Name: French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns (thawed); ½ cup unsalted butter (total, melted); 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 ½ cups sour cream; 3 small yellow onions (1 diced and 2 thinly sliced); 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup whole milk; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon dried mustard; 4 cups vegetable oil

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If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that will wow your family and friends, then you absolutely have to try these French Onion Funeral Potatoes! This recipe is close to my heart because it’s a delicious twist on the classic cheesy potato casserole, and it always brings smiles to the table. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need something special for a busy weeknight dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

What makes these potatoes truly special is their homemade crispy onion topping that adds an irresistible crunch. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Honestly, who can resist the combination of crispy onions and gooey cheese? I can’t wait for you to make this dish and see how quickly it disappears!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy goodness, making it a hit at any table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for prepping in advance—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
Delicious Flavor: The blend of sharp cheddar and caramelized onions creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
Comfort Food Classic: This dish embodies all the warmth and coziness we crave in comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is quick and easy! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items you likely already have on hand or can easily pick up at your local store. Let’s get started on creating these scrumptious French Onion Funeral 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
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)
2 large yellow onions, (thinly sliced, layers separated; about 4 cups onions)
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Variations

One of the best things about French Onion Funeral Potatoes is how flexible this recipe is! You can easily adapt it to match your taste or what you have available. Here are some fun ideas:

Add Some Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for added color and nutrition.
Change Up the Cheese: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor beautifully.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly from the beginning. While that’s heating up, grab a lovely baking dish—spray it with nonstick spray so nothing sticks!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt a bit of butter and add the diced yellow onion along with minced garlic. Cook them until they become tender and translucent. This step brings out their sweetness and adds depth to our casserole.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine your thawed hash browns, sautéed onions, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, chicken broth, milk, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed—this is where all those delicious flavors come together!

Step 4: Pour into Baking Dish

Transfer this creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly so every bite will be packed with flavor!

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In another skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with kosher salt. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy—this will create that amazing crunchy topping we all love.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Top your potato mixture with those beautifully fried onions! Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and golden on top.

And there you have it—your very own batch of French Onion Funeral Potatoes! Serve them warm and enjoy every last bite with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Creating the perfect French Onion Funeral Potatoes is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.

Use thawed hash browns – Thawing the frozen hash browns before baking allows for more even cooking and helps prevent a soggy texture, ensuring that your casserole comes out crispy and delicious.
Sauté the onions well – Cooking the onions until they’re deeply caramelized enhances their flavor, which is key in achieving that rich, French onion taste. It adds sweetness and depth to your dish!
Don’t skip the cheese blend – While sharp cheddar is the star of this recipe, consider mixing in a bit of Gruyère or pepper jack for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. It elevates the overall taste experience.
Let it rest after baking – Allowing your casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve. Plus, it enhances the flavors as they meld together.
Adjust seasoning to taste – Depending on personal preference, feel free to modify the spices and salt levels. Taste testing as you go can help you find that perfect balance!

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Serving these delicious French Onion Funeral Potatoes is just as important as making them! With some thoughtful presentation, you can impress your family and friends at your next gathering.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley – A sprinkle of bright green parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
Caramelized onion rings – Adding a few crispy onion rings on top creates an appealing visual and gives an extra crunch that everyone will love.

Side Dishes

Roasted vegetables – A medley of seasonal roasted veggies such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers brings vibrancy and nutrition to your plate while balancing the richness of the potatoes.
Mixed greens salad – A light salad with mixed greens dressed in a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes, helping cut through their richness.
Grilled chicken or tofu – For a protein option, grilled chicken or marinated tofu adds substance to your meal without overshadowing the flavors of the potatoes. Both options are crowd-pleasers!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to make and enjoy this comforting dish! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to save time while enjoying this comforting dish throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely.
Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the casserole in a baking dish covered with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you want a crispier top!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about French Onion Funeral Potatoes that might help you in your cooking journey.

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember that it may require a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

These delightful potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh green salad. They make an excellent addition to any meal.

Are French Onion Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, making it suitable for everyone at your table.

How do I ensure my French Onion Funeral Potatoes are creamy?

To keep your potatoes creamy, be sure not to overbake them. Keeping an eye on them towards the end of cooking ensures they stay moist and cheesy!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you love making these French Onion Funeral Potatoes as much as I do! They’re not just a side dish; they’re a warm hug on a plate that brings people together. Enjoy every cheesy bite and feel free to experiment with additional toppings or sides. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!