French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
French Onion Funeral Potatoes are one of those magical casseroles that instantly become the highlight of any gathering. Imagine buttery potatoes, creamy cheese, and a luscious homemade French onion sauce bubbling away under a golden blanket of crispy fried onions. This comforting dish isn’t just for special occasions—it’s the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for weeknights, holidays, or whenever you crave something truly flavorful. Every bite delivers a savory, cheesy, onion-kissed taste that proves why French Onion Funeral Potatoes have achieved cult-classic status at potlucks everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Onion Funeral Potatoes lies in its simplicity—just a handful of humble ingredients create a dish that’s layered with savory depth and irresistible texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy base to the crispy topping, so don’t skip a single component!
- Frozen cubed hash browns: These form the hearty foundation and soak up all that rich, cheesy flavor while baking.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds creaminess and brings all the elements together.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The bold sharp cheddar melts beautifully for gooey, tangy pockets throughout the casserole.
- Sour cream: Lends a velvety richness and tang that balances the savoriness.
- Unsalted butter (for sauce): Creates the silky base for the French onion sauce layer.
- Yellow onion (diced): Provides sweet undertones that deepen the entire dish.
- Garlic (minced): Just a touch, but it infuses the whole casserole with warm, aromatic flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it coats every bite of potato.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick.
- Cayenne pepper: Just enough for a subtle heat in the background.
- Dried mustard: Offers a tangy complexity that wakes up the cheese flavor.
- Chicken broth (room temperature): Deepens the umami in the sauce and adds moisture.
- Whole milk (room temperature): Rounds out the sauce, making it creamy and luscious.
- Yellow onions (thinly sliced): Key for the crispy fried onion topping that’s simply irresistible.
- Vegetable oil: Needed for frying the onions to absolute golden perfection.
- Kosher salt (for topping): A final sprinkle brings the fried onions to life.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with nonstick cooking spray—this will ensure those cheesy potatoes release easily later on. A little prep up front means mess-free serving at the end!
Step 2: Combine the Potato Base
In a large bowl, add the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar, and sour cream. Stir everything together until the potatoes are enveloped in a creamy, cheesy mixture. Set this bowl aside while you get started on the unforgettable French onion sauce.
Step 3: Make the Savory French Onion Sauce
Melt butter in a medium nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and gently cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened and aromatic—about 3-5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to unlock all those aromatic oils.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients to Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard into the skillet. Stir this mixture for one more minute—you’re forming a thick, flavorful roux that’s essential for the creamy texture of these French Onion Funeral Potatoes.
Step 5: Finish and Thicken the Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, whisking gently, until the mixture thickens into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing at this point!
Step 6: Combine and Assemble
Pour the warm French onion sauce into your bowl of potato mixture. Stir well so every potato cube is coated in that glorious sauce. Now transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly casserole with golden edges—proof that the flavors have all melded together beautifully.
Step 8: Prepare the Crispy Fried Onions
While the French Onion Funeral Potatoes bake, line a large baking sheet with a couple of paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy saucepan to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the thinly sliced onions for 2-5 minutes per batch, stirring gently, until they’re pale golden brown and crisp.
Step 9: Drain and Season Fried Onions
Transfer the fried onions with a slotted spoon to your lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt while they’re still hot and toss well. The result? A crunchy, oniony topping that will make the casserole unforgettable.
Step 10: Top and Serve
After the casserole is piping hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven and scatter the fresh fried onions evenly over the top. Get ready for a chorus of oohs and aahs as you bring your French Onion Funeral Potatoes to the table!
How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley can add a lovely pop of earthy color and flavor on top of the casserole. For a little zing, you might also scatter a few chives or finely sliced green onions over the fried onions before serving.
Side Dishes
French Onion Funeral Potatoes pair delightfully with simple green salads dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate. They’re also a perfect match for classic roasted meats like spiral ham, rotisserie chicken, or prime rib.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the mixture in individual ramekins for personal servings or bringing the whole casserole to the table in a pretty ceramic dish. For parties, portion into muffin tins for easy-to-hold, bite-sized delights. No matter how you serve them, these potatoes have star power!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow French Onion Funeral Potatoes to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—leftovers reheat beautifully for a second round of comfort food bliss.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the casserole (before adding the fried onion topping), wrap it well in plastic and foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, making fresh fried onions before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes. If the fried onions have softened, you can pop them under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp them up again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can! Dice your potatoes small and boil them until just tender, then use them in place of frozen hash browns. This will add a rustic touch to your French Onion Funeral Potatoes, though the frozen version keeps things super simple.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor and good melt, but feel free to play around! Gruyère or Swiss cheese work wonderfully if you want to echo the flavors of French onion soup in your French Onion Funeral Potatoes.
Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly dish without sacrificing any of that savory, comforting depth.
How do I keep the fried onions crispy?
Let the fried onions drain really well on paper towels, and don’t add them to the casserole until just before serving. This way, your French Onion Funeral Potatoes will keep that signature crunch that everyone loves!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then refrigerate (unbaked and covered) for up to one day. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake and top with fresh fried onions.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you’ll give these French Onion Funeral Potatoes a try. They’re the ultimate comfort food, irresistibly cheesy and crowned with that unforgettable crispy onion layer. Whether you’re making them for a potluck or a quiet family dinner, they bring warmth, flavor, and plenty of smiles every single time!
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French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a comforting and savory casserole dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with classic funeral potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy fried onions, this dish is perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, (thawed)
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, (melted)
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, (shredded)
- 1 ½ cups (345 g) sour cream
Sauce:
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, (diced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- ½ cup (120 g) chicken broth, (room temperature)
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, (room temperature)
Fried Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, (thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions))
- 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Potatoes
Combine potatoes, butter, cheese, and sour cream.
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside. - Sauce
Make sauce. Melt butter in skillet.
In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add onions and garlic.
Add onions and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
Add dry ingredients.
Add flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard. Cook another minute.
Add milk and chicken broth.
Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking until well combined. Continue to cook, whisking until thickened.
Pour sauce into potato mixture. Pour into baking dish.
Pour the sauce into the potato mixture. Mix well. Then, pour into the prepared baking dish. - Bake 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Make fried onion.
- Fried Onions
Line baking sheet with paper towels.
Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Set aside.
Heat oil.
To a large saucepan over high heat, add oil. Heat to 350°F.
Fry onions. Set on paper towel.
Working in batches, add about 1 cup of onions to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until onions turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried onions from the hot oil. Place them in an even layer onto the lined baking sheet. Set aside and repeat with the remaining onions. (Make sure the oil is at 350°F before frying each batch.)
Sprinkle fried onions with salt, tossing to coat.
Remove casserole from oven. Add fried onions.
After the casserole has baked for 45-50 minutes, remove from the oven. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top of the hot casserole.
Serve warm.
Serve.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Feel free to add crispy bacon or diced ham for extra flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: French Onion Funeral Potatoes, Funeral Potatoes Recipe, Cheesy Potato Casserole, French Onion Casserole, Comfort Food
