French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

This French Onion Funeral Potatoes dish is an irresistible comfort food masterpiece that combines creamy, cheesy potatoes with the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup, all topped with crispy homemade fried onions. It’s a show-stopping side dish perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday family dinners – whenever you need something that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen Hash Browns: The foundation of our casserole that saves tons of prep time. Thaw them completely for even cooking and better texture.
• Butter: Adds richness to both the potato mixture and the sauce. Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides that delicious tang and gooey texture. Grate it yourself for the best melt.
• Sour Cream: Creates creaminess and adds a subtle tanginess that balances the rich flavors.
• Yellow Onions: The star flavor component! You’ll need some diced for the sauce and larger ones for the crispy topping.
• Garlic: Adds depth and warmth to the sauce without overpowering the onion flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to create that perfect creamy consistency.
• Spices (Salt, Pepper, Cayenne, Dried Mustard): This blend provides balanced seasoning with just a hint of heat.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce – use good quality broth for the best flavor.
• Whole Milk: Creates richness in the sauce. The fat content helps carry flavor and creates creamy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying those delicious crispy onions to golden perfection.

Variations

Different Potato Options

Try using freshly grated potatoes instead of frozen hash browns for a different texture. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture. Or use tater tots for a fun twist!

Cheese Variations

Swap half the cheddar for Gruyère to really enhance the French onion flavor profile. A bit of Parmesan in the mix adds wonderful nutty notes.

Meat Additions

Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the potato mixture for a heartier dish that could even serve as a main course.

Vegetarian Version

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra umami flavor.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated, then set aside while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Create the French Onion Sauce

In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute – don’t let it brown! Sprinkle in the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard, then cook for another minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Pour the warm sauce over your potato mixture and stir thoroughly to distribute all those wonderful flavors. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and heated all the way through.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Onion Topping

While the casserole bakes, prepare your crispy onions. Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a large saucepan. Working in batches (about 1 cup of onions at a time), fry the separated onion slices until they reach a pale golden brown color, about 2-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or mesh strainer and spread on the paper towels. Repeat with remaining onions, making sure the oil returns to 350°F between batches. Sprinkle the fried onions with salt while still warm.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately top with your freshly fried onions. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This rich, decadent side dish pairs beautifully with simpler main courses. Try it alongside a roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. The potatoes complement these proteins without competing for attention.

Holiday Meal Planning

Make this casserole the star side dish at your holiday table. It goes wonderfully with turkey, prime rib, or spiral ham during festive gatherings.

Casual Gatherings

For potlucks or family gatherings, this dish holds up well on a buffet table. Place it between lighter sides like a green salad and steamed vegetables to create a balanced plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

Prepare the entire casserole (minus the fried onions) up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Fry the onions just before serving for maximum crispness.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fried onions will lose their crispness in storage, so consider storing them separately in a paper towel-lined container at room temperature.

Freezing

The potato casserole base freezes well for up to 3 months. Prepare through the baking step, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Make fresh fried onions on the day of serving.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). Cover with foil to prevent over-browning. For best results, make a fresh batch of crispy onions for the top, or use store-bought fried onions in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes transform a humble side dish into something truly special. The combination of creamy, cheesy potatoes with that incredible homemade crispy onion topping creates a dish that balances textures and flavors perfectly. While it takes a bit of effort to fry those onions, I promise the results are absolutely worth it. Whether for a holiday gathering or Sunday dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to become a requested favorite in your recipe collection.

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