Funeral Potatoes: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting Casserole
Funeral potatoes. The name might sound a little somber, but this dish is anything but! This creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting casserole is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holidays, and, yes, even funerals. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture make it a staple in many families. This recipe will guide you through making the perfect batch, ensuring your funeral potatoes are the star of the show.
What Makes Funeral Potatoes So Special?
The magic of funeral potatoes lies in its simple yet effective combination of ingredients. The base typically consists of crispy tater tots or hash browns, which provide a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy sauce. This sauce, often made with cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cheddar cheese, is what truly elevates this dish. Sometimes, sour cream and even bacon are added for extra richness and flavor.
The Ultimate Funeral Potatoes Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe makes a large casserole, perfect for feeding a crowd. Feel free to halve it if you need a smaller serving.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen tater tots or hash browns (thawed, if using frozen)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Combine the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble the casserole: Spread the thawed tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the tater tots, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want extra crispy tater tots, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions (if using) before serving. Let it cool slightly before serving, as the casserole will be very hot.
Tips for Extra Delicious Funeral Potatoes:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can dry out the potatoes. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
- Experiment with cheese: Try different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend.
- Add some crunch: Crispy bacon bits or French fried onions are great additions for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: A pinch of onion powder or paprika can add a depth of flavor.
- Make it your own: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking!
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