Ultimate Cheesy Potatoes with Crispy Corn Flake Topping: A Comfort Food Classic
Dive into the comforting embrace of Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes, a truly iconic potato casserole side dish that has graced countless family tables and holiday spreads. This delightful recipe features tender, diced hash brown potatoes generously coated in a luscious, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce. What elevates this dish from simply delicious to absolutely irresistible is its signature crunchy, buttery topping, crafted from golden corn flakes. Not only is it a guaranteed family favorite, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
This versatile potato casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Enjoy it as a hearty side for dinner alongside No Ketchup Meatloaf or complementing a succulent roast chicken. For breakfast or brunch, it’s a fantastic accompaniment to savory dishes like Green Chile Egg Casserole or a rich Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche. No matter the meal, these cheesy potatoes are sure to be a hit!
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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Casserole
This cheesy potato casserole, much like our popular Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes, delivers a delicious and deeply comforting experience perfect for any gathering, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture make it an instant crowd-pleaser that guests always request.
Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes might instantly bring to mind a cherished comfort food side dish often referred to as “funeral potatoes.” This endearing, albeit somber, name originated because someone, somewhere, observed its frequent presence at post-funeral meals, particularly in the Western and Midwestern United States. The name simply stuck, becoming synonymous with a dish that offers solace and warmth during difficult times, but also joyful celebration during happy ones.
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its incredible ease of preparation. Forget the tedious task of slicing and dicing fresh potatoes or onions! This recipe streamlines the process by utilizing convenient frozen, pre-diced hash brown potatoes and dried onion flakes. This means less prep time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones, making it ideal for busy cooks.
This creamy potato side dish is remarkably versatile and pairs beautifully with an array of main courses. I’ve found it to be an especially fantastic complement to almost any chicken recipe. Imagine the rich, savory potatoes alongside the crispy exterior of Crusted Chicken Romano, or the juicy tenderness of Buttermilk Chicken Tenders. It even enhances heartier meals like a Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, adding a layer of creamy, cheesy goodness. Its adaptability makes it a staple for any meal plan, offering a comforting side that never disappoints.
🧀 Key Ingredients for Perfect Cheesy Potatoes
Crafting the perfect cheesy potato casserole requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
Frozen Hash Browns: The foundation of this incredible dish! You have the flexibility to use any variety of hash browns you prefer, whether they are diced or shredded. Both work wonderfully, offering slightly different textures in the final casserole. Diced hash browns tend to hold their shape a bit more, providing distinct potato pieces, while shredded hash browns melt into a more homogenous, tender consistency. Using frozen potatoes is a fantastic time-saver, eliminating the need for peeling and chopping fresh potatoes.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret to the incredibly rich and creamy sauce that lovingly coats every hash brown piece. It brings a savory depth and a silky texture that’s hard to achieve with other ingredients. Remember, for the best results, use the soup directly from the can without adding any water. Its concentrated form is key to the sauce’s thick, luxurious consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for potato casseroles, cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides that signature sharp, tangy, and utterly satisfying cheesy flavor. Feel free to experiment and mix and match different types of cheese that your family enjoys. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a touch of smoked gouda, can add exciting new dimensions to the dish.
Corn Flakes: The star of the crunchy, buttery topping! You have two convenient options here: either use boxed, crushed corn flakes cereal from the breakfast aisle, or opt for pre-crushed corn flake crumbs, typically found near the baking ingredients in your grocery store. Whichever you choose, these crispy flakes, once combined with melted butter, will deliver that irresistible buttery, slightly sweet flavor and satisfying crunch that makes this casserole truly special.
For a comprehensive list of all ingredients and precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card located below.
🥔 Creative Substitutions and Variations for Cheesy Potatoes
One of the best aspects of this Cheesy Potatoes recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your family’s preferences or simply to add a new twist. Here are some fantastic ways to spice things up or make this potato casserole uniquely your own:
Add Diced Veggies: For a burst of color, extra nutrients, and fresh flavor, consider incorporating some finely chopped vegetables. A cup of diced bell pepper (any color will work beautifully), green beans, or even broccoli florets can be mixed in with the hash browns before baking. For a softer texture and to ensure they are fully cooked, you might want to lightly sauté harder vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole mixture.
