Ingredients:
1 (32 oz) bag shredded frozen potatoes (hash browns), thawed
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
1 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened (adds richness + tang)
2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve ½ cup for topping)
½ cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (for creaminess & depth)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ medium onion, finely minced (or ½ tsp onion powder if preferred)
2 garlic cloves, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
½ tsp garlic salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds a subtle warmth)
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or cornflakes, tossed with 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a small skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and gently cook the onion and garlic until fragrant and soft (about 3 minutes). Let cool slightly.
3. Mix base: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sautéed onion/garlic, cheddar, Gruyère/Jack, and seasonings.
4. Add potatoes: Fold in the thawed shredded potatoes until evenly coated.
5. Assemble: Spread into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar.
6. Crunchy topping: Sprinkle the buttered cracker (or cornflake) crumbs evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for about 55–65 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let it rest 10 minutes after baking — it sets up better and slices neatly.
Health Benefits:
Cheesy potato casserole offers nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, calcium, and protein from the potatoes and dairy, plus antioxidants from garlic and onions. While it’s rich and best enjoyed in moderation, pairing it with lighter sides can make it part of a balanced meal.
History:
1500s–1700s: Potatoes Arrive in Europe
Potatoes were first brought from the Andes of South America to Europe by Spanish explorers in the late 1500s. At first they were viewed with suspicion, but by the 1700s they became a staple food across much of Europe because of their versatility, long storage life, and ability to grow in poor soil. People soon began combining them with local staples like milk, butter, and cheese.
1700s–1800s: Early Potato Gratins & Bakes
In France, dishes like gratin dauphinois — thinly sliced potatoes baked with cream — became popular in the late 1700s. In Switzerland, rösti (grated potatoes cooked in fat, sometimes with cheese) emerged as a rustic staple. German and Scandinavian kitchens also developed creamy potato casseroles, layering potatoes with onions, cream, and cheese, especially for winter sustenance.
1800s: Immigration to America
European immigrants brought these hearty potato bakes to the United States, where potatoes were plentiful and inexpensive. Families adapted recipes to what was available, often using cheddar or American cheeses instead of European varieties.
1900s: Convenience Era in America
By the mid-20th century, frozen hash browns, canned soups, and pre-shredded cheese were widely available in American grocery stores. Home cooks, especially in the Midwest and Mountain West, began combining these ingredients into quick, creamy potato casseroles. These dishes were easy to prepare, served large groups, and became staples at church suppers, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Mid-1900s: The Rise of “Funeral Potatoes”
In Latter-day Saint (Mormon) communities in Utah and surrounding states, this casserole became especially associated with funeral luncheons — comforting, filling, and easily made in large batches. This is where the dish earned its nickname “funeral potatoes,” though it was also a fixture at family reunions, holiday dinners, and community events.
2000s–Today: Comfort Food & Reinvention
Cheesy potato casserole remains a beloved comfort food across the U.S. It’s now found in cookbooks, blogs, and restaurant menus, with countless variations — some adding bacon, ham, jalapeños, or gourmet cheeses, others using fresh potatoes and scratch-made sauces instead of processed ingredients. At its core, though, it’s still the same: a dish rooted in European tradition, shaped by American convenience, and cherished as a symbol of comfort and togetherness.
Quiz:
1. Where did potatoes originally come from before being brought to Europe?
A) North America
B) South America (Andes region)
C) Africa
D) Asia
2. Which European dish is considered an ancestor to modern cheesy potato casseroles?
A) Rösti (Switzerland)
B) Gratin dauphinois (France)
C) Shepherd’s pie (Britain)
D) All of the above
3. In the U.S., cheesy potato casserole became especially known as “funeral potatoes” in which community?
A) Southern Baptists
B) Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
C) Amish communities
D) New England Puritans
4. Which innovation in the 20th century helped this dish become a quick and popular staple in American households?
A) Cast-iron skillets
B) Frozen hash browns and canned soups
C) Refrigerators
D) Non-stick cookware
5. Today, cheesy potato casserole is most often associated with which occasions?
A) Fancy fine dining restaurants
B) Community potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings
C) Street food markets
D) Breakfast fast food chains
Answer Key:
1. B — South America (Andes)
2. D — All of the above
3. B — Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
4. B — Frozen hash browns and canned soups
5. B — Community potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings
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