Golden and crispy on top, creamy and cheesy in the center, and packed with buttery flavor—this Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate side dish. It has earned legendary status at holiday feasts, church suppers, and Sunday dinners across the country.
In the Midwest, it’s affectionately called funeral potatoes—not because it’s sad, but because it’s comforting in every bite. This casserole is classic, indulgent comfort food that’s always the first to disappear at potlucks and family gatherings.
Whether it’s paired with Easter ham, Thanksgiving turkey, or a simple Tuesday night meatloaf, this dish is the effortless, crowd-pleasing side that steals the show.
“I’ve brought this to every family reunion for 20 years—it’s always the first pan to empty!”
Hashbrown Casserole (a.k.a. Funeral Potatoes)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen shredded hash browns | 32 oz (2 lbs), thawed | |
| Condensed cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Use cream of mushroom for vegetarian |
| Sour cream | 2 cups | Or full-fat Greek yogurt |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup (1 stick) | |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups | |
| Salt | 1½ tsp | |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | |
| Optional topping | 2 cups | Crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or fried onions |
Tips:
Gluten-free? Use GF soup and topping.
Dairy-free? Swap with plant-based sour cream, cheese, and butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Base
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, soup, sour cream, melted butter, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until evenly coated.
3. Transfer & Add Topping
- Pour mixture into prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Optional: Sprinkle with crushed cornflakes, buttered Ritz crackers, or fried onions for a crunchy finish.
4. Bake Until Golden
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Total time: 10 min prep + 50 min bake = pure comfort.
Perfect Pairings
| Main Course | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Holiday Ham or Turkey | Balances rich meats with creamy texture |
| Roast Chicken or Pork | Adds hearty comfort to simple proteins |
| Weeknight Meatloaf | Elevates humble dinners instantly |
| Vegetarian Feast | Pairs beautifully with green beans or roasted squash |
