We’ve always been fans of Snow on the Mountain, a hearty Southern classic that originated in community potlucks and brings folks together with its comforting layers of rice, protein and fresh toppings. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or gatherings, offering simple ingredients that pack big flavor.
In our kitchen, we’ve tweaked this timeless recipe to make it even easier while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re new to it or a longtime lover, you’ll find our version delivers that satisfying, homey vibe every time.
Ingredients
In our take on the classic Southern dish, Snow on the Mountain, we select fresh, high-quality ingredients that build layers of comforting flavors and textures. These components reflect the dish’s traditional essence while incorporating our streamlined modifications for ease.
We organize the ingredients below in the order they are typically used, with prep notes for precision:
- Rice (base layer): 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed to remove excess starch for a fluffy foundation.
- Protein: 1 pound ground chicken or turkey, thawed and seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to add savory depth.
- Vegetables (for layering): 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 1 cup) to provide fresh acidity and crunch.
- Toppings: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, grated fresh for a melty contrast; 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup) for a sharp bite.
- Greens: 2 cups shredded lettuce or spinach, chopped to maintain crispness and add a nutritious element.
- Sauce: 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup, mixed with ½ cup milk to create a creamy binder that ties everything together.
- Seasonings: 1 tablespoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon paprika, combined for an extra layer of warmth and color.
This selection ensures our Snow on the Mountain remains a hearty, crowd-pleasing option for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Snow on the Mountain recipe to life seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few key tools that ensure efficient preparation and layering of this comforting Southern dish. Here’s our curated list of essential equipment, organized by the sequence of use in the cooking process.
- Large Pot: We use this for boiling the uncooked long-grain white rice to achieve fluffy, perfectly cooked grains that form the base of our Snow on the Mountain.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: Essential for browning the seasoned ground chicken or turkey, allowing us to develop rich flavors quickly and evenly.
- Mixing Bowl (Medium Size): We recommend this for combining ingredients like the creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup and milk, ensuring a smooth blend before assembly.
- Baking Dish or Casserole Pan (9×13 inches): Ideal for layering all components—rice, protein, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and greens—into a cohesive, hearty meal that bakes to perfection.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for seasonings like garlic powder and paprika, so we always have these on hand to maintain the dish’s balanced flavors.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: We depend on these for prepping fresh items such as diced tomatoes and chopped onion, making the process safe and precise.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing in the skillet or bowl, helping us handle the ground meat and sauce without damage.
With this equipment ready, we’re set to move forward with the preparation steps, focusing on efficiency and the homey vibe that makes Snow on the Mountain a crowd-pleaser.
Instructions
Now that we have our fresh ingredients and essential equipment lined up, we guide you through creating our flavorful Snow on the Mountain with simple, step-by-step directions that deliver a comforting, layered dish full of hearty textures and tastes.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s prep our ingredients for efficiency and to enhance the dish’s vibrant flavors. Begin by rinsing 2 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then set it aside in a bowl. Next, chop 1 medium onion into fine pieces and dice 2 large tomatoes, placing them in separate bowls to keep their fresh juices intact for adding crunch and brightness later.
For the protein, season 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt, mixing thoroughly in a bowl to infuse every bite with savory depth. Prepare the creamy sauce by combining 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup milk in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth for a velvety texture that ties the layers together. Lastly, shred 2 cups of cheddar cheese and wash and chop 2 cups of greens like lettuce or spinach, ensuring all components are measured and ready to build the Snow on the Mountain‘s signature appeal.
Cook the Dish
With ingredients prepped, we move to cooking the core elements that form the hearty base of our Snow on the Mountain. First, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the rinsed rice and 1 teaspoon salt, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and fluffy, creating a neutral canvas that absorbs the other flavors beautifully.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the seasoned ground chicken or turkey for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s no longer pink and releases a mouthwatering aroma of garlic and paprika that fills the kitchen. Meanwhile, in the same mixing bowl used earlier, gently heat the creamy sauce in a saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring until warm and glossy to ensure it coats each layer with rich, comforting creaminess. These steps build the dish’s satisfying heartiness, making it perfect for family gatherings.
