Hearty French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe – A Comforting Classic

Comfort meets tradition in this hearty casserole that brings french onion funeral potatoes to your dinner table with pure, soul-warming magic.

Layers of creamy potatoes mingle with caramelized onions and a golden, crispy top that beckons everyone to the table.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy richness that deepens every delectable bite.

The classic dish carries memories of potlucks and church gatherings, where love is served in generous spoonfuls.

Tender potato chunks nestle between silky cream and savory seasonings that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary side that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Prepare to be swept away by this irresistible comfort food that promises to become a cherished family favorite.

Why French Onion Potatoes Are So Addictive

• Comfort Food Champion: This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe delivers ultimate creamy, cheesy goodness that wraps you in warm, delicious comfort with every single bite.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Combining French onion sauce with classic potato casserole creates an unexpected flavor profile that elevates traditional comfort dishes to a whole new gourmet level.
• Crispy Texture Magic: The homemade fried onion topping adds a delightful crunch that transforms the soft, creamy potato base into a multi-textured culinary experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals, this recipe serves a crowd and guarantees zero leftovers with its irresistible blend of rich flavors and satisfying ingredients.

Ingredients for This Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Main Ingredients:

Potato Base: .

• Hash Browns: Shredded potato goodness ready to become deliciously creamy.
• Sour Cream: Smooth and tangy base enhancer.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty comfort that adds rich flavor.

• Butter, Milk: Creamy ingredients that bring silky texture.
• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that adds depth.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-packed base that brings warmth.
• Flour, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Dried Mustard: Spice blend that creates complex taste.

• Vegetable Oil, Sliced Onions: Crispy golden garnish that adds crunch.

• Nonstick Spray, Paper Towels: Kitchen helpers for easy cooking and cleanup.

How to Make French Onion Style Potatoes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of nonstick magic.

Step 2: Create the Potato Base

• Frozen hash browns
• Melted butter
• Shredded cheese
• Creamy sour cream

Blend everything until it’s perfectly combined.

Step 3: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium flame.

Melt butter and toss in diced onions, cooking until they turn soft and golden.

Throw in minced garlic and let it dance for a minute.

• Flour
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried mustard

Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking like a pro.

Keep stirring until the sauce transforms into a smooth, thick wonder.

Step 4: Merge and Bake the Magic

Pour the luscious sauce into the potato mixture.

Stir until everything is perfectly blended.

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Send it into the oven for 45-50 minutes until it’s bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 5: Crisp Up Those Onion Toppers

Set up a paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Heat vegetable oil to a sizzling 350°F in a large saucepan.

Fry onion slices in batches, stirring occasionally.

Watch them turn a beautiful pale golden brown (about 2-5 minutes).

Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Sprinkle with kosher salt while still warm.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pull the casserole from the oven.

Crown it with the crispy fried onions.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips to Get That Caramelized Onion Flavor Just Right

• Ensure hash browns are fully thawed and gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing a crispy, golden texture.
• Whisk continuously while adding liquid ingredients to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the potatoes perfectly.
• Use a cooking thermometer when frying onions to maintain exactly 350°F, ensuring evenly golden and crispy onion topping without burning.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free flour to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

How to Keep Funeral Potatoes Delicious Later

• Store leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Great Side Ideas for French Onion Potatoes

• Elevate French Onion Funeral Potatoes Pairing
• Unleash Robust Red Wine Harmony: Rich cabernet sauvignon or merlot complement the deep caramelized onion flavors, cutting through the creamy potato casserole with elegant tannic structure.
• Create Zesty Side Salad Balance: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette to contrast the heavy, rich potato dish, adding refreshing brightness and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Boost Protein Companion Choice: Grilled herb-crusted chicken breast provides lean protein that matches the casserole's creamy texture without overwhelming the complex onion and cheese notes.
• Enhance Herbal Beer Matching: Select a Belgian-style wheat beer or hoppy pale ale to introduce subtle herbal undertones that dance alongside the caramelized onion and cheesy potato elements.

Fun Potato Bake Variations to Try

• Vegan Veggie Fusion: Replace hash browns with roasted cauliflower, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, use plant-based cheese and dairy-free sour cream alternative, and top with nutritional yeast-coated crispy onions.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, use gluten-free hash browns, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, maintaining the same creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap hash browns with cauliflower rice or riced turnips, reduce cheese quantity, use heavy cream instead of milk, and incorporate more herbs like thyme and rosemary for enhanced flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add diced cooked chicken or crumbled bacon to the potato mixture, incorporate cottage cheese for extra protein, and sprinkle with sliced almonds before baking for additional nutritional boost.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen onions instead of fresh for this recipe?

Fresh onions are recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen onions tend to release more water and can make the dish soggy, affecting the overall quality of the funeral potatoes.

• Is it necessary to fry the onions, or can I skip that step?

Frying the onions is crucial for creating the signature crispy topping that adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor to the dish. Skipping this step would significantly reduce the recipe’s overall taste and texture.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.

• What can I do if I don't have cayenne pepper?

If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can substitute with a pinch of red pepper flakes or simply omit it. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the other seasonings.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary tradition in this French onion funeral potatoes casserole, blending creamy textures with rich caramelized flavors. Hearty cheese and crispy topping create a soul-warming dish you’ll crave at every gathering, promising pure deliciousness in every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups (345 grams) sour cream

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Seasoning/Optional Ingredients:

(none in this recipe)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend hash browns with melted butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream until uniformly combined.
3. Create the sauce by sautéing diced onions in a non-stick skillet until they become translucent and soft.
4. Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
5. Incorporate flour and seasonings into the onion mixture, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
6. Gradually introduce chicken broth and milk, whisking methodically to develop a smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reaches a velvety texture.
8. Fold the prepared sauce into the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
9. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
10. Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until the surface becomes golden and the edges bubble enthusiastically.
11. While the casserole bakes, prepare crispy fried onions by heating vegetable oil to 350°F in a large saucepan.
12. Fry sliced onions in small batches, stirring occasionally, until they achieve a delicate golden-brown color.
13. Drain the fried onions on paper towels and season immediately with kosher salt.
14. Once the casserole is fully baked, remove from the oven and generously garnish with the crispy fried onions.
15. Serve the dish piping hot, allowing the layers of flavors to tantalize the taste buds.

Notes

• Use fresh hash browns or thaw frozen ones completely for even cooking and crispy texture.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to suit personal heat preferences.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or sharp cheddar for more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 343
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 365 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 54 mg