Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

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I remember the first time I made this dish; it was for a family reunion. I was a bit nervous, hoping it would live up to the hype my mom had created around it. She’d been making it for years, and it was my turn to carry on the tradition. The moment I pulled it out of the oven, the kitchen filled with a rich cheesy aroma that had everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, wandering in to see what was cooking. As soon as it hit the table, it vanished in the blink of an eye, with everyone going back for seconds and thirds. That’s when I knew it had passed the family test.

This recipe is one of those no-fail, crowd-pleasing dishes that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s become my go-to whenever I need to bring something that’s guaranteed to be a hit. With just a handful of ingredients like frozen hash browns, sour cream, and your favorite cheeses, you can bring this cheesy creation to life in under an hour. If you’re in the mood for a dish that brings people together and elicits that “wow” factor at first bite, read on. You’ll find that this recipe doesn’t just fill the plate; it fills the heart with warmth and joy.

So, are you ready to create a little magic in your kitchen? Once you try this, I bet you’ll be sharing your own stories of gatherings and the smiles it brought, just like in our family. Let’s dive into how to make these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes and bring a touch of comfort and delight to your table.

How to Make Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

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Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, divided
  • 1 bag (28-32 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups kettle-cooked potato chips

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the hash browns to thaw slightly.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they become soft.
  3. Stir the flour into the onions, cooking for 1-2 minutes without letting it brown.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk to ensure there are no lumps, followed by the chicken broth. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for about 3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove from heat and mix in the Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and sharp Cheddar cheese. Fold in the hash browns, ensuring everything is well combined.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter.
  7. Crush the potato chips in a bowl, coat them with the melted butter, and sprinkle them over the potato mixture, followed by the Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy comfort!

Customizing Cheesy Funeral Potatoes: Alternative Ingredients

If you’re short on some ingredients, fear not! You can swap out the Monterey Jack cheese with Mozzarella for a different cheesy texture or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. For those avoiding gluten, consider using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Feel free to experiment—this recipe is wonderfully adaptable!

The Best Way to Store Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Leftover

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It should keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

These potatoes make a lovely side to roasted chicken or a juicy steak. For a complete meal, serve with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A chilled glass of white wine complements the cheesy flavors beautifully, making for an elegant dining experience.

Secrets to Perfecting Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

For an extra crispy topping, broil the dish for the last 3-4 minutes of baking. Also, ensure your hash browns are slightly thawed before mixing to prevent excess moisture. Don’t rush the cooling process before serving; letting it rest enhances the flavors and helps the dish set nicely.

Adding a Seasonal Spin to Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

In the spring, add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of freshness. During fall, consider mixing in some roasted butternut squash for a sweet note. For a winter twist, a sprinkle of nutmeg or smoked paprika can provide warmth and depth. Adjusting ingredients according to the season can refresh this classic anytime!

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

FAQs:

Can I prepare Cheesy Funeral Potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day ahead. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

How do I keep the potatoes from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy potatoes, ensure they are slightly thawed before mixing them into the casserole. This helps reduce excess moisture. Additionally, using kettle-cooked chips for the topping adds a nice crunch, even if the potatoes themselves are a bit softer.

What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

The combination of sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack provides a rich, gooey texture with great flavor. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Mozzarella for different textures and tastes. Always use fresh, quality cheese for the best results.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This small change doesn’t compromise the taste but ensures the dish is vegetarian-friendly. You can also add some cooked spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

You can use fresh potatoes by grating them yourself. It’s a bit more labor-intensive but works just as well. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mixing them into the casserole to maintain the right texture.

How can I make this dish healthier without losing flavor?

To lighten up the dish, consider using reduced-fat cheese and sour cream. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to boost the nutritional content. Opting for whole-grain chips for the topping can provide extra fiber while maintaining a satisfying crunch.

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

A crowd-pleaser at any gathering, these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes blend creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy potato chips on top, creating a dish that's simply irresistible!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course side, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 8 tablespoons butter divided (1 stick)
  • 1 bag (28-32 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup milk

Potato Chip Topping:

  • 2 cups kettle-cooked potato chips

Instructions
 

  • Begin by setting your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter while allowing the hash browns to thaw.

For the Potato Mixture:

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add in the chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir.
  • Whisk in the milk gradually to eliminate any lumps, then incorporate the chicken broth and whisk again. Let the mixture reach a simmer and thicken for about 3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove the pan from heat and mix in the Monterey Jack, sour cream, and sharp Cheddar cheese until melted. Gently fold in the thawed hash browns until evenly combined.
  • Pour the cheesy potato mixture into the greased dish. In a separate small pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter, then crush the potato chips and combine with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese.

Baking:

  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Keyword Potatoes

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