Ask a Chef: 3 funeral potato recipes that will keep your neighbors talking

Ask a Chef: 3 funeral potato recipes that will keep your neighbors talking


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Every week one of the chefs from Harmons Grocery Stores will be answering your toughest culinary questions. No question is too big or too small if you're question is selected we'll invite you to take part in an upcoming cooking class at Harmons. Email your questions to askachef@harmonsgrocery.com.

This week we're tackling a traditional Utah favorite…"Funeral Potatoes." This cheesy comfort food has been around for generations, and it definitely isn't just for funerals.


What culinary questions do you have? Let us know! Email our Harmons chefs at askachef@harmonsgrocery.com
Ask a Chef: 3 funeral potato recipes that will keep your neighbors talking

In fact, variations of funeral potatoes are popping up everywhere — from backyard barbecues and birthday parties, to camping trips, Sunday dinner and everything in-between.

Funeral Potatoes are as "Utah" as green Jell-O and Sunday pot roasts, and I realize you probably have a delicious go-to recipe that is a crowd pleaser every time. I'm definitely not one to mess with a classic, but if you are looking to mix things up a bit, try one of my recipes:

Spicy Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 package frozen tater tots
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can green chilies (minced)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar (divided in 2)
  • 1 cup. sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 F.
2. In a large bowl combine all ingredients except for 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
3. Mix everything together (don't worry if some of your tater tots break up).
4. Spray casserole dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray (helps with clean up).
5. Place the mix into the casserole dish, cover with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and top with the remaining cheese, place back into the over until the cheese has melted.
7. Allow the casserole to cool for 8 to 10 minutes before serving.

Many people like to add crushed corn flakes on top for an extra crunch. If you like to do that, crush corn flakes and lightly toast with 1 tablespoon butter. Top casserole with corn flakes before finishing with cheese and bake again until cheese is melted.

Looking to impress your dinner guests? Try using a different cheese in your Funeral Potatoes. Smoked Gouda provides a unique flavor that can elevate your dish to the next level:

Photo credit: iStock

Smoked Gouda Potato Casserole

Ingredients

  • 8 russet potatoes (peeled and sliced thin)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups cream
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 white onion (small diced)
  • 1 cup almonds (sliced, toasted and salted)
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 cups smoked Gouda (shredded and divided in 2)
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 pinch salt

Directions

Ask a Chef: 3 funeral potato recipes that will keep your neighbors talking

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 F.
2. In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat; add the garlic, onion and flour.
3. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until aromatic and tan in color.
4. Deglaze the pan with the white wine (once the wine is steaming and boiling all the alcohol is gone) add the cream, cook string continuously until the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
6. In a small sauté pan over high heat add the almond slices, sauté until golden brown 7 to 8 minutes.
7. Sprinkle the hot almonds with salt then set aside to cool.
8. Place the potato slices in a large mixing bowl add the cream sauce, white pepper and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
9. Mix everything until the potatoes are covered with the sauce.
10. Place into a lightly oiled casserole dish, cover with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the sauce is boiling and the potatoes are tender (not soft).
11. Remove the foil and top with the toasted almonds and the remaining cheese, place back into the oven until the cheese has melted.
12. Allow the casserole to cool 8 to 10 minutes before serving.

And for my personal favorite — Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole. It is definitely true that bacon makes everything better, and when you add Ranch to the mix…watch out. You might have a new family favorite!

Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 package frozen potatoes (dice, shredded or tots)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups cream
  • 1 package ranch dressing mix
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded and divided in 2)
  • 1 pounds bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • ½ cups green onion (chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 F.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour.
3. Cook stirring continuously for 4 minutes or until light tan in color.
4. Add the ranch package and cream, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, this will thicken the sauce.
5. Place the potatoes into a large mixing bowl; pour the sauce over the potatoes.
6. Add the bacon crumbles and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
7. Mix everything together until the potatoes are covered with the sauce.
8. Place the mix into a lightly oiled casserole dish, cover with foil and cook for 35 to 40 minutes or until the sauce is boiling.
9. Remove the foil and top with the remaining cheese, place back into the oven to melt and caramelize cheese.
10. Allow the casserole to rest uncovered before serving for 8 to 10 minutes.

Funeral potatoes are classic in Utah, and we'd love to hear your favorite recipes! Leave a comment or email us at askachef@harmonsgrocery.com.

If you are looking for even more culinary inspiration, visit Harmons Cooking School, and check out our other Ask a Chef articles. There you'll find delicious recipes for main dishes, desserts and more!

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Chef Johnny McAdams for Harmons

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