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Family gatherings always bring back memories of funeral potatoes. I've added my own spin with some crunchy fried onions that really make this dish stand out. When it comes out of the oven, everyone rushes to the kitchen, drawn by the amazing smell. It's definitely one of those dishes that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
The Hidden Gem of My Holiday Meals
There's something magical about how the creamy sauce works with the crispy onions. I love that texture mix - it's what makes this dish so good. My kids always watch excitedly when I open the jar of fried onions, it's become our little tradition. This potato bake works for everything from last-minute dinners to special occasions.
Shopping List
- Potatoes: A 570g bag that I thaw overnight
- Cheese: 2 cups of my favorite aged cheddar
- Sour cream: One cup, nice and thick
- My 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
My Step-by-Step Approach
- The smooth sauce
- I start by melting butter with my onions and garlic. The kitchen already smells amazing at this point. Then I add flour and liquids for a perfectly smooth sauce.
- The wonderful mix
- In my big bowl, I combine potatoes, sauce, cheese and sour cream. I take my time mixing everything so it's all well coated.
- The tasty layering
- I pour everything into my favorite dish and save those precious fried onions for the finishing touch.
- The perfect baking
- Into the oven it goes for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
My Planning Tips
I often make this casserole a day ahead and it tastes even better. I keep my fried onions in an airtight jar where they stay crunchy for two days. For big events, I freeze the unbaked casserole which comes in really handy.
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Saving For Later
Leftovers 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 get back that day-one crunchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh potatoes?
- Definitely! Just cut them into small cubes and slightly pre-cook them before adding to the dish.
- → How can I keep fried onions crispy?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Only add them when serving to retain their crunch.
- → Can this dish be frozen?
- Yes! Freeze it without the fried onions, then add fresh ones after reheating to keep the crunch.
- → What cheese works best?
- Sharp cheddar is fantastic, but other melting cheeses like gruyere or comte work too.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Warm it in the oven for a creamy texture. Add fresh fried onions for extra crunch.