French Fry Casserole Recipe

Frozen french fries: These are the base of the casserole, providing a crispy and hearty texture.

Cream of mushroom soup: This canned soup adds a creamy and savory element to the dish.

Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the casserole.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top to create a gooey, cheesy layer.

Cooked bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch.

Green onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh, slightly sharp flavor.

To ensure the french fries in your casserole come out perfectly crispy, consider partially baking them on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes before mixing them with the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream mixture. This pre-baking step helps to remove some of the moisture from the fries, allowing them to maintain a better texture during the final bake.

• frozen french fries - Substitute with tater tots: Tater tots provide a similar texture and crispy exterior, making them a great alternative to french fries in a casserole.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup offers a similar creamy consistency and savory flavor, making it a suitable replacement for cream of mushroom soup.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, while also adding a boost of protein.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and offers a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients in the casserole.

• cooked bacon, crumbled - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a smoky flavor and crispy texture.

• green onions, chopped - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a fresh garnish to enhance the dish.

• Allow the French Fry Casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will keep the casserole fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

• For freezing, portion the casserole into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to store the portions.

• Label each container or bag with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness. The French Fry Casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat from frozen, you can either thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight or bake it directly from the freezer. If baking from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

• For a crispier topping, consider adding a fresh layer of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon before reheating. This will give the casserole a freshly baked feel.

• Avoid microwaving the casserole if possible, as it can make the french fries soggy. If you must use a microwave, reheat in short intervals and check frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover French Fry Casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover French Fry Casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the fries regain some crispiness.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and crispiness.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese with the frozen french fries.

• Baking dish: Used to transfer the mixture into and spread it out evenly for baking.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the mixture and ensuring the french fries are well coated.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon.

• Knife: Used for chopping the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the green onions.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Cooling rack: Useful for letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Preheat while prepping: Save time by preheating your oven while you mix the ingredients.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Opt for pre-cooked bacon to skip the frying step.

Mix in the baking dish: Combine the ingredients directly in the baking dish to reduce cleanup.

Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese to avoid grating it yourself.

Chop green onions in advance: Prepare and store chopped green onions ahead of time.