If there’s one side dish that never fails to disappear first, it’s this easy cheesy cornflake potato casserole. It pairs perfectly with my juicy ham recipes. Creamy, rich, and topped with that irresistible buttery crunch, this is the kind of recipe that shows up at every holiday, potluck, and Sunday dinner for a reason.
This classic comfort food—often called funeral potatoes—is made with simple ingredients like hash browns, sour cream, cheese, and a crispy cornflake topping. It’s warm, cozy, and incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special gatherings.
Whether you’re serving this alongside ham for Easter, turkey for Thanksgiving, or just a simple roasted chicken, this is one of those go-to side dishes you’ll make again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Cornflake Potato Casserole
- Ultra creamy, cheesy texture with a buttery crunch on top
- Made with simple, affordable pantry ingredients
- Perfect make-ahead side dish for holidays and gatherings
- Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
- Kid-friendly and always a hit
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen hash brown potatoes (diced or shredded)
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Cornflakes cereal (crushed)
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Easy Cheesy Cornflake Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup
- Shredded cheese
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Fold in the frozen hash browns and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl:
- Crush cornflakes
- Toss with melted butter
Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, until hot and bubbly with a golden, crispy topping.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture
- Don’t thaw the hash browns—use them straight from frozen
- Add a little garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
- For extra crunch, add topping halfway through baking
Variations & Add-Ins
Make this casserole your own:
- Add diced ham for a full meal
- Mix in cooked bacon for smoky flavor
- Swap cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or cheddar soup
- Add green onions or chives for freshness
- Use crushed Ritz crackers instead of cornflakes
What to Serve With Cornflake Potato Casserole
This dish pairs perfectly with:
Make Ahead + Storage
Make Ahead
Assemble the casserole (without topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add topping right before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Easy Cheesy Cornflake Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy cheesy cornflake potato casserole is creamy, rich, and topped with a buttery crunchy cornflake topping. The perfect comfort food side dish for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash brown potatoes (diced or shredded)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Add frozen hash browns and season with salt and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 55–60 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Do not thaw the hash browns before mixing
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup if preferred
- Add diced ham or bacon to turn this into a full meal
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 1 HOUR
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble without baking, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Why is it called funeral potatoes?
This classic dish is commonly served at gatherings and potlucks, especially in the Midwest, because it’s easy, comforting, and feeds a crowd.
Can I make it without soup?
Yes—swap the canned soup for a homemade cheese sauce if you prefer.
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Final Thoughts
This easy cheesy cornflake potato casserole is the definition of comfort food—simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people back for seconds (and thirds), and it always earns a spot on the table during the holidays.
If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing side dish, this is it.
