Party Potatoes

Party Potatoes, also known as “funeral potatoes” or cheesy hash brown casserole, are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family dinners. Made with simple ingredients like frozen hash browns, sour cream, cheese, and a crunchy topping, this classic casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Perfect make-ahead side dish for entertaining
• Kid-approved, cheesy, and satisfying
• Easily customizable with add-ins like bacon or green onions
• Great for feeding a crowd

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• frozen diced hash browns, thawed
• unsalted butter
• sour cream
• cream of chicken soup (or substitute with mushroom for a vegetarian option)
• shredded cheddar cheese
• finely chopped onion
• salt and pepper
• crushed cornflakes or potato chips (for topping)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, melted butter (reserve some for topping), sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes or chips with the reserved melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the potato mixture.
5. Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
6. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10–12
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45–60 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add diced cooked bacon or ham for a heartier version
• Use cream of mushroom or celery soup for a vegetarian-friendly dish
• Add green chiles or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a flavor twist
• Swap cornflakes for French fried onions, Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through
• To freeze, assemble without topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add topping and bake from thawed

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, dice and parboil them first for best results.

Can I make Party Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to a day in advance. Add the topping just before baking.

What can I use instead of cornflakes?

Try crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

Use reduced-fat sour cream, cheese, and soup. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free soup and a gluten-free topping like GF cornflakes or crushed rice cereal.

Can I add veggies?

Yes, bell peppers, green onions, or peas are good additions.

What dishes go well with Party Potatoes?

Roast chicken, ham, meatloaf, grilled steak, or BBQ ribs.

Can I use shredded hash browns?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different than diced.

How long will it stay crispy?

Best when served right after baking. The topping may soften after refrigeration but still tastes great.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans or one large roasting pan.

Conclusion

Party Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish that never fails to impress. With their crispy topping and rich interior, they’re a staple at holiday meals and potlucks for good reason. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.

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