This post contains affiliate links.
Creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, this cheesy hash brown potato casserole - sometimes called funeral potatoes or the beloved Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole - is pure comfort baked until golden and bubbly. With shredded hash browns, cream of chicken soup, and a generous handful of sharp cheddar, it's the kind of side dish that turns any meal into something special.
Whether it's served at Sunday lunch, a holiday table, or alongside bacon and biscuits at breakfast, this cheesy potato casserole hits that perfect balance of creamy and crispy that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
The Gist
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 10-12
Skill Level: Easy
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly with substitutions
Why You'll Love It
- Restaurant favorite, made at home: This casserole tastes just like the cheesy hash browns from Cracker Barrel - only easier and even creamier.
- Crowd Favorite: This cheesy hashbrown casserole disappears fast at any potluck or family dinner.
- Easy to Make: Just mix, spread, and bake - no fancy steps or equipment required.
- Versatile Comfort Food: Works for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or holidays.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when you're ready to serve.
arA little backstory - the name funeral potatoes comes from their long-standing spot at church gatherings and family memorials across the South and Midwest. These casseroles brought warmth and nourishment when words couldn't. Today, they're a staple of comfort cooking, bridging generations with every creamy, cheesy bite.
Kitchen Equipment
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Gather Your Ingredients
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Better Than Bouillon Premium Roasted Chicken Base
Buy Now →
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Let's Get to Cookin'
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, half of the grated cheddar cheese, chicken base, garlic, ½ teaspoon paprika, and onion powder. Stir until everything's evenly coated and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole
Scoop the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheese, then dust with the last ½ teaspoon of paprika for color.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until golden, bubbly, and piping hot throughout. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
✨ Scroll on down, friend. That full recipe's waitin' for you at the bottom. ✨
This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Visit my Amazon Store for everything you need to cook up a storm, bake delicious treats, and whip up your favorite beverages!
Chef's Tips for Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Casserole
- Use fresh-grated cheese: It melts smoother and gives the best creamy texture.
- Don't thaw completely: Slightly frozen hash browns hold their shape better while baking.
- Add crunch: Top with crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers for texture.
- Make it ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.
- Switch it up: Try Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder flavor twist.
What to Serve It With
Try it with my Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, Southern Green Beans with Bacon, Classic Deviled Eggs, or Buttermilk Drop Biscuits.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, just shred and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely - use cream of mushroom soup and skip the chicken base.
Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight before baking.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot through - about 20 minutes.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
To freeze, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store for up to 2 months.
Reheat from thawed or baked leftovers in a moderate oven until warmed through.
My Favorite Storage Containers
Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage Containers
Buy Now →
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Stick Around for Seconds!
If you love easy comfort food, subscribe to my newsletter and browse more of my Texas-style casseroles and holiday favorites - perfect for feeding family and friends with heart.
Tried It?
If you make this recipe, tag me with #jennifercooks - I love seeing your kitchen creations!
If You Loved This, You'll Love These Cozy Sides Too
If you loved this cheesy hash brown casserole, you'll love these cozy side dishes too - think more warm, crowd-pleasing casseroles and vegetable sides that invite second helpings. Every dish here carries that same comforting energy: creamy textures, warming flavors, and easy prep that lets the food take centre stage without over-fuss.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Streusel Topping - A rich sweet-potato mash topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, blending sweet and savory into a holiday-ready side.
Easy Jiffy Corn Casserole - A cozy corn pudding with cheddar, sour cream, and a hint of sweetness from whole kernel corn; effortless and nostalgic.
Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin - Tender cauliflower in a cheddar and parmesan sauce, baked until golden and bubbly-comfort with a veggie twist.
Green Bean Bundles - Bits of green bean wrapped in bacon and baked until sweet-savory and just a little fancy for a simple side.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon - A skillet of tender cabbage, smoky bacon, onions, and a touch of spice: humble roots with bold flavor.
Southern Style Collard Greens - Slow-cooked collard greens with smoky ham-hocks, onions, garlic, vinegar and hot sauce, bringing old-school Southern flavor to the table.
*****
Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y'all!
Potato Casserole (Funeral Potatoes)
Ingredients
- 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated by hand, divided
- 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika divided
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Casserole Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, half of the grated cheddar cheese, chicken base, garlic, ½ teaspoon paprika, and onion powder.1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream, 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup, 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Stir until fully combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Dust with the remaining ½ teaspoon paprika.
Bake
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly throughout.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
Did you make this recipe? Tag @jennifercooks123 on Instagram and hashtag it #jennifercooks so we can see all the deliciousness!
Comments
No Comments