This pure comfort food casserole couldnt be easier to make.

This cheesy potato casserole is an update on a very classic casserole.

The old school version is a creamy dish of pure comfort food.

Close up view of a wooden spoon with a scoop of Mormon Funeral Potatoes being scooped out of a glass casserole dish.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

I kept the flavors but ditched the canned soup for a homemade sauce!

Its a real struggle and probably his biggest character flaw to date.

Be sure to check out the Report Card below to see if I was right!

A close up side view of a glass casserole dish with a wooden spoon scooping out the potato casserole.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Updating classic recipes is so fun and it turns out there is a reason certain recipes are so popular.

Its because they are REALLY good.

It sounds fancy, but its super easy!

Overhead vertical view of a glass dish filled with mormon funeral potatoes. A wooden spoon is scooping some of the cheesy funeral potatoes. Only a fourth of the dish is in view.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

While I like making my own sauce for this casserole,I prefer using frozen hash browns over fresh.

They are a consistent product and easy to use.

While you could use fresh potatoes for this casserole, I dont think it adds much.

A shallow bowl of potato casserole with crispy serrano chilis on top. A fork is on the right side of the bowl.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

It would mess with the consistency of the potatoes.

The Dad Add: Fried Serrano Rings

Fried Serrano Rings.

I thought this recipe needed a little spice to cut through the richness of the dish.

Preschool boy sitting at the kitchen table with a white plate of food in front of him The plate has a scoop of cheesy funeral potatoes, chopped ham, a salad and a fork. The kitchen is in the background of the picture.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

The Kid Report Card

My son got a look of utter terror across his face.

Does this have CHEESE in it?!!

More Casserole Recipes to Enjoy!

A saucepan with sauteed onions, chicken broth and flour mixed together to start the cheese sauce for potato casserole without canned cream soup.

Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen

In a medium pot, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until onions turn translucent but not browned.

Then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

A saucepan with water, shredded cheddar cheese and shredded hash brown potatoes for Mormon Funeral Potatoes.

Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen

Stir in flour and continue to cook for a minute or two until the flour turns a tan color.

Slowly whisk in stock and bring sauce to a slight simmer.

The sauce will thicken as it heats.

A large white mixing bowl on a marble countertop. Shredded potatoes and cheese mixed together for Hash Brown Potato Casserole.

Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen

Once the sauce is thick like gravy, stir in the cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl add the frozen hash browns and pour the sauce over the hash browns.

Stir together well to combine and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Crispy sliced serrano peppers roasted and laying on a paper towel.

Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen

Place the casserole in the center rack of your oven and bake for 45 minutes at 400F.

Let the casserole cool slightly but serve while warm.

Leftovers keep in the fridge for 5 days.

Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Slice serrano peppers into thin coins.

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a small skillet.

Remove the coins from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel.

Season with a pinch of salt.