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); 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 ½ cups sour cream; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced for topping); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 teaspoons garlic (minced); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon dried mustard; ½ cup chicken broth (room temperature); ½ cup whole milk (room temperature); 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying); ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for onion topping)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Discover the recipe for French Onion Funeral Potatoes, a delicious twist on the classic cheesy potato casserole with a homemade crispy onion topping! Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings, this dish combines comfort food and flavor in every bite. The blend of creamy textures and savory onions will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and creamy sour cream creates a rich taste that is absolutely mouthwatering.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Versatile Side Dish: French Onion Funeral Potatoes pair beautifully with meats, salads, or can even stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves 12 people, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
Comfort Food Delight: Enjoy the warm, cozy feeling that comes from sharing this cheesy potato goodness with loved ones.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth. These essentials will help you achieve perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Nonstick cooking spray
Mixing bowls
Skillet
Oven

Importance of Each Tool

9×13-inch baking dish: The ideal size for ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions to enhance their flavor before adding them to the casserole.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

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)

For the Crispy Onion Topping

2 large yellow onions, (thinly sliced, layers separated – about 4 cups onions)
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your casserole cooks evenly throughout.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will help prevent sticking and make serving easier later on.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Melt the remaining butter.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine thawed hash browns, sautéed onion mix, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, chicken broth, and whole milk.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 6: Prepare Onion Topping

In another skillet:
1. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add thinly sliced onions in batches until crispy and golden brown.
3. Remove cooked onions from oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Step 7: Bake

Top the potato mixture with crispy onions. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Enjoy your homemade French Onion Funeral Potatoes as a perfect side dish at your next gathering!

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with many meals. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these cheesy potatoes can elevate any plate.

Pair with Grilled Meats

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the creamy texture of the potatoes.
Steak: A juicy steak served alongside French Onion Funeral Potatoes creates a hearty meal perfect for special occasions.

Serve at Gatherings

Buffet Style: These potatoes are ideal for serve-yourself buffets, allowing guests to take as much as they like.
Potluck Dishes: Bring French Onion Funeral Potatoes to potlucks; they’re sure to be a hit among friends and family.

Accompany with Salads

Caesar Salad: The crunch from the romaine and croutons balances the creaminess of the potatoes.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.

Enjoy with Breakfast

Scrambled Eggs: Pairing these potatoes with fluffy scrambled eggs makes for a comforting brunch option.
Bacon or Sausage: Add crispy bacon or sausage links for a fulfilling breakfast experience.

How to Perfect French Onion Funeral Potatoes

To ensure your French Onion Funeral Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use Thawed Hash Browns: Make sure your hash browns are completely thawed for even cooking.
Opt for Sharp Cheddar: Using sharp cheddar cheese amplifies the flavor profile of your dish.
Sauté Onions Well: Cook the onions until they are golden brown for added sweetness and depth.
Don’t Skip the Toppings: The crispy onion topping is essential; it adds texture and flavor contrast.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps it set up nicely.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust seasonings based on your taste preference for an extra kick!

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

When serving French Onion Funeral Potatoes, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for scooping up cheesy goodness and adds a tasty crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the potatoes.
Green Beans Almondine: The freshness of green beans sautéed with almonds offers a light contrast to the heaviness of the casserole.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a burst of flavor that pairs well with cheesy dishes, especially in summer months.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers add flair to your table and complement the creamy texture of funeral potatoes beautifully.
Macaroni Salad: A cool macaroni salad serves as a refreshing side that contrasts nicely against warm dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Onion Funeral Potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the Thawing: Not thawing the hash browns can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure they are completely thawed before mixing.
Overbaking: Baking for too long can dry out the potatoes. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese can affect flavor and texture. Opt for sharp cheddar for a rich taste that complements the dish.
Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoned potatoes can taste bland. Make sure to follow the seasoning amounts closely for the best flavor.
Ignoring Onion Preparation: Improperly sliced onions can lead to uneven cooking. Slice onions thinly and separate layers for even frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Use a freezer-safe container for storage.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with date.

Reheating French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making French Onion Funeral Potatoes, we’ve got answers!

Can you make French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake right before serving.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese works best, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for added flavor.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep this dish gluten-free.

Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Consider adding cooked bacon, broccoli, or different herbs for extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Funeral Potatoes offer a delightful twist on traditional cheesy potato casseroles. This dish is perfect for gatherings and special occasions yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings!