French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

If comfort food had a secret handshake, French Onion Funeral Potatoes would be the ultimate club pass. Cheesy, creamy, and topped with a mountain of crispy fried onions, this casserole takes the classic funeral potato concept and gives it an irresistible French onion twist. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving at a family gathering, or simply treating yourself on a cozy evening, this dish is pure, golden magic in a pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about French Onion Funeral Potatoes is that every ingredient has a starring role: some for flavor, others for that ooey-gooey texture, and definitely a few for crunch! Here’s what you need and why each matters for this ultimate side dish:

• Frozen cubed hash browns (32 ounces): These give you fluffy, hearty potato chunks without any peeling or chopping, making prep a breeze.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup total): Divided between the potatoes and sauce, butter boosts richness and gives everything a silky finish.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melt-in-your-mouth cheddar brings deep flavor and that signature cheesy pull.
• Sour cream (1 ½ cups): Adds tang and creaminess, making the casserole moist without overwhelming the potatoes.
• Yellow onion (1 small, diced for sauce): Provides the aromatic backbone and that tell-tale sweet, savory note.
• Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): A little goes a long way in rounding out the savory flavors.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the sauce to create that luscious, clinging texture.
• Kosher salt (1 ½ teaspoons total): Seasoning the sauce and fried onions ensures every bite pops.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth and contrast.
• Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): A subtle kick gives depth without being spicy.
• Dried mustard (½ teaspoon): A touch of tang that mysteriously boosts the cheese flavor.
• Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds savory undertones and thins the sauce, so it’s not too thick.
• Whole milk (½ cup): Makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
• Yellow onions for topping (2 large, thinly sliced): These turn into those addictive, golden fried onion curls that everyone fights over.
• Vegetable oil (4 cups): For crispy-frying the onions to perfection.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures your potatoes won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup. If you don’t have a nonstick spray, a quick swipe of melted butter does the trick!

Step 2: Mix the Potato Base

In a large bowl, toss together your thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar, and sour cream. Give it a really good mix so every single potato cube is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. Set this bowl aside while you get the sauce ready—it’s about to get even more decadent.

Step 3: Cook the Savory Sauce

Grab a non-stick skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until it’s soft and starting to turn golden (this is where the French onion magic happens). Add the garlic, then sprinkle in the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard, stirring for a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, and keep stirring as it thickens into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your hot, thickened sauce into the bowl with your potato mixture. Stir until everything is beautifully combined. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. It’s already mouthwatering, but just wait for what’s next!

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Slip the dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the whole pan is bubbling and the edges are golden. While those French Onion Funeral Potatoes are filling your kitchen with the best smells ever, it’s time to get your fried onions ready.

Step 6: Fry the Crispy Onions

While the casserole bakes, line a large baking sheet with paper towels to catch excess oil. In a large saucepan, heat your oil to 350°F. Working in batches, fry up the onion slices until they’re a pale golden brown—2 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain them well and sprinkle with kosher salt while they’re still warm so every bite gets that perfect salty crunch.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Once your casserole is done, take it out of the oven and pile those irresistible fried onions all over the top. Serve right away for the most outrageous crunch! French Onion Funeral Potatoes are best enjoyed hot, with all that creamy, cheesy, oniony bliss in every bite.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped chives or parsley scattered on top right before serving adds a pop of color and a light, herby finish. You can also sprinkle a touch more sharp cheddar or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor and flair.

Side Dishes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are crowd-pleasers with everything from roasted meats (think prime rib, baked ham, or roast chicken) to simple grilled veggies or a crisp green salad. They’re also a dreamy brunch addition paired with eggs and fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving them in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or take them potluck-style in a decorative baking dish. For a playful twist, layer the fried onions on just before serving for an ultra-fresh crunch, or swap for seasoned breadcrumbs if you want a different texture. You could even tuck bits of cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms into the mix for a heartier version!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any French Onion Funeral Potatoes left (good luck!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The potatoes stay delicious, and the flavors actually meld together even more overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze French Onion Funeral Potatoes! Assemble the casserole but leave off the fried onions. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Add freshly made fried onions after reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the casserole in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until hot throughout (usually 20 to 30 minutes). If you froze the dish, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating and then add the crispy onions for maximum crunch. A quick broil at the end can revive any topping that’s lost its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Just peel and cube your potatoes, then parboil until just tender before using them in the recipe. The frozen hash browns keep things easy and consistent, but homemade works great too.

What kind of cheese is best for French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

Sharp cheddar is classic for that tangy, melty punch, but you can mix in Gruyère or Swiss for a fancier, even more “French onion” flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing vegetarian version that loses none of its savory charm.

Why are they called “funeral potatoes”?

They earned the name because they’re so beloved at community gatherings, potlucks, and yes, even funeral luncheons—basically anywhere comfort food is a must. French Onion Funeral Potatoes update the classic for even more craveworthy flavor.

How do I keep the fried onions crispy?

Let the onions drain well on paper towels, and don’t cover the dish after topping with the onions. Adding them right before serving keeps them shatteringly crisp!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends, family, or just yourself, you have to try French Onion Funeral Potatoes. Every forkful is a celebration of creamy, cheesy satisfaction with a crunchy, golden finish. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going straight into your regular rotation!

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