The smell of baked, creamy cheesy potatoes brings back memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. This dish, known as “funeral potatoes” or “cheesy hashbrown casserole,” brings people together. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday or just a craving for something tasty.
Table of Contents
What Are Cheesy Potatoes?
Origins and Variations
Cheesy potatoes, also known as “funeral potatoes” or “cheesy potato casserole,” are a favorite side dish in America. They mix creamy, cheesy tastes with soft potato pieces. The exact start of this dish is unclear, but it’s thought to have come from simple casseroles at gatherings and funerals.
As time went on, cheesy potatoes got different twists. Some use frozen hashbrowns, while others add cream of mushroom or chicken soup. The cheese mix can change too, from cheddar and Monterey Jack to Velveeta. Cornflakes or crushed potato chips on top add a nice crunch.
These dishes are known by many names, like creamy potato casserole, scalloped potatoes, and cheesy potatoes au gratin. They’re loved for their comforting taste and how easy they are to make. They’re a go-to for cheesy hashbrown casserole, cheesy potato bake, and creamy cheesy potatoes. They’re especially popular at cornflake potatoes events.
“Cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, they’re sure to be a hit.”
Cheesy Potatoes Recipe: Ingredients and Preparation
To make the perfect cheesy potatoes, you need a mix of key ingredients. Start with 2.5 pounds of russet potatoes. They’re the base of this comfort food. Next, use 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for a velvety sauce. Add 1 cup (226g) of room temperature sour cream for a tangy touch.
The dish’s star is the 3 cups (339g) of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese makes the potatoes a cheesy potato bake that’s irresistible. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
To prepare, dice the potatoes and microwave them until almost tender. This step makes them creamy and tender when baked. Then, mix the potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese in a bowl. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy cheesy potatoes sauce.
For more flavor and texture, add chopped green onions or a crunchy topping like crushed cornflakes or potato chips. This easy cheesy potato side dish will delight everyone, whether it’s for a funeral potatoes dish or with your main course.
“The key to perfectly cheesy potatoes au gratin is striking the right balance between the creamy, cheesy sauce and the tender, fluffy potatoes.”
Cooking Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Making the perfect creamy potato casserole or scalloped potatoes is simple. Just follow a few easy steps. You’ll create a delicious cheesy potatoes au gratin or loaded baked potato casserole that everyone will love.
Baking and Serving
Begin by cooking the Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes in the microwave for 5-7 minutes. This makes them partially tender. Then, mix the softened cream cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, and spices like garlic, salt, and pepper to make the cheesy sauce.
- Mix the par-cooked potatoes with the cheesy sauce until they’re well coated.
- Put the easy cheesy potato side dish in a baking dish and add more cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the cheesy hashbrown casserole or cheesy potato bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes. Wait until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden.
- Let the creamy cheesy potatoes cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
When you serve the funeral potatoes or recipe for funeral potatoes, make sure they’re hot. Add a sprinkle of cornflake potatoes or chopped herbs for extra flavor and texture. This side dish is perfect with your favorite main course.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
You can use fresh potatoes, frozen hashbrowns, or canned potatoes in this recipe. Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different taste. Use Monterey Jack or Colby-Jack cheese for a unique flavor.
For a crunchy topping, add crushed cornflakes, potato chips, or a breadcrumb mix. These changes make the dish perfect for any event, from holidays to weeknights.
Cheesy potatoes go well with many dishes, like roasted meats or baked fish. They’re great for family dinners or special occasions. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite way to enjoy them.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen Diced Hash Browns (Ore-Ida brand) | 1 (30-32 ounce) package |
| Sour Cream | 1 (8 ounce) container |
| Cream of Chicken Soup (Campbell’s brand) | 1 can |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups |
| Cornflakes (for topping) | 4 cups, crushed |
| Butter (for topping) | 1/2 stick (1/4 cup or 2 ounces), melted |
You can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day. Divide it into two pans and freeze one for later. Adjust cooking time and temperature to ensure the potatoes are tender and the topping golden.
“These cheesy potatoes are always a hit whenever I serve them. Everyone raves about the recipe and asks for it constantly. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!”
Conclusion
This creamy potato casserole is loved by many. It’s known as “cheesy potatoes,” “scalloped potatoes,” or “cheesy potatoes au gratin.” It’s a side dish that will make your guests happy. It’s perfect for any event, like family gatherings or holiday feasts.
Do you like cheesy hashbrown casserole, loaded baked potato casserole, or creamy cheesy potato side dish? This recipe can be changed to fit your taste. It’s also great because you can make it ahead of time and reheat it easily. This makes it a big hit with your guests.
Try this easy cheesy potato bake and make it a family favorite. From the first bite to the last, you’ll love the creamy, cheesy flavor. It’s a true comfort food classic. Enjoy!