If you are on the hunt for a creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting side dish that will steal the show at any gathering, the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. This dish takes classic funeral potatoes to the next level by layering in rich homemade onion sauce and crispy fried onions on top, creating a combination of flavors and textures that is simply unforgettable. Whether it’s a holiday table, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings warmth and a touch of indulgence that everyone will rave about.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting its rich flavor and creamy, satisfying texture. From the sharp cheddar to the tangy sour cream, and the star of the show, fresh onions transformed into a savory sauce and crispy topping, every component comes together beautifully.

Potatoes: 32 ounces thawed frozen cubed hash browns provide the perfect creamy yet slightly textured base.
Butter: Both melted and for the sauce, it adds richness and helps marry all the flavors together.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Two cups shredded give the casserole its irresistible cheesy goodness.
Sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess, balancing the cheese and making the dish extra luscious.
Yellow onions: Used twice, once diced for the sauce and again thinly sliced for frying to crispy perfection.
Garlic: Fresh and minced, it boosts the savory depth without overpowering.
Flour: Helps thicken the homemade savory sauce that coats the potatoes for richness and smoothness.
Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, and dried mustard add layers of flavor complexity.
Chicken broth and whole milk: These liquids form the creamy sauce base, bringing moisture and a silky finish.
Vegetable oil: For frying the onions until golden and crispy, producing an addictive topping.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures a hassle-free cleanup and prevents sticking, so when your cheesy casserole is ready, it slides right out.

Step 2: Combine Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, take your thawed hash browns and toss them with the melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar, and the smooth sour cream. Mix these ingredients until fully incorporated—this blend forms the creamy, cheesy heart of the casserole that everyone loves.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Next, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the diced yellow onions. Cook them until they turn soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with that iconic onion aroma. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, then whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard. Slowly add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth. This luscious sauce is what elevates the potatoes from simple to extraordinary.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour the warm sauce over the prepared potato mixture and mix well so every bite is coated in flavor. Transfer this comforting mixture into your prepared baking dish and bake it for 45 to 50 minutes until bubbly, golden, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Fry Onions

While the casserole bakes, it’s time to prepare the crispy topping. Heat your vegetable oil in a saucepan until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). In batches, fry the thinly sliced onions until they turn a beautiful, golden brown. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt to enhance their crunch and savory notes. These crispy onions add the perfect contrasting texture to the creamy potatoes below.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Once your casserole emerges from the oven, golden and bubbling, immediately top it with your freshly fried onions. The contrasting textures and rich flavors combine to create a dish that is truly mouthwatering and deeply satisfying. Serve it warm and get ready for compliments galore!

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens this dish visually and adds a hint of fresh flavor that balances its richness. For an extra layer of indulgence, a light drizzle of sour cream on top with the crispy onions looks beautiful and tastes divine.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. It also complements roasted meats and poultry perfectly, turning any meal into a comforting feast that satisfies from the first bite to the last.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets for a charming presentation. You could even turn it into a potluck-friendly dish by layering in a slow cooker and topping just before serving, keeping it warm and the onions crispy on the side until mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard not to finish it all at once), cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when resting overnight, making the next-day taste just as delightful.

Freezing

This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe freezes well, just assemble but do not add the fried onions on top. Wrap the assembled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, bake until hot and bubbly, then add fresh crispy onions for serving.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Adding a few fresh fried onions or reheating leftover fried onions separately in a skillet helps keep their signature crunch on freshly heated portions.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely. If you prefer fresher texture, you can peel and cube fresh potatoes, then parboil them until just tender before combining with the other ingredients. Just keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly, but the flavor will stay incredible.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This swap maintains all the comforting flavors without any animal products, making it suitable for vegetarians while staying deliciously indulgent.

Can I make the fried onions ahead of time?

While you can fry the onions ahead and store them, it’s best to fry them as close to serving as possible for optimal crispiness. If you do prepare them early, keep them on a paper towel-lined plate and lightly reheat in a hot skillet before topping the casserole.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Sour cream adds a beautiful tang and creaminess to this recipe, but you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative or even cream cheese for a richer bite. Just remember to adjust the flavors to your taste preference.

How spicy is this recipe with the cayenne pepper?

The cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth that complements the savory onions without overwhelming heat. You can easily reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder casserole, but a little kick really enhances the overall flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s comforting, cheesy, and loaded with flavorful layers that make every bite special. Whether you’re serving guests or just craving something hearty, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

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4.2 from 37 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe is a comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender hash browns mixed with a rich sour cream and cheddar cheese base, topped with a creamy homemade French onion sauce and crispy fried onions. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this dish combines classic flavors with a delightful crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

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

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Combine Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Make the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Whisk in the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard, ensuring no lumps remain. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk until the sauce is smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared sauce over the potato mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Fry Onions: While the casserole bakes, line a baking sheet with paper towels. Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan to 350°F (177°C). Fry the thinly sliced onions in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the onions and drain them on the paper towels. Sprinkle the fried onions with kosher salt immediately.
Top and Serve: Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and evenly top it with the crispy fried onions. Serve the dish immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Thaw hash browns completely and drain if they release any water to avoid a soggy casserole.
Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level or omit if sensitive to spice.
Frying onions can be done ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a tangy and rich flavor that balances the creamy sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American