Chili Queso Party Potatoes
Published Jan 23, 2026
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Putting the “Fun” in Funeral Potatoes
In some parts of the country, a creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole is affectionately known as funeral potatoes. It’s a beloved comfort food, often served at gatherings and potlucks because it’s rich, crowd-pleasing, and feeds a lot of people. While we love the nostalgia of that classic, we decided to take the concept in a much more playful, flavor-forward direction.
Table of Contents
Our Chili Queso Party Potatoes bring all the creamy, cozy goodness of traditional funeral potatoes, but with a bold Southwestern twist and a crunchy topping that makes them feel more like a party than a potluck.
From “Funeral Potatoes” to Party Potatoes
A Classic with a New Personality
Traditional funeral potatoes are usually topped with cornflakes or plain potato chips and lean heavily into buttery, mild flavors. Delicious, yes—but we wanted something with a little more attitude.
By layering in green chiles, melty cheeses, and a touch of heat, this version transforms the familiar casserole into something brighter, bolder, and far more festive. It’s the same comforting base, reimagined for game days, holidays, and casual entertaining.
The Southwestern Upgrade
Chili, Queso, and Creamy Comfort
The flavor profile leans into everything we love about Tex-Mex and Southwestern cooking:
- Mild heat from diced green chiles
- Rich, creamy cheese reminiscent of warm queso
- A subtle kick that keeps each bite interesting
- A balance of tangy, savory, and indulgent
It’s still ultra-comforting, but now with layers of flavor that feel modern and crave-worthy.
The Crispy Topping That Changes Everything
Jackson’s Jalapeño Sweet Potato Chips
Instead of the usual cereal or plain chips, we finish these Party Potatoes with Jackson’s Jalapeño Sweet Potato Chips. This simple swap does a lot of heavy lifting:
- Adds a bold, spicy crunch
- Brings natural sweetness from sweet potatoes
- Reinforces the Southwestern flavor profile
- Creates a visually striking, golden, textured topping
That final layer of crushed jalapeño sweet potato chips gives the dish its signature contrast: creamy underneath, crispy on top, with a gentle heat that makes you go back for “just one more bite.”
What You’ll Need
The Creamy Base
- Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- Sour cream
- Gluten-free cream of mushroom soup
- Diced green chiles
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- White American cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce
The Crunchy, Spicy Finish
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Perfect for Parties and Potlucks
A True Crowd-Pleaser
These Chili Queso Party Potatoes are:
- Gluten-free and allergy-friendly
- Easy to make ahead
- Simple to transport
- Guaranteed to disappear fast
They’re rich enough to feel indulgent, bold enough to stand out on a buffet table, and familiar enough that everyone will want a scoop.
Why We Call Them Party Potatoes
Sure, in some regions these might still fall under the umbrella of “funeral potatoes.” But with their chili-queso flavor, jalapeño heat, and crispy sweet potato chip topping, this version feels far more celebratory.
They’re creamy, crunchy, a little spicy, and undeniably fun—exactly the kind of dish that belongs at game day spreads, holiday gatherings, and any occasion that calls for comfort food with personality.
For more fun potato recipes, try Sweet & Salty Chocolate Potato Chip Clusters or Cranberry Relish and Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
Chili Queso Party Potatoes
Ingredients
- Avocado oil spray
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can gluten-free cream of mushroom soup
- 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1- pound white American cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 (5-ounce) bag Jackson’s Spicy Jalapeno Sweet Potato Chips, crushed
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sliced green onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°f. Lightly spray 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, green chiles, salt, pepper, and American cheese, half the cedar cheese, and hot sauce in a large bowl. Pour into the prepared baking pan. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown around the edges, 30 – 40 minutes. Add the Jackson’s Spicy Jalapeno Sweet Potato Chips and bake for another 5 minutes. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes and garnish as desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