Potatoes O’Brien for Extra Flavor: Instead of plain frozen hash browns, elevate the base flavor by swapping them for Potatoes O’Brien. This variety of hash browns already includes a delicious blend of diced onions and peppers, infusing the casserole with an extra layer of savory goodness. If you choose this option, you may want to adjust the amount of dried onion flakes in the recipe. Reduce them to about ¼ cup instead of ½ cup to prevent the dish from becoming overly oniony and to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
Panko Crumbs for a Different Crunch: If you’re looking for an alternative to corn flakes, panko crumbs are an excellent choice. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are known for their light, airy, and exceptionally crunchy texture, which holds up wonderfully during baking. They will create a robustly crispy topping. Just be sure to combine them with the melted butter as directed for the corn flakes to achieve that golden, satisfying crust.
Crushed Potato Chips for a Savory Twist: For an unexpectedly delightful and savory topping, crushed potato chips are a fantastic substitute for corn flake crumbs. The natural saltiness and oil content of potato chips add a unique depth of flavor and a wonderfully crisp texture. When using crushed potato chips, you can entirely omit the melted butter from the topping, as the chips already contain plenty of oil to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Cream of Mushroom or Celery Soup: While Cream of Chicken soup is traditional, feel free to swap it out for Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery soup for a slightly different savory undertone. Each will contribute its unique creamy richness and flavor to the potato base.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the potato base can add a welcome zing. You could also sprinkle some paprika on top for color and a mild peppery note.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide: Making Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes
Creating this comforting Cheesy Potato Casserole is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dish every time:
Step 1: Begin by grating ½ cup of fresh Cheddar Cheese and setting it aside. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties. (Photo #1)
Step 2: Melt the butter, ideally in a 2-cup glass measuring cup for easy pouring. Once melted, carefully pour ¼ cup of this butter into a separate, smaller bowl. This reserved ¼ cup of butter will be crucial for mixing with the corn flake crumbs to create that irresistible, crunchy topping. (Photo #2)
Step 3: Place the entire bag of frozen hash browns into a large mixing bowl. It’s not necessary to thaw them beforehand, as they will cook perfectly in the oven. (Photo #3)
Step 4: To the hash browns, add the creamy ingredients: the full can of Cream of Chicken Soup (undiluted), the dried onion flakes for a savory depth, the sour cream for tanginess and extra creaminess, the grated Cheddar Cheese for that cheesy pull, and the remaining melted butter (½ cup). Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the hash browns are evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. (Photo #4)
Step 5: Carefully spoon the well-blended potato mixture into a prepared 13″ x 9″ baking dish. Ensure you spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish to allow for uniform cooking. (Photo #5)
Step 6: Now, it’s time to prepare the signature crispy topping. In the small bowl containing the reserved ¼ cup of melted butter, add the corn flake crumbs. Stir these together until the crumbs are thoroughly coated with butter, creating a buttery, crumbly mixture. This will be the golden, crunchy crown of your casserole. (Photo #6)
Pro Tip: You don’t need to buy special corn flake crumbs! You can easily make your own using regular boxed Corn Flakes breakfast cereal. Measure 1 ½ cups of the cereal into a sturdy zipped-top plastic bag. Seal the top, pressing out most of the air, and use a rolling pin or even a heavy bottle to gently crush the flakes into coarse crumbs. Be careful not to pulverize them into a fine powder; you want varying sizes for the best texture. Then, blend these homemade crumbs with the melted butter as directed in the recipe. This method often results in a wonderfully crunchy topping that many families, including mine, absolutely adore!
Step 7: Evenly sprinkle the prepared corn flake crumb topping across the entire surface of the potato mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover it from edge to edge to ensure every serving gets a piece of that delicious crunch. (Photo #7)
Step 8: Use the back of a spoon to gently spread and pat down the crumb topping, creating an even layer over the potato casserole. This helps the topping adhere and brown uniformly. Once the topping is evenly distributed, place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour, or until the potatoes are bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
💭 Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Potatoes
While the name might sound a bit somber, “funeral potatoes” refers to a consistently delicious and widely beloved potato side dish that has become a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and communal meals across many regions, especially in the American West and Midwest. The recipe typically features a base of hash brown potatoes suspended in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce, all crowned with a buttery, crunchy topping, often made from corn flakes or crushed crackers. It’s the ultimate comforting potato casserole, earning its name from its frequent appearance at meals shared after memorial services, offering a warm and hearty dish during times of coming together.
