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Family gatherings always bring back memories of funeral potatoes. I've added my own spin with crunchy fried onions that really transform the dish. When this comes out of the oven, everyone follows that heavenly smell straight to the table. It's definitely one of those meals that builds lasting memories.
The Hidden Gem of My Holiday Meals
There's something magical when the creamy sauce meets those crispy onions. The texture combo makes this dish stand out. My kids always watch eagerly as I open the jar of fried onions - it's become our little tradition. This casserole works for everything from last-minute dinners to special celebrations.
Shopping List
- Potatoes: A 570g bag that I thaw overnight
- Cheese: 2 cups of my favorite aged cheddar
- Sour cream: One cup, rich and smooth
- Homemade sauce: A tasty mix of butter, onions, garlic and spices
- Onions: 2 nice ones sliced thin
- Oil: For frying my onions until golden brown
Step-by-Step Approach
- The velvety sauce
- I start by melting butter with my onions and garlic. The smell already promises something delicious. I add flour then my liquids for a perfectly smooth sauce.
- The wonderful mixture
- In my big bowl I combine potatoes, sauce, cheese and sour cream. I don't rush this part so everything gets evenly coated.
- The tasty assembly
- Everything goes into my favorite dish, but I save those precious fried onions for the finishing touch.
- The ideal baking
- Into the oven for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden color.
Planning Tips
I often make this casserole a day ahead and it tastes even better. My fried onions stay crunchy for two days in an airtight container. For big events, I freeze the unbaked casserole which comes in really handy.
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Storing Leftovers
Any extras keep well in the fridge for a few days. I always prefer reheating in the oven to maintain the right texture. My little trick is adding a fresh layer of fried onions just before serving to bring back that day-one crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh potatoes?
- Yes, chop them into small cubes and parboil them before using in the dish.
- → How do I keep fried onions crunchy?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and only add them when serving.
- → Can this dish be frozen?
- Yes, freeze it without the onions. Add fresh ones after reheating for crunch.
- → What cheese works best?
- Sharp cheddar is great, but other melting cheeses like gruyere or comte work too.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the oven for creaminess and add new fried onions before serving for crunch.