French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

If you love cozy comfort food with a crispy, cheesy twist, then French Onion Funeral Potatoes are about to become one of your all-time favorites. This dish takes the beloved flavors of classic French onion soup—sweet caramelized onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce—and transforms them into a luscious potato casserole topped with irresistible crunchy fried onions. It’s the perfect way to bring warmth and a touch of indulgence to any gathering, holiday, or simply a weeknight meal where you’re craving a hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the humble lineup of ingredients in French Onion Funeral Potatoes. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures that make this dish so unforgettable. From the tangy sour cream to the bold spices in the sauce, everything works in harmony.

• Frozen cubed hash browns: These provide a fluffy potato base that soaks up all the delicious flavors without getting mushy.
• Unsalted butter: Used both in the potato mixture and sauce for richness and smooth texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, melty depth that’s simply irresistible.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess with a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
• Yellow onions: Seared and softened to build that signature French onion flavor.
• Garlic: Gives a gentle punch of warmth without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every bite perfectly.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors thoughtfully.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
• Cayenne pepper: A mild kick to keep things interesting.
• Dried mustard: Provides a tangy, slightly sharp undertone in the sauce.
• Chicken broth and whole milk: These liquids create a velvety sauce that ties the casserole together beautifully.
• Vegetable oil: For perfectly crisping the fried onions on top of the casserole.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

Start by thawing 32 ounces of frozen cubed hash browns and placing them in a large bowl. Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter and pour it over the potatoes along with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 ½ cups of sour cream. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly—this mixture is going to be the creamy, cheesy heart of your casserole.

Step 2: Make the Rich French Onion Sauce

In a medium non-stick skillet, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add one small diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring to release those sweet aromatic notes. Toss in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for just one more minute—this step helps build layers of flavor. Next, sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried mustard; stir continuously for around a minute to take the edge off the raw flour. Slowly whisk in ½ cup chicken broth and ½ cup whole milk, both at room temperature, then keep whisking as the sauce thickens into a luscious creamy consistency that will bind everything together.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Pour the warm French onion sauce directly into the potato mixture and stir until every chunk of potato is coated with that luscious sauce. Transfer this filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the whole casserole is bubbly, golden, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Fry the Onions

While the casserole bakes, prepare the fried onion topping. Thinly slice two large yellow onions, pulling them apart into individual layers. Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350°F. Fry about a cup of the sliced onions at a time, stirring occasionally for 2 to 5 minutes until they turn a delicate pale golden brown. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and repeat until all onions are perfectly crispy. These onions bring the iconic crunch and deep onion flavor that French Onion Funeral Potatoes are famous for.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the casserole finishes baking, remove it from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. That final detail is what makes this dish sacred in its deliciousness. Serve hot and enjoy the symphony of creamy, cheesy fluffy potatoes paired with that irresistible crunch.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

While the fried onions on top create the perfect crispy crown, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh bite that balances the rich dish beautifully. A tiny drizzle of extra sharp cheddar cheese melted on top can also wow your guests.

Side Dishes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes shine alongside roasted or grilled meats such as roast beef, ham, or chicken. They also complement lighter salads or steamed green veggies if you want to keep things balanced. The creamy richness of the casserole pairs well with anything fresh or simply seasoned, making it versatile for many meals.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this dish straight from the casserole, but for a more elegant twist, scoop individual portions into small ramekins for a charming presentation at brunch or dinner parties. Another idea is to prepare mini versions in muffin tins for party appetizers or easy grab-and-go snacks that still pack all those fabulous French Onion Funeral Potatoes flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead.

Freezing

French Onion Funeral Potatoes freeze wonderfully. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place your portion in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For that iconic fried onion crunch, add freshly fried onions on top after reheating or briefly broil just before serving to refresh the crispy topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh potatoes, dice and parboil them to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole. Frozen hash browns just make this recipe quicker and easier without sacrificing taste.

Are French Onion Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?

Traditionally, the recipe uses chicken broth, which means it is not vegetarian. However, you can substitute vegetable broth to make a vegetarian-friendly version without losing the depth of flavor.

How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?

The cayenne pepper adds just a mild warmth to the dish, not an overwhelming heat. It’s there to complement the savory flavors and give a little subtle kick that highlights the spices beautifully.

Can I prepare the fried onions ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the fried onions a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp until you’re ready to top your casserole.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute that still provides tanginess and creaminess to the potatoes.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a soul-soothing recipe that brings together the best of French onion soup and hearty potato casserole in one fantastic dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with a crunchy topping that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Go ahead, dive in and make some memories with this delicious classic!

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