Funeral Potatoes Recipe {Easy Make Ahead Casserole} - The Shortcut Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to make a casserole ahead of time? ›

Casseroles may be the most all-around satisfying dishes. Not only are they super hearty, but they're extremely easy to pull off, which makes casseroles the most accommodating meal out there. The only thing that can make a casserole more convenient is preparing it ahead of time.

One of the advantages of casseroles is that you can cook them in advance. If possible, make your casserole one day ahead and store in the fridge – this intensifies the flavours of the dish. To freeze ahead, cool the cooked casserole, then freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.

For example, assemble a vegetable casserole a day in advance, refrigerate and then bake the day of your dinner. Plan 15 to 20 minutes additional heating time for the refrigerated cold casserole.

You can also cook the cheesy potatoes ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven at 350F, with the top covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes.

The best way to is to cover it and put it into a cold oven. Covering the top will trap the steam in and keep it moist while it reheats. Set the oven temperature to 350°F and heat it to an internal temperature 165°F. Use an instant read thermometer to check that the it has reached a food safe temperature.

PLANNING AHEAD

To make your Potato Gratin ahead of time, assemble the dish and bake it, covered with foil, for 50-60 minutes. Let it cool and then refrigerate overnight. When you're ready to serve, cover the potatoes with foil and reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until hot.

To prevent a soupy casserole, be sure to fully thaw any frozen vegetables in a colander over a bowl, and pat dry, squeeze excess moisture out of greens like spinach or chard, and quickly precook watery fresh vegetables like onions, mushrooms or squashes just until they release their moisture.

Generally, casseroles with grains, rice or pasta that will cook during the baking process are usually covered, for at least part of the time. Casseroles made of cooked ingredients are usually baked uncovered. If you like a crisper, browner top, be sure the casserole is uncovered for at least part of the bake time.

TWO HOURS is the MAXIMUM time perishable foods should be at room temperature (ONE HOUR at temperatures 90 degrees F and higher). This INCLUDES the time they're on the table during your meal. Just ONE bacterium, doubling every 20 minutes, can grow to over 2,097,152 bacteria in 7 hours!

The short answer is both. Covering a casserole traps heat and steam and gets the casserole cooking. However, you also have to take the cover off to get a crunchy, browned top.