recipe is that it does make a lot. Our family usually finishes the recipe, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container for freezer storage. They will be suitable for 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator, and bake them covered as directed to heat them through.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, I have used plain cheddar cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and even spicy Jack cheese once. For the spicy Jack cheese, I had to grate it by hand. It was delicious! I know people who use Swiss cheese in this recipe. You could also sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
For a bolder flavor, you could add different types of cheese, such as smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar. This recipe is so versatile.
Can I use a different shape of potatoes?
I have also used the small 1/2-inch frozen potatoes. Any shape works. Most people in Utah use shredded hash browns. When I was younger, I boiled potatoes; now, I buy them frozen and shredded.
What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
You can use any potato you prefer, but russet potatoes work best because they are fluffy when cooked.
Are there any variations that could be made to this recipe?
I love the recipe as is! But if you want to add additional ingredients or make variations, I recommend one of the following.
- Substitute the traditional potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste.
- Top with crushed Cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or breadcrumbs.
- Use cream of mushroom soup or celery soup instead of chicken soup.
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for added flavor and protein.
- Top the casserole with crispy bacon pieces for an added crunch.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg, paprika, or thyme for an added depth of flavor.
- You could add some minced garlic to the melted butter.
- Melt some Velveta cheese to make a creamy sauce instead of the shredded cheese.
The options are endless!
Is this cheesy potato casserole gluten-free?
This recipe’s Frosted Flakes or Cornflake topping is most likely NOT gluten-free. If this is a concern in your family, I recommend eliminating the cereal topping or using a cereal or cracker that is certified gluten-free. As with any food allergy, I highly recommend reviewing the ingredients on any product you use in this recipe, or on any other packaging, if you decide to add or substitute any additional ingredients.
What can I serve with these cheesy potatoes?
- Chicken
- Roast Beef
- Sloppy Joes
- Hot Dogs
- BBQ Hamburgers
- Chicken Nuggets
How To Use Dehydrated Potatoes For Cheesy Potatoes:
All you do is open a container or package of dehydrated potatoes, no slicing or peeling, and let them sit in water, covered, for about 45 minutes. Then drain them; they are ready to use. Just reconstitute the dehydrated ones as directed on the container, and you’re ready to go.
I promise your cheesy potato casserole will be consumed at your next get-together! Although not listed as an ingredient, you can sprinkle a little green onion on top for extra flavor. This is a tasty recipe with the potatoes, soup, Frosted Flakes, and other ingredients listed below. Sometimes, I’m tempted to serve it on its own, without any meat, especially when I’m serving it to friends who lean toward vegetarian meals.
Potatoes tend to make you feel full, and with the cheese and other ingredients included, you have a meal that most family members will ask for again and again. We’ve also made these in a series of pans and frozen some for future meals.
You can take them out of the freezer the night before serving them. Let the ingredients defrost, then place the covered pan in the oven. Be ready to pass out the recipe.
You’ll note that the recipe for frozen hash browns is the same as the dehydrated version, with no rehydration steps, so it’s just a matter of thawing the frozen potatoes.
Final Word
Let me know if you decide to make this the best cheesy potato casserole recipe! It is the perfect side dish for family gatherings or special occasions. We love to serve it for Easter or Christmas dinner. It is always a hit with any crowd!
It’s funny how certain foods can be associated with an ethnic group or location, to the point that they are called “signature foods.” Examples might include Chicago or New York pizza, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread. I’m unaware of another place where people will likely make this cheesy potato recipe, like Utah. Utah also became renowned for its green jello with carrots during the 2002 Olympics.
Let’s serve this at your next company party, neighborhood dinner, or family reunion. You’ll get rave reviews and have a new “family favorite” you can serve anytime. Let me know how your hungry guests received it. May God bless this world. Linda
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