Mom’s Party Potatoes: The Creamy, Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser Recipe
Party potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes (a slightly less cheerful name!), are a classic comfort food dish perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and, yes, even parties! This recipe, often passed down through generations, is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious way to serve potatoes. This version, Mom’s Party Potatoes, takes all the best parts of the traditional recipe and elevates it to the next level. Get ready to make a dish that will disappear faster than you can say “seconds!”
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just another potato casserole. Here’s why Mom’s Party Potatoes are a guaranteed hit:
* **Creamy Dreamy:** The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted butter creates an incredibly rich and smooth base.
* **Cheesy Goodness:** A generous helping of cheddar cheese adds that irresistible sharp and savory flavor.
* **Crispy Topping:** Crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers, depending on your preference!) mixed with melted butter provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy potatoes.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This dish can be assembled ahead of time, making it perfect for busy hosts.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:** Even picky eaters love this dish. The mild flavors and comforting textures make it a universally appealing option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients. The exact quantities are provided in the full recipe below. Don’t worry, you likely have most of these already!
* **Potatoes:** Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes are the key for convenience and consistent texture. Make sure they’re thawed.
* **Sour Cream:** Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best flavor and richness.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** This provides a creamy base and adds a savory flavor. You can use low-sodium if desired.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Sharp cheddar is our favorite, but you can use medium or mild cheddar if you prefer.
* **Butter:** Salted butter is used for both the potato mixture and the topping. You can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to each.
* **Onion:** A diced yellow onion adds a subtle savory flavor to the potatoes.
* **Garlic Powder:** A touch of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, of course!
* **Cornflakes or Ritz Crackers:** For the crispy topping. Crushed cornflakes provide a slightly sweeter flavor, while Ritz crackers offer a saltier, buttery taste. The choice is yours!
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create Mom’s Party Potatoes:
**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**
* Thaw your frozen shredded hash brown potatoes completely. This is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.
* You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave, being careful not to cook them.
* Once thawed, gently squeeze out any excess moisture with paper towels.
**Step 2: Sauté the Onion**
* In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step mellows the onion’s flavor and prevents it from being too sharp in the final dish.
**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**
* In a large bowl, combine the thawed and drained hash brown potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese (reserve about 1 cup for topping), sautéed onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
* Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
**Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the potatoes from sticking to the dish.
* Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
**Step 5: Make the Topping**
* In a separate bowl, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter.
* Crush the cornflakes or Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. You can use a food processor, a rolling pin, or simply crush them with your hands in a ziplock bag.
* Add the crushed crumbs to the melted butter and toss to combine.
**Step 6: Top and Bake**
* Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese evenly over the potato mixture.
* Then, sprinkle the buttered cornflake or Ritz cracker topping over the cheese.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the potatoes are heated through and bubbly.
**Step 7: Let Rest and Serve**
* Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the potatoes to set slightly and makes them easier to slice.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
## Recipe Variations and Tips
Want to customize your Mom’s Party Potatoes? Here are a few ideas:
* **Add Ham or Bacon:** For a heartier dish, add diced ham or cooked bacon to the potato mixture. About 1 cup of either will do the trick.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture for a little kick.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
* **Add Veggies:** Stir in some chopped green onions, chives, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free cornflakes or Ritz crackers.
* **Cream Cheese:** Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the potato mixture for extra creaminess and tang.
* **Use Fresh Potatoes:** While frozen hash browns are convenient, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel, boil, and shred about 3 pounds of russet potatoes. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture.
* **Make Individual Servings:** Bake the potatoes in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
* **Slow Cooker Method:** While baking is preferred, you can make these in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except the topping in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the topping during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
## Serving Suggestions
Mom’s Party Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Holiday Dinners:** Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
* **Potlucks and Picnics:** A crowd-pleasing dish that travels well.
* **BBQs:** Serve alongside grilled meats and vegetables.
* **Weeknight Dinners:** A comforting side dish for a simple weeknight meal.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Add some ham or bacon and serve with eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
* **With Roasted Chicken or Turkey:** Complements the flavors of roasted poultry perfectly.
* **With Pork Loin or Chops:** A delicious and comforting accompaniment to pork.
* **With a Salad:** Balance the richness of the potatoes with a fresh green salad.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best things about Mom’s Party Potatoes is that they can be made ahead of time. Here’s how:
* **Assemble the potato mixture:** Prepare the potato mixture as directed and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
* **Refrigerate:** Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Add the topping:** When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and add the cheese and topping.
* **Bake:** Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if the potatoes are still cold.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Mom’s Party Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. You may want to add a little extra butter or cheese to the top before reheating to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal (the texture may change slightly), you can freeze leftover party potatoes. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the sour cream may separate slightly upon thawing and reheating.
## Printable Recipe Card
[Include a formatted recipe card here with ingredients, instructions, and a print button. The recipe card should include:]**Mom’s Party Potatoes Recipe**
**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 30 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 tablespoons butter, divided
* 2 cups crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, sautéed onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Add the crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers and toss to combine.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the potato mixture. Then, sprinkle the buttered cornflake or Ritz cracker topping over the cheese.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the potatoes are heated through.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
**Notes:**
* Thaw the hash browns completely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.
* For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream and sharp cheddar cheese.
* Make ahead: Assemble the potato mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
## Conclusion
Mom’s Party Potatoes are a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and crispy topping, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish, give Mom’s Party Potatoes a try. You won’t be disappointed!