Absolutely! You can certainly use unsalted butter in this recipe, and it will still yield a very tasty dish. Opting for unsalted butter is a great way to reduce the overall sodium content, allowing you to control the saltiness to your exact preference. However, I often recommend using salted butter because it inherently adds an extra layer of savory depth and flavor that complements the potatoes and cheese wonderfully, enhancing the casserole’s richness.
Yes, you absolutely can! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish, which is particularly helpful when planning for busy holidays or early morning breakfasts/brunches. Simply assemble the casserole completely, following all the recipe steps up until baking. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. On the day you plan to bake it, allow the dish to sit at room temperature on your kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps to ensure more even baking and reduces the overall baking time slightly.
Yes, fresh potatoes can certainly be used as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different. Replace the 2-pound bag of frozen, diced hash browns with 2 pounds of peeled and thinly sliced Russet potatoes. When using fresh potatoes, the result will likely remind you more of a classic au gratin or scalloped potato recipe, with softer, more distinct potato slices rather than the smaller, tender pieces from diced hash browns. You might also need to slightly increase the baking time to ensure the fresh potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
For an even crispier topping, there are a couple of tricks. First, ensure your corn flake crumbs are adequately crushed – not too fine, not too large – allowing for maximum surface area to get golden. Second, make sure the butter fully coats all the crumbs. You can also lightly press the topping down onto the potato mixture before baking. If your oven has a convection setting, using it for the last 10-15 minutes of baking can achieve a fantastic crisp. Alternatively, if your topping isn’t quite as golden as you’d like at the end of baking, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.
🥘 What to Serve with Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes
Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes is a robust, hearty, and incredibly comforting side dish that boasts impressive versatility, pairing beautifully with a wide array of main courses, other side dishes, and various meal occasions throughout the day. Its creamy texture and savory flavor make it a welcome addition to almost any plate!
Chicken: As highlighted earlier in this recipe post, these potatoes are a match made in heaven for chicken. Whether you’re serving roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or crispy fried cutlets, the rich, cheesy potatoes provide a perfect creamy contrast. Pick your favorite savory and delicious chicken recipe, from a simple baked chicken breast to a more elaborate stew, and these potatoes will shine alongside it!
Pork or Ham: The sweet and slightly salty notes often found in pork or ham dishes create a delightful harmony with the creamy and cheesy potatoes. Consider pairing this casserole with a succulent glazed ham for a holiday meal, juicy pork chops, or even the smoky, tender richness of pulled pork with your favorite BBQ sauce. The contrasting flavors and textures work together to create a deeply satisfying meal.
Hearty Meats: Beyond chicken and pork, these potatoes are an excellent companion for beef and lamb. Think slow-roasted beef, tender pot roast, or even a classic meatloaf. The comforting nature of the potatoes complements the richness of these heavier main courses, making for a truly satisfying plate.
Vegetables: To create a well-rounded and visually appealing meal, always consider adding a serving of fresh vegetables. Whether they are grilled, steamed, or oven-roasted, vegetables provide wonderful flavor, essential nutrients, and a contrasting texture. Mix and match everything from crisp green beans, tender asparagus, vibrant broccoli, or our personal favorite, balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also offers a refreshing counterpoint.
Other Sides: For an impressive holiday-inspired feast or a comforting potluck, embracing a casserole theme works wonderfully. Serve your cheesy potatoes alongside other beloved baked dishes like our Elegant Green Bean Casserole and a delightful Orange-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole. This creates a spread of warm, inviting dishes that cater to every taste.
Soup: A cozy and hearty soup makes an unexpectedly delicious match for a creamy potato casserole. Imagine a comforting bowl of Homemade Tomato Basil Soup or a robust vegetable soup, served with a generous portion of these cheesy potatoes on the side, perhaps with a simple green salad for a light, yet fulfilling lunch or dinner.
Breakfast or Brunch: Don’t limit these delicious potatoes to just dinner! They are a phenomenal addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or even a quiche for a truly indulgent morning meal. Their hearty and satisfying nature makes them perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch.
🥣 Storing and Reheating Cheesy Potatoes
Proper storage and reheating ensure that your delicious Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes remain just as delightful days after baking. Here’s how to handle leftovers and potential freezing:
Storing Leftovers: Any remaining potato casserole should be stored in an airtight container. This helps to maintain its freshness and prevents it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator. When properly stored, the leftovers will stay fresh and incredibly delicious for 3-4 days.
