Emilie Meyer
Cheesy potatoes are a classic comfort food and a crowd-pleaser at parties, holidays, and family gatherings. They are often called funeral potatoes as they are a staple at funeral luncheons, especially in the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This dish typically consists of potatoes, cheese, butter, and a cornflake topping, baked together in a casserole. When preparing cheesy potatoes for a large group, such as 25 people, it is essential to consider the recipe's proportions and the size of the baking pans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recipe | Cheesy potatoes |
| Number of people served | 25 |
| Pan size | 9x13 |
| Butter | 1 stick per pound of potatoes |
| Cheese | 24 oz or less |
| Sour cream | Yes |
| Soup | Yes |
| Salt and pepper | Yes |
| Dried parsley | Optional |
| Cornflakes | Optional |
| Bake time | 40-50 minutes |
| Bake temperature | 350 F |
| Reheating instructions | Microwave until heated through |
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Recipe for 25 people
This recipe for cheesy potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes, is a crowd-pleasing classic that serves 25 people. It's a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any gathering, and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (freshly grated, frozen cubed hash browns, or real potatoes)
- Shredded cheese
- Cornflakes
- Butter (you can use margarine as a substitute)
- Sour cream
- Soup (optional – cream of mushroom soup works well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried parsley (optional)
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray or use a disposable aluminum pan. If using fresh potatoes, parboil and dice them first.
In a large bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Whisk in the sour cream and soup (if using) until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste, and dried parsley if desired.
Stir in the potatoes until they are completely coated with the mixture. Spread the potato mixture in the baking dish.
Crush the cornflakes and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle this cornflake topping over the potatoes.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are bubbly and warmed through. The cheese should melt before the potatoes are soft, so keep stirring to determine when the potatoes are cooked to your desired texture.
Tips:
This recipe can be adapted for different group sizes. For a smaller group, you can halve the ingredients and use a single 9x13 pan. For a larger group of 50 or more, triple the recipe and use multiple 9x13 pans or larger disposable pans.
You can also make this dish in advance. Prepare the recipe up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Enjoy your cheesy potatoes!
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Bake time
The bake time for cheesy potatoes depends on the amount of cheese in the recipe, the type of potatoes used, and the desired tenderness. It is recommended to bake cheesy potatoes at 350°F for 40-50 minutes or until bubbly and warmed through. If the potatoes are cold from the fridge, add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
The fastest this recipe will be done cooking is in 2.5 hours at 350°F when stirred every 20-30 minutes. However, it is recommended to allow up to 4 hours for the recipe to cook, especially if using a large batch of potatoes.
For a 9x13 pan of potatoes, some recipes call for a stick of butter per pound of potatoes, while others use less butter, around 2.25 sticks for 6 pounds of potatoes. The amount of butter used can affect the bake time, as more butter can help keep the potatoes moist and prevent them from drying out.
It is important to sample the potatoes often and stir them frequently to determine when they have reached the desired tenderness. Once the desired tenderness is achieved, the oven temperature can be turned down to "keep warm," and the potatoes can continue to be stirred every 20-30 minutes until serving.
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Freezing and reheating
Cheesy potatoes are a great make-ahead dish, as they freeze well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Here are some detailed instructions on how to freeze and reheat cheesy potatoes:
Freezing:
Before freezing, it is important to note that you should not freeze raw potatoes as they turn brown and mushy. Instead, prepare your cheesy potatoes as you normally would, but do not add any toppings. For example, if your recipe includes a cornflake topping, only add this after thawing and before reheating.
Spread the mixture into a disposable or recyclable aluminum pan covered with foil. You can also use a freezer-safe storage container or a freezer bag. Seal the container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze.
Reheating:
Thaw the cheesy potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can reheat the potatoes in the oven or the microwave.
For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the thawed potatoes in a casserole dish, loosely cover with foil, and place on the center rack for 15 to 25 minutes, or until warmed through. If you are reheating from frozen, bake uncovered at 400°F for about an hour or until crispy and golden brown.
For the microwave, place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish to keep in some of the steam and heat on 50% power for about 5 minutes for thawed potatoes and a little longer for frozen potatoes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Storage:
Cheesy potatoes can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Serving suggestions
Cheesy potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. They are perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made in large batches, making them ideal for parties, holidays, and family gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your cheesy potatoes:
Serving Size and Batch Planning:
The serving size for cheesy potatoes can vary depending on the occasion and what other foods are being served. As a side dish, a 9x13 pan of cheesy potatoes can typically serve about 16 people. However, if you are serving a larger crowd or want to ensure generous portions, you may need to adjust the batch size. For a group of 25 people, you will likely need at least two 9x13 pans of cheesy potatoes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:
Cheesy potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer before baking. If preparing in advance, follow the recipe up until the final baking step. Store the unbaked mixture in airtight containers or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and foil. The unbaked mixture can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Baking and Reheating Instructions:
When baking your cheesy potatoes, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. If you are baking from a refrigerated state, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. For a single 9x13 pan, the baking time is typically between 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are bubbly and warmed through. If you are serving a large crowd and have multiple pans, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. To reheat leftovers, place a desired portion on a plate and microwave until heated through.
Cheesy potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. They are commonly served alongside baked ham, roasted turkey, chicken, or flank steak. For a vegetarian option, they can be enjoyed with a green salad and crusty bread. Cheesy potatoes can also be part of a potluck spread, accompanied by dishes such as pulled pork, baked beans, pasta salad, or other potato varieties. Don't forget to offer a range of desserts to complete the meal!
Presentation Ideas:
Cheesy potatoes can be served directly from the baking dish, creating a casual and rustic presentation. For a more elegant look, transfer the potatoes to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. If you have used individual ramekins or small baking dishes, place them on a serving tray, allowing your guests to serve themselves. For a fun and interactive presentation, set up a topping bar with options such as crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, green onions, bacon bits, or extra shredded cheese, allowing your guests to customize their potatoes.
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Toppings
While there is no information on how many pans of cheesy potatoes are needed to feed 25 people, a 9x13-inch pan is a standard size for this dish.
Cheesy potatoes are a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Here are some topping ideas to elevate your cheesy potatoes:
- Cheddar Cheese: This timeless pairing is a predictable yet delicious option. Cheddar comes in various varieties, so you can experiment with mild, sharp, or extra sharp varieties to find your preferred taste and melting texture.
- Butter and Sour Cream: These classic toppings complement the cheddar cheese beautifully, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
- Blue Cheese: If you enjoy the aromatic and complex flavour of blue cheese, consider adding blue cheese crumbles to your potatoes. The sharpness of the blue cheese will cut through the starchiness of the potatoes. Just remember that blue cheese prefers to be the sole cheesy topping.
- Beer Cheese Sauce: For a pub-style comfort food experience, try a beer cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, ale, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This tangy and bitter sauce is best used in small doses to top off your potatoes.
- Cornflakes: For a crunchy texture contrast, crush some cornflakes and mix them with melted butter before sprinkling them over your potatoes. This topping is especially popular for "funeral potatoes."
- Potato Chips: If you're looking for an extra crunchy and crispy topping, cover your potatoes with potato chips before baking.
- Chives and Bacon: For a savoury twist, add some sharp and oniony chives and crumbled bacon to your cheesy potatoes.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions can add a mild onion flavour to your potatoes without overwhelming the other toppings.
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