This classic smoked cheesy potato casserole reaches new heights when prepared on an electric smoker. Made with thawed hash browns and topped with a buttery Corn Flake crust, it picks up a rich smoky flavor on a pellet grill like a Traeger. Serve it alongside holiday hams, prime rib, or smoked ribs for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Smoked Cheesy Potato Casserole — sometimes called Funeral Potatoes — is loaded with melted cheese, tender potatoes and a crisp, buttery topping. It’s an easy-to-make side that feeds a crowd and travels well to potlucks or holiday gatherings.
This casserole pairs beautifully with smoked mains like Twice Smoked Spiral Ham, Smoked Prime Rib, or classic Smoked Ribs for a full, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Smoked Cheesy Potato Casserole
- This dish is ideal for a potluck or holiday table.
- The recipe yields a large portion, perfect for serving a crowd.
- Minimal prep and easy cleanup make this a reliable, comforting side everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients Needed for Smoked Potato Cheese Casserole
- Frozen hash browns – diced or shredded; thaw before using.
- Butter – salted or unsalted, melted for mixing and topping.
- Cream of chicken soup – any condensed “cream of” soup works.
- Sour cream – adds tang and creaminess.
- Milk – 2% works well.
- Onions – chopped; frozen chopped onions are a convenient shortcut. Substitute onion powder if needed.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – shredded; other cheeses like Swiss or Jack can be used.
- Seasonings – pepper and garlic salt.
- Corn flakes – crushed for the topping. Substitute Rice Krispies, panko, or crushed crackers if preferred.
Using a disposable aluminum pan is recommended for smoking and easy cleanup, though a regular baking pan will work if handled carefully.
How to Make Smoked Funeral Potatoes
- Preheat the smoker to 350°F (around the manufacturer’s recommended prep).
- Spray a 9″ x 13″ foil pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix thawed hash browns, melted butter, sour cream, condensed soup, milk, onions, cheese, pepper and garlic salt. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed Corn Flakes with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the potatoes.
- Place the pan on the smoker and cook about 1 hour, until the potatoes are heated through and the topping is golden brown.
Helpful Tools
- Smoker
- Disposable aluminum pan
- Cheese grater
- Chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Mixing bowls
- Mixing spoons
Mix-In Ideas
Turn this side into a hearty main by stirring in 1–2 cups of cooked diced or shredded chicken, bacon, diced ham, or cooked ground beef. Any cooked protein will make the casserole more substantial and family-friendly.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes?
Yes. Peel and dice about 2 lbs of fresh potatoes (red potatoes are recommended for better texture), boil until just tender, drain, then use them in place of hash browns in the recipe.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can assemble the casserole up to 3 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to smoke, let it sit at room temperature while the smoker heats. Smoking time may increase by 10–15 minutes if the casserole starts cold.
Oven Directions
To bake instead of smoke, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 1 hour, until the edges bubble and the topping turns golden brown.
Crock Pot Option
For a hands-off method, combine all ingredients except the Corn Flake topping in the slow cooker. Skip the topping (it won’t crisp in the crock pot) and add extra cheese just before serving. Cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to Reheat
Reheat on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. For a refreshed crisp topping after refrigeration, add a new layer of crushed Corn Flakes and warm briefly in the oven.
This cheesy potato casserole becomes especially flavorful when smoked. With simple prep, easy cleanup, and flexible serving and cooking options, it’s likely to become a regular on your menu for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled pork loin pairs well with cheesy hash brown casserole for a low-fuss main course.
- A Grilled Caesar Salad offers a light, refreshing contrast to the rich potatoes.
- Cheesy grilled garlic bread makes a great side for sopping up any cheesy sauce.
- Finish the meal with a simple grilled dessert like an apple dump cake for an easy, crowd-pleasing sweet.
Smoked Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns thawed
- ½ cup butter melted
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup undiluted
- 2 cups sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup onions chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Topping
- 1 cup Corn Flakes cereal crushed
- 2 Tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Spray a 9” x 13” foil pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, melted butter, sour cream, condensed soup, milk, onions, cheese, pepper and garlic salt. Pour into the prepared foil pan.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed Corn Flakes with melted butter and sprinkle over the potato mixture.
- Place on the preheated smoker and smoke for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the smoker and serve immediately.
Tips
Nutrition Information
, Carbohydrates: 34g
, Protein: 14g
, Fat: 33g
We are not dietitians. The nutrition information is calculated by software and may contain errors. For precise values, run the ingredients through a nutrition calculator.