HOW TO: Par-cooked Shredded Potatoes
Looking for a substitute for frozen shredded potatoes? This is it.
Looking for a substitute for frozen shredded potatoes? This is it. And it’s choose your own adventure. That’s right, FOUR methods to par-cook the potatoes. I’ve listed them in the order of my preference.
Shredded frozen potatoes are already cooked before they go in the bag. The manufacturer par-cooks, shreds and flash freezes the potatoes. Then they’re funneled into bags, frozen again and shipped to the store. As a convenience item that maintains original nutrition and purpose, shredded frozen potatoes are great. Standard size bags are 1 pound, 2 pounds or 5 pounds.
We grow our own garden potatoes and live by amazing neighbors who farm hundreds of acres of potatoes, so we love the option of utilizing fresh potatoes in as many ways as possible.
HOW TO: Par-cooked Shredded Potatoes
OPTION 1: Slow Cooker Baked
Cook time: 4 hours
1, 2 or 5 lbs potatoes
Follow directions to make the perfect Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
Remove from pot, cool to handling temperature
Peel potatoes using a paring knife
Select a hand grater and shred potatoes
Use the prepared shredded potatoes
OPTION 2: Pressure Cooker Baked
Cook time: 10 minutes pressure + 10 minutes natural release
1, 2 or 5 lbs potatoes
Follow directions to make the perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Remove from pot, cool to handling temperature
Peel potatoes using a paring knife
Select a hand grater and shred potatoes
Use the prepared shredded potatoes
OPTION 3: Traditional Oven Baked
Cook time: ~1 hour
1, 2 or 5 lbs potatoes
Wash and place in oven preheated to 350F
Bake ~60 minutes
Remove from oven, cool to handling temperature
Peel potatoes using a paring knife
Select a hand grater and shred potatoes
Use the prepared shredded potatoes
OPTION 4: Par Boiled
Cook time: ~20 minutes
1, 2 or 5 lbs potatoes
Peel skins from potatoes, leave whole or cut in half lengthwise
To a large pot, add:
1-2 cups water
Prepared potatoes
Bring to boil, stir once, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 minutes.
Remove from pot, cool to handling temperature
Select a hand grater and shred potatoes
Use the prepared shredded potatoes
Brenda’s tips:
Serving size: 1 lb., 2 lbs., or 5 lbs.
Each of these methods have their benefits, find the one that works best for your style
Funeral Potatoes
A classic, these cheesy potatoes are the perfect side dish
A traditional recipe, this version is better than average with the addition of the sautéed garlic & onions. Of course you can leave them out, but then you’ll be missing out.
Funeral Potatoes
Prepare an 8”x8” baking dish, spritzing with non-stick spray, set aside.
Begin preheating oven to 350F.
To a skillet heated over medium, add:
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp onions, finely diced
1 tsp garlic, minced
Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
To a medium mixing bowl, add:
1 (1 lb) bag frozen shredded potatoes*
Season with:
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp garlic powder
Toss together, then add the:
Sautéed vegetables
Pour in:
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken condensed soup
4 Tbsp sour cream
4 Tbsp milk
1/2 cup grated cheese
Fold together until well distributed. Pour into prepared 8”x8” baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and place in preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until center is hot and bubbling. Serve hot.
Brenda tips:
Serving size: 4 - 6 servings
*Shredded potatoes - substitute fresh potatoes for the frozen: Follow the recipe for HOW TO: Instant Pot Baked Potato to bake 3 potatoes, peel and shred. Use the prepared shredded potatoes in place of the 1 lb frozen.