Are you looking for a comforting and delicious side dish that's perfect for potlucks, holidays, or even a cozy weeknight dinner? Look no further than these creamy, cheesy Crock-Pot Funeral Potatoes! This recipe takes the classic casserole and simplifies it for effortless, hands-off cooking. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy, yet incredibly flavorful dish. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for those special occasions or simply a delicious addition to your weekly meal plan.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (for extra flavor!)
Instructions:
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Prep the Potatoes: Gently thaw the frozen hash brown potatoes. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in the microwave. Avoid over-thawing, as you want them to hold their shape.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated. If using bacon, add it now.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Pour the potato mixture into your slow cooker. Make sure it's evenly distributed.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and heated through. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Cheese Please!: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the potatoes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully and create a delicious, gooey topping.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, your Funeral Potatoes are ready! Serve them warm alongside your favorite main course.
Tips for Perfect Funeral Potatoes:
- Don't Overcrowd the Crock-Pot: Ensure there's enough space in your slow cooker for the potatoes to cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger slow cooker.
- Taste and Adjust: Before adding the cheese, taste the potato mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preferences.
- Add Some Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Funeral Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Herb-Infused Funeral Potatoes: Experiment with different herbs like dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a more aromatic dish.
- Vegetable Funeral Potatoes: Add some diced cooked vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This simple recipe for Crock-Pot Funeral Potatoes is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a comforting and incredibly tasty side dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the deliciousness!