Creamy Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes)
Every family has that cherished recipe that evokes warm memories and cozy gatherings. For my family, it’s undoubtedly the creamy cheesy potatoes, affectionately known as funeral potatoes. These decadent, golden bites are not just a side dish; they are a comforting hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or those moments when you want to gather around the table and create lasting memories.
I can still remember the first time I tasted these cheesy delights at a family gathering, where laughter mingled with the savory aroma wafting from the kitchen. Watching my grandma mix together those simple ingredients — that tender way she folded in the crispy topping — was like witnessing magic happen. Now, as the family cook, I’m honored to carry on this tradition. You’ll find that this easy weeknight dinner idea is sure to bring a sense of nostalgia and coziness to your home. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: This creamy cheesy potatoes recipe is beginner-friendly, making it perfect for any cook, whether you’re a pro or just starting out.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Suitable for potlucks, holiday meals, or simply as a delightful side dish for your weeknight dinner.
- Comforting and Cozy: Every bite reminds you of home — tender, creamy potatoes topped with a crispy, zesty crust creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Make- Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dish in advance, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your very own Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes):
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (or a non-chicken substitute)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups corn flakes, crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped green onions for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes)
Let’s make it together! Follow these cozy, step-by-step instructions to create this delightful dish:
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Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
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Prepare the potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small cubes. Boil them in salted water until tender, roughly 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Mix the creamy filling: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a creamy mixture.
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Combine: Add the drained, cooked potatoes to the creamy mixture, folding gently to ensure every potato is coated with love and creaminess.
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Transfer to baking dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this zesty mixture generously over the cheesy potato layer.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
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Garnish and serve: After baking, let it cool slightly, then sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy the comforting flavors that fill your home!
Fun Ways to Customize It
These Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes) are delicious as-is, but here are some fun ways to add your own creative twist:
- Add Veggies: Mix in some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Bacon Lovers Unite: For a crispy and indulgent twist, add crispy turkey bacon bits to the mixture before baking.
- Creamy and Zesty: Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a zesty kick that complements the creamy potatoes beautifully.
- Herbed Goodness: Toss in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic flavor profile that elevates this comforting dish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are my best kitchen secrets for making the perfect Cheesy Potatoes:
- Make ahead: You can prepare this dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving! This is a fantastic way to save time for holiday gatherings.
- Freezing tips: If you want to make a larger batch, these potatoes freeze beautifully! Just make sure to thaw them before reheating.
- Ingredient swaps: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or opt for low-fat cheese!
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, so you can enjoy this cozy dish again and again.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready to serve.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap the cream of chicken soup for a vegetable soup or use different types of cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How long does it last?
When stored properly, this dish can last for up to 4 days in the fridge and can be frozen for up to a month.
A Cozy Closing Note
As you can see, this recipe for Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes) is truly special — not just for its creamy, cheesy goodness but for the joyful memories it creates. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, these potatoes are a delicious way to gather loved ones around the table. Save this Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes) to your family recipes board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
Creamy Cheesy Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy dish of cheesy potatoes, perfect for gatherings and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (or a non-chicken substitute)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups corn flakes, crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small cubes. Boil them in salted water until tender, roughly 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the creamy filling: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a creamy mixture.
- Combine: Add the drained, cooked potatoes to the creamy mixture, folding gently to ensure every potato is coated with love and creaminess.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this zesty mixture generously over the cheesy potato layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: After baking, let it cool slightly, then sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy the comforting flavors that fill your home!
Notes
You can prepare this dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
