Table of Contents: Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes

Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes

Remember those potlucks and family gatherings where a certain creamy, cheesy potato dish always disappeared first? That’s the magic of Funeral Potatoes – a classic comfort food that’s guaranteed to be a hit.

And now, you can enjoy that same beloved flavor with even less effort thanks to this incredibly easy Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes recipe! This is the perfect side dish to bring a smile to everyone’s face, and it practically makes itself.

This recipe takes a traditional cheesy potato casserole and simplifies it for the modern, busy cook. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is a warm, bubbly, and utterly delicious potato side dish that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or, yes, even a comforting weeknight meal.

It’s a dish that evokes memories and creates new ones, and we’re thrilled to share our foolproof method with you. How do you make funeral potatoes in a slow cooker? It’s easier than you think!

Alternate Names & Variations

This dish goes by many names! You might hear it called “Party Potatoes,” “Casserole Potatoes,” or even “Off-the-Cuff Potatoes.” The origin of the name “Funeral Potatoes” is rooted in Mormon culture, traditionally served at potlucks following funerals – a gesture of comfort and support. While the name might seem somber, the dish itself is anything but! There are variations too, some adding bacon, ham, or different types of cheese.

But this recipe focuses on the classic, creamy goodness that makes this a beloved cheesy potato casserole for generations.

Ingredients: Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:

* 1 bag (32 oz.) frozen diced potatoes (Southern Homestyle or similar)
* 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
* 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
* 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided (sharp or mild, your preference!)

* 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for best flavor and texture)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
* ½ cup kettle-cooked potato chips, crushed (for a delightful crispy topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes: No need to thaw! Pour the frozen diced potatoes directly into your slow cooker. This is a huge time saver and ensures the potatoes cook to a perfect tenderness.

2. Combine the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of celery soup, finely chopped onion, sour cream, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. Chef’s Tip: Using a whisk ensures there are no lumps in your creamy sauce.
3. Coat the Potatoes: Pour the creamy mixture over the frozen potatoes in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure all the potatoes are evenly coated. Don’t overmix, as you want to maintain some potato chunkiness.
4. Add the Cheese: Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded Cheddar cheese to the potato mixture and stir again until just combined. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for topping.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for tenderness after the minimum time. The potatoes are ready when they are easily pierced with a fork and the sauce is bubbly.
6. Crispy Topping Time: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Cheddar cheese and the crushed kettle-cooked potato chips evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the potato chips are golden brown and crispy. Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can broil the casserole for a minute or two to crisp up the topping, but watch it carefully to prevent burning!
7. Serve & Enjoy: Carefully spoon the Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes into a serving dish and enjoy!

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe is incredibly simple, resulting in a delicious and comforting side dish. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and cook time ranges from 2-6 hours depending on your slow cooker setting.

The total time from start to finish is around 2 hours 15 minutes (mostly hands-off!). This recipe yields about 6-8 servings. Approximate calories per serving are around 350-400 (depending on cheese and sour cream used).

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes recipe works because it leverages the slow cooker’s ability to gently and evenly cook the potatoes, resulting in a creamy, tender texture. The cream of celery soup provides a rich base, while the sour cream adds a delightful tang. Using frozen diced potatoes eliminates the need for peeling and chopping, making this an incredibly convenient potato side dish.

The kettle-cooked potato chips are the secret weapon! They provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes. Don’t substitute with regular potato chips – the kettle-cooked variety holds its texture much better. This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners and gatherings. For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the creamy sauce.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze this dish. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it before adding the potato chip topping. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating from the fridge, a microwave or oven works well. For a crispier texture, add a sprinkle of fresh crushed potato chips before reheating. This is a great way to enjoy this classic potluck food even days later!

People Also Ask: Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes

What are the main ingredients for funeral potatoes?

The core of Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes lies in a few key ingredients. Frozen diced potatoes form the base, providing a hearty and comforting texture. Cream of celery soup creates the rich, creamy sauce that coats the potatoes. Sour cream adds a delightful tang, and of course, plenty of shredded Cheddar cheese brings it all together.

Finally, the crushed potato chips provide that signature crispy topping. These ingredients combine to create a truly unforgettable cheesy potato casserole.

How do you make funeral potatoes in a slow cooker?

Making Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes is incredibly simple! You start by adding the frozen diced potatoes to your slow cooker. Then, you whisk together the cream of celery soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the potatoes, stir to combine, and add most of the cheese.

Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours, until tender. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and crushed potato chips during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is this a cheesy potato casserole?

Absolutely! Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes are essentially a variation of a cheesy potato casserole. The creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and generous amount of cheese are all hallmarks of this classic dish.

The addition of sour cream and the unique potato chip topping sets it apart, but it definitely falls into the category of comforting, cheesy potato goodness. It’s a perfect potato side dish for any occasion.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can! This is a great dish to prepare ahead of time, especially if you’re hosting a large gathering. You can assemble the casserole (up to the point of adding the potato chips) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer it to the slow cooker and add the potato chips during the last 30 minutes.

This makes it even easier to enjoy this delicious Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes recipe without the last-minute stress.

Conclusion: Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and slow cooking to create something truly special. Don’t be afraid to give it a try, and don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking!

We’d love to hear how your Funeral Potatoes turn out. Share your photos and comments below – we’re always happy to connect with our readers and see your culinary creations. Happy cooking!