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French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

4.8 from 24 reviews

French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a comforting casserole featuring a creamy mixture of hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream, topped with a rich onion sauce and crispy homemade fried onions. This dish combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with the beloved potato casserole, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare for baking.
  2. Prepare Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. Set aside this mixture.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook an additional minute for flavor development.
  4. Thicken Sauce: Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard to the skillet. Cook and stir the mixture for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the room temperature whole milk and chicken broth, continuously whisking to combine and prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  6. Combine Sauce and Potatoes: Pour the thickened sauce into the potato mixture and stir well to combine everything evenly. Then transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
  7. Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are bubbly and heated through.
  8. Prepare Fried Onions: While the casserole bakes, line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil over high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry about 1 cup of the thinly sliced onions in the hot oil. Stir occasionally and fry until the onions turn a pale golden brown, about 2 to 5 minutes.
  9. Drain Fried Onions: Using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried onions from the oil. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat frying the remaining onions in batches, ensuring the oil temperature stays at 350°F before each batch.
  10. Season Fried Onions: Sprinkle the fried onions evenly with kosher salt and toss gently to coat well.
  11. Top and Serve: Once the casserole has finished baking, remove it from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the hot casserole surface. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use thawed frozen hash browns for best texture; avoid fresh potatoes as they may release too much moisture.
  • Ensure the milk and chicken broth are at room temperature before adding to the sauce to avoid lumps.
  • If preferred, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it suitable for vegetarians.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F when frying onions for optimal crispiness and to prevent burning.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: funeral potatoes, french onion casserole, cheesy potato casserole, hash browns, fried onions, comfort food, casserole recipe