PRO TIP for Potatoes: Use two 20 oz bags of frozen hash browns in place of 6 cups of cooked shredded potatoes for a shortcut. Real potatoes add a fluffier texture, but take a little more prep time. 3 medium sized Russet potatoes or eight to ten small white rose potatoes will typically weigh one pound. A pound of potatoes will be about 3-½ cups chopped or 2 to 3 cups mashed, this varied due to the sizes of potatoes.  PRO TIP for Cheese: Over the decades I have made this recipe, hand-grated cheese is so much better! Grate a good sharp cheddar. You will taste the difference. And hand grating cooked potatoes results in a fluffy light texture, and totally worth your time!

Top Potato Casserole Recipe Tips And Ingredient Variations

Potatoes: If buying shredded potatoes at the store, be sure to get shredded hashbrowns, not diced hash browns! If you buy frozen hash browns, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Cheese: Quality ingredients make a difference in your cooking. Use a good sharp cheddar cheese that you hand grate. It will taste better and melts into a smooth and creamy sauce mixture! This is worth the extra cooking time in this recipe. Canned Soup Options: Many versions of this recipe exist, and in place of cream of celery, swap in either cream of mushroom soup or storebought or homemade cream of chicken soup. Toppings: For many years I have used crushed potato chips. Many people love a cornflake topping, panko bread crumbs, or Ritz crackers. One thing I like about potato chips, is you crush them up and that's it! For any of these other toppings, I recommend melting a couple of tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet and browning the cracker, bread crumbs, or crushed corn flakes if you choose one of those toppings. Green Onions: If you prefer to leave out the onions, add a teaspoon of onion powder, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. The green onions add a wonderful depth of flavor but not everyone is a fan. Other Additions: Some people love to add Diced Smoked Ham leftover from the holidays! And how about this idea, my friend Michelle lays raw chicken breasts on top and bake the potato casserole. Add crumbled bacon or bacon bits with green onions like a loaded baked potato! Or people add a little can of diced green chiles, and shredded chicken, with crumbled tortilla chips for a Mexican flair!

Funeral Potatoes Reheat & Leftover Instructions

Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can reheat them in the microwave uncovered, but the chips don't crisp up. I prefer to bring leftovers to room temperature for about an hour, then reheat the cheesy potatoes in the oven covered with foil at 350 for 20 minutes or for 8 minutes at 375 in my Air Fryer! Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked mixture or the leftovers! I like to put them in portions in zip-lock bags, push the air out, and pop them into the freezer. Then defrost overnight in the refrigerator, put into a dish covered with foil, and bake at 350 for 20 minutes!

Make Ahead Tips

For holidays and family gatherings, this recipe is great to make ahead. You can follow the recipe and layer it in your baking dish. Then crush your topping and add it right before baking!