French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Imagine pillowy-soft potatoes swirled with gooey cheddar, a tangy swipe of sour cream, and a homemade, almost dangerously irresistible, mountain of crispy fried onions on top. That’s the magic of French Onion Funeral Potatoes—a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that never fails to win hearts (and taste buds). This dish is pure gold for potlucks and family gatherings, a savory showstopper that somehow gets even better with time. Whether you’re making memories around the table or just want something a little extra special for Sunday supper, French Onion Funeral Potatoes promise warmth, nostalgia, and crunchy bliss in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how such everyday ingredients come together to create something so unforgettable. Every item plays a key role—melty cheese for richness, onions for depth, potatoes for that ultimate comfort—making each forkful of French Onion Funeral Potatoes pure joy.

• Frozen cubed hash browns (32 ounces): No need to peel or chop—these thawed cubes are the shortcut to creamy, tender potato goodness.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Delivers richness and helps all the other flavors become one beautiful, velvety bite.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): For bold flavor and that drool-worthy stretch when you serve.
• Sour cream (1½ cups): Adds cool tang and creamy body to soften everything out.
• Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Builds the sweet foundation in your sauce—don’t skip it!
• Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): The little spark of flavor that brings life to the entire casserole.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens your sauce so each square cuts clean and creamy.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, plus ½ teaspoon for onions): Don’t be shy—salt unlocks every savory, cheesy note.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For a subtle backbone of warmth and spice.
• Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just enough gentle heat to keep things exciting without overpowering.
• Dried mustard (½ teaspoon): Heightens the cheese flavor and balances the richness.
• Chicken broth (½ cup, room temperature): Enhances the sauce with savory depth.
• Whole milk (½ cup, room temperature): Balances out the sauce and keeps it perfectly creamy.
• Yellow onions for topping (2 large, thinly sliced): When fried, these become your signature golden, crisp finale.
• Vegetable oil (4 cups): Don’t skimp here—enough oil makes those onions ultra crisp and evenly browned.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coat of nonstick spray. A little prep work here keeps cleanup minimal and ensures your French Onion Funeral Potatoes slide right out, golden and bubbly.

Step 2: Mix the Potato Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar, and luscious sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly coated and gleaming with cheesy promise. Set this mixture aside; the anticipation is building!

Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce

Melt the butter in a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add that finely diced onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes, just until it softens and starts to smell sweet. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute, taking in all those irresistible aromas.

Step 4: Thicken and Season

Sprinkle your flour into the pan, followed by salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard. Cook for about a minute—the mixture should be fragrant and starting to turn golden. This simple roux will give your French Onion Funeral Potatoes their signature creamy body.

Step 5: Whisk in Liquids

Start pouring in room temperature milk and chicken broth slowly, whisking continuously so your sauce stays lump-free. Let it simmer and bubble gently until it thickens up nicely. This is where all the flavors come together in perfect harmony.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Pour the finished sauce over your potato mixture and mix everything really well. Spread it evenly into your prepped baking dish. The aroma at this stage is already irresistible!

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. When you peek in, you want to see bubbling edges and melty cheese magic. While the casserole is baking, it’s time to make those extra-special fried onions.

Step 8: Make Crispy Fried Onions

Line a baking sheet with paper towels for easy draining. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over high until it reaches 350°F. Then, working in batches, fry your thinly sliced onions until golden and crisp, about 2–5 minutes per batch. Move them onto your paper towel–lined sheet and toss with a little extra salt. These homemade toppers are what make French Onion Funeral Potatoes so memorable!

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Once the casserole is bubbling and hot, scatter those crispy onions all over the top. The result: a dish with both irresistible crunch and creamy comfort. Serve it up while those onions are fresh and golden!

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

Right before serving, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley brightens up the rich casserole and adds a pop of color. For a little extra zing, a pinch of smoked paprika or a light dusting of extra shredded cheddar is always a welcome finishing touch on French Onion Funeral Potatoes.

Side Dishes

Let French Onion Funeral Potatoes be the star side! They pair beautifully with simple roasted or grilled meats, a crisp green salad, or steamed green beans for balance. Their creamy, cheesy character makes them the ideal companion for almost any entrée at your table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for casual comfort, or try spooning it into mini ramekins for elegant individual portions at a dinner party. For potlucks, pop the cooled French Onion Funeral Potatoes into a slow cooker to keep them warm and irresistible for hours.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes tightly and refrigerate them for up to four days. The flavors meld even more overnight, and the dish reheats beautifully, making lunch the next day almost as exciting as dinner.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! Assemble it completely but hold off on frying the onions. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight, bake until hot and bubbling, then finish with fresh fried onions.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout (about 20–25 minutes). If you saved some fried onions, scatter them on after reheating so they stay extra crispy—just like the first time!

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes! Peel and cube an equal amount of russet potatoes. Parboil them for just a few minutes to soften slightly, then proceed with the recipe as usual. It adds a little prep but the potatoes will be just as delicious.

What’s the best way to make the fried onions super crispy?

Slice the onions nice and thin, keep each batch small enough to avoid overcrowding the oil, and make sure the oil returns to 350°F before adding the next round. This guarantees golden, lacy, crispy onions every time.

Can French Onion Funeral Potatoes be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re all set. These small tweaks mean everyone can dig in and enjoy the same luscious, satisfying side.

Can I assemble the dish ahead of time?

Definitely—assemble the whole casserole (minus the fried onions) up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding just a few extra minutes to the bake time, and top with freshly fried onions before serving.

How can I prevent soggy onions on top?

Don’t add the fried onions until right before serving. If storing leftovers, keep a handful of crispy onions aside in an airtight container and sprinkle just before reheating for that perfect crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a side dish guaranteed to earn rave reviews, French Onion Funeral Potatoes fit the bill like nothing else. Their winning combination of creamy, cheesy comfort and that addictive crispy onion crown makes them an unforgettable staple on any menu. Go on, give it a try, and watch everyone ask for seconds—trust me, it’s that good!

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