If there’s one dish that defines comfort food, it’s cheesy hashbrown casserole—a creamy, cheesy, utterly irresistible combination of tender shredded potatoes, a rich sour cream sauce, plenty of cheddar cheese, and a golden, buttery cornflake topping.
Known by many names—funeral potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, or simply the best side dish ever—this casserole has earned its place at holiday tables, potlucks, Sunday dinners, and breakfast spreads alike. It’s the kind of dish that disappears before the main course even hits the table.
Best of all, it comes together in minutes with a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm and comforting, this cheesy hashbrown casserole delivers every time.
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. If using frozen hashbrowns, ensure they are thawed. To thaw quickly, spread them on a baking sheet at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave briefly.
Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the melted butter (¼ cup), shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Combine with Potatoes
Add the thawed hashbrowns to the bowl. Stir gently until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy sauce mixture.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss until the cornflakes are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly for easier serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm.
This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with the perfect buttery crunch. A dish that truly belongs at every table.
