Incredible Potato Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 75 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes
• cup unsalted butter
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 pint sour cream
• 1 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• cup chopped green onion
• cup crushed cornflakes cereal
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
2. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Add whole unpeeled potatoes and cook until tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Transfer the potatoes to a cutting board and discard the water. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and grate them into a medium bowl.
4. Melt cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and cook until it begins to bubble.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in sour cream, Cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix in the grated potatoes until well combined.
6. Pour the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
7. In a resealable plastic bag, shake together crushed cornflake crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter until well combined.
8. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 462
• Total Fat: 30g (39% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 18g (90% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 70mg (23% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 517mg (22% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 39g (14% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 11g (23% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 34mg (38% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 249mg (19% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (19% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 814mg (17% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This hearty potato casserole, combining grated boiled potatoes with Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup, is a dish that has won the hearts of many over the years. Topped with crispy cornflakes, its a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday celebrations.

History of the Dish

The origins of the potato casserole, especially the version featuring cream of mushroom soup, are rooted in mid-20th century American cuisine. It was a time when convenience foods, like canned soups and pre-grated cheese, became household staples, simplifying meal prep for busy families. This casserole became a popular comfort food, often made for family gatherings and festive meals, due to its simplicity, affordability, and delicious taste. Over the years, the dish has evolved, with various regional twists added to suit local tastes and ingredient availability.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

In the U.S., this potato casserole is known by different names and prepared with slight variations depending on the region. In the Midwest, it's commonly called "Funeral Potatoes" because of its popularity at potlucks and memorial gatherings. In the South, its often served alongside ham, especially during the holidays, as a rich and comforting side dish. Variations include using hash browns instead of grated potatoes, adding bacon or sausage for extra flavor, or replacing the cornflakes with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

While similar to other creamy potato dishes like scalloped potatoes or au gratin potatoes, the Incredible Potato Casserole stands out due to its unique use of sour cream and the addition of the crispy cornflake topping. Unlike scalloped potatoes, which are typically made with cream or milk and are often baked without a topping, this casserole's richness comes from the combination of sour cream and soup, making it extra creamy and indulgent. The cornflakes provide a satisfying crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the smooth, cheesy potatoes.

Where Is It Typically Served?

This casserole is a favorite at holiday meals, particularly Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, where it is commonly served alongside roasted meats like ham and turkey. It's also a go-to dish for potluck events and family gatherings, where it can feed a crowd without much effort. Whether it's a backyard BBQ or a Sunday dinner, this potato casserole fits into a variety of occasions, making it a versatile dish that's loved by all.

Interesting Facts

• The dish has gained the nickname "Funeral Potatoes" in the U.S. due to its popularity at post-funeral gatherings, providing comfort during difficult times.
• In some regions, people swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup, and add extra ingredients like green chilies or diced onions for more flavor.
• Though often made with fresh potatoes, many families use frozen hash browns as a quicker alternative. This shortcut still delivers the same creamy, cheesy result.
• Despite being a dish that's easy to make, the casserole has become a beloved, nostalgic recipe passed down through generations, often representing family traditions and holiday memories.

Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, the Incredible Potato Casserole will surely be a hit, offering a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures. Give it a try and see why its earned its place as a staple comfort food in many households.

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