Chile Queso Funeral Potatoes: A Comforting Casserole with a Southwestern Kick

Funeral potatoes, a comforting casserole dish often served at potlucks and, yes, funerals, are a staple in many communities. But what if we took this classic comfort food and gave it a southwestern twist? Enter: Chile Queso Funeral Potatoes. This recipe elevates the traditional dish by incorporating the creamy, cheesy goodness of chile con queso, adding a delightful kick of flavor and spice that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This is the perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## What are Funeral Potatoes?

For those unfamiliar, funeral potatoes are a cheesy potato casserole, traditionally made with shredded hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheese, and topped with a buttery, crunchy topping. The name derives from its frequent appearance at post-funeral gatherings, where it provides a comforting and easy-to-serve meal for grieving families and friends. The creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavor make it a universally appealing dish.

## Why Chile Queso Funeral Potatoes?

While traditional funeral potatoes are delicious in their own right, this recipe takes it to the next level. The addition of chile con queso introduces a rich, cheesy flavor with a subtle spice that perfectly complements the potatoes and other ingredients. The southwest influence adds depth and complexity, transforming a simple casserole into something truly special.

## The Secret Ingredient: Homemade Chile Queso (or Store-Bought Shortcut)

The heart of this recipe is the chile queso. While you can certainly use store-bought queso to save time, making your own from scratch will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. The recipe below includes instructions for both options.

## Ingredients:

**For the Chile Queso (Homemade):**

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
* 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
* 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**For the Chile Queso (Store-Bought):**

* 16 ounces prepared chile con queso

**For the Funeral Potatoes:**

* 30 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**For the Topping:**

* 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
* 1/4 cup melted butter

## Instructions:

**Part 1: Making the Chile Queso (Homemade):**

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeno (if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Make a Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the queso.
3. **Add the Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Melt the Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. **Incorporate the Chiles and Spices:** Stir in the diced green chiles (with their liquid), cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Keep warm until ready to use.

**Part 2: Assembling the Funeral Potatoes:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. **Add the Chile Queso:** Pour the prepared chile queso (homemade or store-bought) over the potato mixture. Gently fold it in until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes mushy.
4. **Prepare the Topping:** In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated.
5. **Top the Casserole:** Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the potato mixture in the prepared baking dish.
6. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
7. **Rest:** Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents it from being too runny.

## Tips and Variations:

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeno in the chile queso to control the heat level. For a milder flavor, omit the jalapeno altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of chile.
* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the chile queso and the potato mixture. Pepper jack cheese, Colby jack cheese, or even a smoked gouda would all be delicious additions.
* **Vegetarian Option:** To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a vegetarian cream soup alternative.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Baked or unbaked, the casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating. If baking from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
* **Add-ins:** Consider adding cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, or chopped ham to the potato mixture for extra protein and flavor. Corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers would also be delicious additions.
* **Crispier Topping:** For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, being careful not to burn it.
* **Use Fresh Potatoes:** While frozen hash browns are convenient, using freshly shredded potatoes will result in a slightly better texture. Be sure to rinse the shredded potatoes thoroughly to remove excess starch before using.
* **Different Topping Options:** Instead of Ritz crackers, you can use crushed cornflakes, potato chips, or even a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter.

## Serving Suggestions:

Chile Queso Funeral Potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Side Dish:** Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or fish. It’s also a great addition to any potluck or barbecue.
* **Main Course:** Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Breakfast/Brunch:** Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for a hearty and comforting breakfast or brunch.
* **Taco Bar:** Offer as a cheesy, potato-y side dish with your taco bar.

## Equipment:

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Medium saucepan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 600-800mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 10-15g

**Note:** Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

## Printable Recipe Card

## Conclusion:

Chile Queso Funeral Potatoes are a delicious and comforting twist on a classic casserole. The addition of chile con queso adds a delightful southwestern flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it at a funeral, a potluck, or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and cheesy bowl of comfort!