Grandma’s Potatoes

Grandma’s Potatoes are the epitome of comfort, blending creamy textures with cheesy flavors and a satisfying crunch from cheddar french fried onions. This beloved dish is not just simple to prepare but also promises to be a hit at any gathering, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

Ingredients:

To recreate Grandma’s Potatoes, gather these essentials:

• One 23-ounce bag frozen Ore-Ida diced hash brown potatoes
• One 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• One 8-ounce container sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sliced green onions (plus extra for garnish)
• One 6-ounce container cheddar french fried onions

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the stick of butter, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Microwave until melted (about 1-2 minutes), stirring to blend everything well.

2. Mix and Layer Next, add the hash browns, cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions to the sour cream mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the hash browns are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

3. Bake Place the pan in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 55-60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

4. Add Crunchy Topping Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and evenly sprinkle the cheddar french fried onions over the top of the potatoes.

5. Final Bake Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure the onions are crisp and golden.

6. Serve and Enjoy Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional sliced green onions for a fresh finish, and serve the potatoes warm, delighting in the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Warm and Fresh: Serve Grandma’s Potatoes straight from the oven while they are warm and the cheddar french fried onions are crispy. This enhances the dish’s flavors and textures.
2. Garnish with Green Onions: Before serving, sprinkle extra sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and added freshness. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a bit of zing to each bite.
3. Pairing Suggestions: Pair these creamy, cheesy potatoes with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. They also complement grilled meats or roasted chicken beautifully.
4. Portioning: Use a spatula or serving spoon to scoop out individual portions directly from the baking dish onto plates. Ensure each serving gets a good amount of both the creamy interior and the crunchy topping.
5. Serve at Gatherings: Grandma’s Potatoes are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday feasts. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Grandma’s Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Alternatively, you can reheat larger quantities in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
3. Freezing: While possible, freezing may affect the texture of the potatoes and the crispy topping. If you do freeze leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Best Fresh: For the best taste and texture, Grandma’s Potatoes are ideally enjoyed fresh. Plan accordingly for the number of servings needed to minimize leftovers.
5. Avoid Microwave for Crispy Topping: Note that the cheddar french fried onions may lose their crispiness if reheated in the microwave. For optimal crunch, consider using the oven for reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that Grandma’s Potatoes retain their deliciousness from the first serving to the last, whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for leftovers.

Variations:

Grandma’s Potatoes are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some exciting variations to try:

1. Bacon and Cheese: Add crispy cooked bacon pieces to the potato mixture before baking. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes and cheesy goodness.
2. Loaded Potatoes: Make it a “loaded” version by adding toppings such as diced ham, chopped cooked broccoli, or even diced bell peppers. Mix these in with the potato mixture for added texture and flavor.
3. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs and seasonings. Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme to the potato mixture for a fresh and aromatic twist.
4. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the potato mixture. This adds a spicy kick that complements the creamy and cheesy elements.
5. Vegetarian Option: Make Grandma’s Potatoes vegetarian-friendly by using a can of cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. You can also skip the french fried onions or use a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
6. Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends. Mix in some Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese along with the cheddar for a more complex cheese flavor.
7. Sweet Potato Twist: Substitute the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and slightly different flavor profile. This variation works well with a mix of sweet and savory toppings.
8. Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, including the cream of chicken soup and french fried onions, to make Grandma’s Potatoes suitable for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
9. Mini Individual Servings: Instead of a large baking dish, bake Grandma’s Potatoes in individual ramekins or muffin tins for a cute presentation. Adjust baking time accordingly for smaller portions.
10. Top with Panko Crumbs: For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the potatoes before baking. This adds a delicious crispy texture to each bite.

Try these variations to personalize Grandma’s Potatoes according to your preferences or to cater to different dietary needs. Each variation adds a unique twist while preserving the comforting essence of this classic dish.

FAQs :

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Yes, you can substitute fresh diced potatoes for frozen hash browns. Ensure they are parboiled or cooked slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
2. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup? Cream of mushroom soup is a popular alternative for a vegetarian version. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using chicken or vegetable broth thickened with flour or cornstarch.
3. Can I prepare Grandma’s Potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble Grandma’s Potatoes up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Add the french fried onions just before baking to maintain their crunch.
4. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy? Ensure the potatoes are well-drained and not overly thawed before mixing them with the other ingredients. Also, avoid over-mixing the ingredients to maintain potato texture.
5. Can I freeze Grandma’s Potatoes for later? While technically possible, freezing may affect the texture of the potatoes and the crispy topping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
6. What can I serve with Grandma’s Potatoes? They pair well with a side of green salad, steamed vegetables, or as a side dish to grilled meats or roasted chicken.
7. How do I reheat leftover Grandma’s Potatoes? Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up. For larger quantities, use a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
8. Can I make Grandma’s Potatoes dairy-free? Yes, you can use dairy-free substitutes such as vegan butter, dairy-free sour cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Ensure all ingredients, including the soup and french fried onions, are dairy-free.
9. What size baking dish should I use? A 9×13-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe to ensure even baking and to accommodate the quantity of ingredients.
10. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe typically serves about 6 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller gatherings.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common questions about preparing, serving, and customizing Grandma’s Potatoes to suit various preferences and dietary requirements.