Pro Tip for Reheating: To bring your Cheesy Potatoes back to life and prevent them from becoming dry, especially after refrigeration, sprinkle a few teaspoons of water (or a splash of milk) evenly across the top of the casserole before reheating. This added moisture will help to rehydrate and soften the potatoes, ensuring they regain their creamy texture as they warm up. You have a couple of options for reheating:
- Oven Method: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and bubbly. Removing the foil for the last 5-10 minutes can help to re-crisp the topping.
- Microwave Method: For individual servings or a quicker reheat, cover your portion in a microwave-safe dish with waxed paper or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave for 2-3 minutes at half power, then stir and continue heating in 1-minute intervals until piping hot. Be mindful that the topping might not get as crispy in the microwave.
To Freeze for Later Enjoyment: This casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option. Assemble the potato casserole according to the recipe instructions in a freezer-safe baking dish. Once assembled, cover the dish with two layers of aluminum foil, pressing down firmly to create a tight seal, and then seal tightly with plastic wrap. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to bake, transfer the frozen dish from the freezer to the refrigerator one day in advance to allow it to defrost slowly. Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the baking time may be slightly longer (add an extra 15-20 minutes to the recommended bake time) since all of the ingredients will be fully chilled. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level and the potatoes are bubbly and tender.
🥔 Explore More Delicious Potato Recipes
While Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes brilliantly utilizes convenient frozen, diced hash browns, if this recipe has sparked your craving for more potato-centric cooking – and as an Idaho food blogger, I certainly hope it does! – here are a few more delightful recipes featuring this versatile vegetable that you’re sure to enjoy. From creamy soups to classic mashed potatoes, there’s something for every potato lover:
- Creamy Corn and Potato Soup
- Creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
- Classic Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes
- Decadent Double-Baked Mashed Potatoes
If you tried Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps others discover delicious recipes!
Recipe
Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Cheddar cheese – grated, for best melting
- ¾ cup salted butter – melted and divided for casserole and topping
- 1, 2 lb bag frozen hash brown potatoes – diced or shredded, not thawed
- ½ cup dried onion flakes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup – undiluted, do not add water
- 1 ½ cups corn flakes – crushed cereal or store-bought crumbs
Instructions
Prepare and Combine Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9″ x 13″ baking pan by spraying it generously with cooking spray (like Pam) or greasing it thoroughly with shortening or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
- Grate the cheddar cheese. For the best flavor and melt, freshly grating your cheese is always recommended. Set the grated cheese aside for later.
- Melt the ¾ cup of salted butter. A glass measuring cup works well for this. Once melted, pour exactly ¼ cup of the melted butter into a separate small mixing bowl. This reserved butter will be used exclusively for the crispy corn flake topping. The remaining ½ cup of melted butter will go into the potato mixture.
- In a large, sturdy mixing bowl, combine the entire 2-pound bag of frozen diced potatoes (no need to thaw), the grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, dried onion flakes, the undiluted can of cream of chicken soup, and the ½ cup of melted butter you set aside.
Using a large spoon or spatula, stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until the potatoes are evenly coated in the rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce. Ensure everything is well incorporated for a consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Gently spread it out to create a smooth, level surface. Set this aside while you prepare the topping.
- Prepare your corn flake crumbs. If using whole corn flakes cereal, measure 1 ½ cups into a large zipped-top plastic bag. Seal the top, expelling most of the air, and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush the cereal into coarse crumbs. Alternatively, if using store-bought corn flake crumbs, simply measure out 1 ½ cups.
In the small mixing bowl with the reserved ¼ cup of melted butter, add your corn flake crumbs. Stir these together until the crumbs are completely moistened and coated by the butter, forming a buttery and thick crumbly topping.
- Evenly sprinkle the prepared corn flake crumb topping over the entire surface of the potato mixture in the baking dish. Gently spread and lightly pat down the topping with the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer and good adherence.
Bake and Serve
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for approximately one hour, uncovered. The casserole is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the creamy potato mixture around the edges is visibly bubbling, indicating it’s heated through and delicious.
Notes
Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database, so they’re just a rough estimate, not an exact science. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation methods.