Assemble the Layers
Now we assemble the layers that give Snow on the Mountain its iconic, crowd-pleasing structure, turning cooked components into a visually appealing and tasty bake. In a greased baking dish, start by spreading the cooked rice evenly as the base layer, followed by the browned meat for a protein-packed middle, then pour the warm creamy sauce over it to bind everything with silky smoothness.
Top with the chopped onion, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped greens, arranging them in an even layer for a burst of crisp freshness and color that contrasts the warmth below. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into golden bubbles and the aromas of seasoned layers mingle, resulting in a dish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Snow on the Mountain recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights or gatherings, we recommend preparing components in advance. This approach allows you to focus on assembly and baking when you’re ready to serve, preserving the dish’s comforting, layered flavors.
Preparing Components Ahead of Time
We can streamline the process by prepping key elements up to 24 hours in advance. Follow these steps:
- Cook the rice early: Boil and drain the uncooked long-grain white rice as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This ensures the rice stays fluffy and ready for layering.
- Season and brown the protein: In your skillet, brown the ground chicken or turkey with seasonings like garlic powder and paprika. After cooking, let it cool completely, then store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Pro tip: This step enhances the flavors, making the dish even more satisfying when reheated.
- Make the creamy sauce in advance: Combine the cream of chicken soup and milk in a mixing bowl, then warm it gently on the stove. Allow it to cool before transferring to a sealed jar or container. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours to let the flavors meld, which adds depth to the sauce’s velvety texture.
- Prep the fresh toppings: Dice the tomatoes and chop the onions ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight bags or containers in the fridge for up to 1 day to maintain their crispness. For greens like lettuce or spinach, wash and shred them just before storing to prevent wilting, and keep them chilled for no more than 24 hours.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping ingredients fresh and safe. Here’s a quick guide:
| Component | Storage Method | Maximum Time | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked rice | Airtight container in fridge | 24 hours | Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warmed through. |
| Browned protein | Sealed container in fridge | 2 days | Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until hot, adding a splash of water if needed. |
| Creamy sauce | Sealed jar in fridge | 48 hours | Warm in a saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. |
| Fresh toppings | Airtight bags in fridge | 1 day | Use cold or at room temperature for optimal crunch; no reheating required. |
Assembling and Finishing the Dish
When you’re ready to enjoy our Snow on the Mountain, remove the prepped components from the fridge. Assemble the layers in your baking dish as described in the previous section—starting with the rice, followed by the protein, sauce, and toppings. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. This make-ahead strategy keeps the homey vibe intact while saving you valuable time.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our take on Snow on the Mountain
as a simple yet heartwarming classic that brings folks together.
It’s perfect for creating memorable meals without the fuss.
Whether you’re prepping for a quick dinner or a big gathering
we encourage you to give this recipe a go.
You’ll discover its timeless charm and make it your own go-to favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snow on the Mountain?
Snow on the Mountain is a classic Southern dish that originated from community potlucks. It features layers of rice, protein like ground chicken or turkey, fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes and greens, and a creamy sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, offering simple flavors that evoke a homey vibe while being easy to customize.
What are the main ingredients in Snow on the Mountain?
The key ingredients include uncooked long-grain white rice, seasoned ground chicken or turkey, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, fresh greens like lettuce or spinach, a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup and milk, and seasonings such as garlic powder and paprika. These fresh, high-quality components create a hearty, flavorful dish.
How do I make Snow on the Mountain?
Start by rinsing and boiling the rice. Brown the seasoned meat in a skillet, prepare the creamy sauce in a mixing bowl, and chop fresh toppings. Layer everything in a baking dish—rice at the bottom, followed by meat, sauce, and toppings—then bake until bubbly and golden. The whole process is straightforward and takes about 45-60 minutes.
Can I make Snow on the Mountain ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components like cooked rice, browned meat, creamy sauce, and chopped toppings up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers. When ready, assemble and bake. This makes it ideal for busy schedules, ensuring the dish stays fresh and flavorful with proper reheating.
What equipment do I need for Snow on the Mountain?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling rice, a skillet for browning meat, a mixing bowl for the sauce, a baking dish for layering, measuring cups and spoons for seasonings, a cutting board and knife for prep, and a spatula for stirring. These basic tools help make the process efficient and enjoyable.