Oh, if you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, crispy, and downright comforting, then this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine layers of tender potatoes bathed in a rich, savory cheese and sour cream sauce, all topped with golden, crunchy fried onions that add the perfect burst of flavor and texture. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to feel wrapped in a warm culinary hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might sound simple, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving that irresistible balance of flavors and textures in your French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe. From the creamy sharp cheddar to the crispy fried onions, every component is essential to the dish’s success.
- Frozen cubed hash browns (32 ounces): The base of the dish that offers a tender potato texture and heartiness.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup + ¼ cup): Adds richness and helps create the luscious sauce and crispy onion topping.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Provides a bold, melty cheesiness that makes this casserole truly special.
- Sour cream (1 ½ cups): Brings tanginess and creaminess that keeps the potatoes moist.
- Small yellow onion (1, diced): Infuses the sauce with that authentic French onion flavor.
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Adds depth and a subtle punch to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the sauce perfectly for that creamy consistency.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon + ½ teaspoon for onions): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives the sauce a gentle hint of spice.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a whisper of heat for complexity.
- Dried mustard (½ teaspoon): A surprising ingredient that brightens the sauce flavor.
- Chicken broth (½ cup, room temperature): Provides savory depth to the sauce.
- Whole milk (½ cup, room temperature): Softens the sauce and adds creaminess.
- Large yellow onions (2, thinly sliced): Essential for making the crispy fried onion topping.
- Vegetable oil (4 cups): For frying the onions to golden perfection.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick spray. This little step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly when baked.
Step 2: Mix the Potatoes and Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your thawed hash browns with melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar, and creamy sour cream. Mixing these thoroughly creates the rich, velvety base layer of your French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe that’s full of cheesy goodness right from the start.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce
Over medium heat, melt butter in a skillet and add the diced onions, cooking them until soft and translucent—this is where that classic French onion flavor starts to develop. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more. Then whisk in flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard, stirring well. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, whisking constantly until your sauce thickens into a silky, smooth mixture that will coat every potato bite with rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Potatoes, Then Bake
Pour the luscious sauce over your potato mixture and give everything a good stir to ensure every cube is coated. Transfer this hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until it’s bubbling and heated through—the smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 5: Fry the Onions for the Perfect Topping
While your casserole bakes, get ready for the crowning glory: crispy fried onions. Line a baking sheet with paper towels to soak up excess oil. Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (177°C) in a saucepan, then fry the thinly sliced onions in batches until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Lay them on the paper towels and sprinkle with salt for that irresistible crunch that will elevate your casserole’s finish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the potatoes are baked to bubbly perfection, pull the dish from the oven and immediately top it with your homemade fried onions. Serve it right away for the best texture contrast and flavor burst that make this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and balance, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over your casserole. These bright green herbs add a pop of color and a hint of earthiness that complements the cheesy richness beautifully. You could also add a dollop of sour cream on the side for an extra creamy indulgence.
Side Dishes
This comforting casserole pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides to balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make perfect companions. If you love hearty meals, serve it alongside roasted chicken or pork for a truly satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with the crispy onions and sprinkle of herbs for a classy, personalized touch. Or layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to showcase the gooey cheese and golden top before baking. The visual alone will have everyone excited to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is just as delightful the next day. Cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat until warmed through, and add a few fresh fried onions on top for that initial crispy texture.
Freezing
You can prepare this dish ahead and freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe container, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, bake as directed, and fry fresh onions for that perfect final touch. This makes meal prep a breeze!
Reheating
To keep that signature crunchy top, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through instead of using a microwave. About 20 minutes should do the trick. Add fresh fried onions just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, cube and parboil them to soften before mixing with the other ingredients. Just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and you’re good to go. The rest of the flavors remain rich and satisfying without the meat broth.
How do I make the fried onions if I don’t want to deep fry?
You can bake thinly sliced onions tossed with a little oil in a 400°F (204°C) oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, stirring occasionally until golden and crisp. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious!
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor and meltability, but you can experiment with a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a more complex taste profile.
Final Thoughts
The French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe has a way of feeling like a warm hug around the dinner table. Its creamy texture, tangy cheese, and crispy onion topping create a harmony of flavors that’s impossible not to love. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover why it’s a beloved favorite that brings joy and comfort to any meal.
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French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe is a creamy, cheesy casserole made with tender hash browns, a rich homemade onion sauce, and a crispy topping of fried onions. Perfect as a comforting side dish for gatherings and potlucks, it combines classic French onion flavors with the beloved funeral potatoes concept, delivering a savory and satisfying dish.
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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Potato Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir everything together until evenly mixed and set aside for now.
- Make the Onions Sauce: Melt the ¼ cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced small yellow onion and cook until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one more minute. Whisk in the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard until combined. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Combine Sauce and Potatoes, Bake: Pour the thickened onion sauce over the potato mixture and mix well to coat everything. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Fry the Onions: While the casserole is baking, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (177°C) in a deep saucepan. Fry the thinly sliced onions in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels lined on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Top and Serve: Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately top with the freshly fried crispy onions. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before topping with fried onions to keep them crispy.
- You can prepare the fried onions in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer, use fresh grated cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
