This easy hash brown casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to weeknight suppers.
Before Heather came into the picture, hash brown casserole was something I only ever saw on the menu at Cracker Barrel. For whatever reason, it just wasn’t one of those dishes that made its way to our family table—not even during the holidays. But that first year she spent the holidays with us, she showed up with a big ol’ dish of it… and, well, the rest is history.
These days, hash brown casserole is as much a part of our holiday spread as the turkey and dressing. I honestly can’t remember a Thanksgiving or Christmas without it since Heather joined the family. And truth be told, I’ve got her to thank for more than just this dish. Pecan Chewies, Kentucky Pecan Pie—those are all her doing, too. She’s brought some seriously delicious things to our table, and this one’s no exception.
I sure hope y’all enjoy it as much as we do!
Why Should I Use Thick-Cut Shredded Cheese?
This humble casserole is so easy but so tasty. It’s only made better by using thick-cut, shredded cheese. I’m personally a fan of Borden® Cheese but really any brand will do.
I love how this thick style of shredded cheese doesn’t get lost in the ingredients like finely shredded cheese. It melts beautifully, but you know it’s in there. You’ll get the perfect bite of cheese and endless cheesy-pull perfection.
Is Hash Brown Casserole the Same as Funeral Potatoes?
Well… yes and no. Yes, from a recipe standpoint, they’re pretty much the same thing. Same ingredients, same basic method—I’ve never really noticed a difference. In fact, I’ve had folks tell me this exact recipe is Funeral Potatoes. So if that’s what you’re looking for, you can absolutely file this one under your go-to Funeral Potatoes recipe.
Now, the “no” part comes in when you start talking about when to serve it. Some folks call it Funeral Potatoes no matter the occasion, but around here—especially in the South—there are some pretty strong feelings about only calling it that when, well, there’s been a funeral. It really just depends on who you’re feeding and where you’re serving it.
But no matter what name you give it, I think we can all agree on one thing: it’s downright delicious. Y’all enjoy!
Recipe Card
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (26 to 32-ounce) package frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1 (8-ounce) package thick cut shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
- 30 buttery style crackers (crushed – about 1 1/2 cups crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13X9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, salt, and pepper and mix until well combined. Add the hash browns and cheese and mix until combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the crushed crackers and drizzle the butter over the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
Chrissy
I’ve had a lot of hash brown casseroles, but this one looks even better. Maybe the crackers on top? I’m going to give it a try. Thanks
Hope you’ll enjoy it, Chrissy!
Cindy Burrell
I love casseroles. They are so delicious and I love how all those flavors meld together to make a delicious dish to serve or take to a gathering. I love recipes that are simple and use ingredients you usually have on hand.
Chrissy
Same here. Casseroles are my favorite!
Same here! 🙂
Nic
I’m SO excited to make this 🤩
Sure hope you’ll enjoy it!
Calene
Love this… very similar to what is called funeral potatoes in Utah where I come from. Make them with the Christmas Ham every year. So so good. I love your recipes.
Thanks so much, Calene!
Alison
Great recipe similar to mine. Only difference is 1 cup (8 oz. ) sour cream & 1 cup (8 oz.) of French onion dip, and cornflakes instead of buttery style crackers.
Sounds delish! Thanks for sharing!
Beverly
I make a very similar recipe, but mine is served at Easter–goes soooo good with ham! At Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s mashed potatoes and gravy.
🙂
Laura Alleva
Buttery style crackers ? What did you use?
Look yummy
I use Ritz crackers.
Audrey
We call them funeral potatoes and they are served at every funeral dinner and show up at every church gathering as well. So wonderful!
I couldn’t agree more!
Stephanie
I’ve been making a very similar recipe for years. However I’m wondering if there is a way to do this in the crockpot and waiting until half way or 3/4 the way before adding the topping. Thoughts? Crockpot dishes are so much easier for work functions when you don’t have an oven accessible.
I’ve done it in the crockpot, but it’s nearly impossible to keep the topping from getting soggy. It’s still delicious, but lacks that crunch.
Sherida Brannan
Made this for the 1st time for Easter. It was a huge hit, especially with the men. Making again today for a party.
Love hearing that everyone enjoyed it! There’s no higher compliment than hearing you’re making it again!
Aileen
Wow, this cheese is what I’ve been looking for only I never knew it! haha. Shredded cheese thick enough to almost act like the real stuff. I’m going to have to find it. 🙂
It is SO good!!
Mandy @ South Your Mouth
STACEY!! I love everything about this!! The recipe (for sure… hello? cheesy hash brown casserole? all day long brother. ALL DAY) but this is an amazing giveaway. I know so many people who need a chance like this and kudos to Borden for thinking like this, for putting families first. I will share the snot out of this!!
Thanks, friend!! Isn’t this an awesome giveaway???
Auntiepatch
Ummmm……did I miss the giveaway?
Perhaps. It’s right above the video. 🙂