French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
If you love comforting casseroles that fill the room with irresistible aromas, then the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. This dish is the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory, featuring tender potatoes enveloped in a rich, homemade French onion sauce and crowned with golden fried onions. It’s a crowd-pleaser made with simple ingredients that come together to form a warm, inviting dish worthy of any gathering. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a dish to your next potluck, this recipe promises a hearty, satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From creamy sour cream to the crispiness of fresh fried onions, every element is carefully selected to complement the others.
- Frozen cubed hash browns (32 ounces): The base of the dish that provides a tender yet hearty potato texture once baked.
- Unsalted butter (1 stick total, divided): Adds richness and helps both the sauce and fried onions reach their perfect golden state.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Brings a robust, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the potatoes.
- Sour cream (1 ½ cups): Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Yellow onions (3 total, divided): Used both diced for the sauce and thinly sliced for frying, delivering that classic French onion flavor and crispy topping.
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Provides aromatic depth to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Acts as a thickening agent for the luscious sauce.
- Kosher salt (1 ½ teaspoons, divided): Enhances the flavors throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat without overpowering.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
- Dried mustard (½ teaspoon): Adds a faint tang and complexity to the sauce.
- Chicken broth (½ cup, room temperature): Creates a savory base for the sauce.
- Whole milk (½ cup, room temperature): Makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
- Vegetable oil (4 cups): Needed for frying the thin onion slices into crispy, irresistible toppings.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spraying a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your casserole will release easily after baking and prevents any sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Potato Mixture
Into a large bowl, toss together the thawed cubed hash browns, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mixing these ingredients now wraps the potatoes in a velvety, cheesy coating that’s both creamy and rich, setting the stage for all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Make the French Onion Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and add the diced yellow onions, cooking until they soften and become translucent – this step unlocks that sweet French onion essence. Add minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute to build aroma without burning. Whisk in the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard, letting the mixture form a roux that thickens. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously thickened. This sauce is the soulful heart of the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the warm sauce over the cheesy potato mixture, stirring gently to combine all the textures and flavors. Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges. This baking time lets all the layers marry, creating a dish that’s velvety inside with a slight crust outside.
Step 5: Fry the Onions
While the casserole is baking, it’s time to make the signature fried onions topping. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan to 350°F (177°C), and working in batches, fry the thinly sliced yellow onion layers until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and crisp. Drain them on paper towels sprinkled with salt – these crispy onions are the crowning glory making this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Once your casserole has finished baking, pull it from the oven and immediately top it with the freshly fried onions. Serve it hot so each bite delivers the satisfying contrast of creamy potato casserole and crunchy onion topping. This final touch elevates the dish with flavor and texture that your guests will rave about.
How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped chives or parsley can add a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish. Some freshly ground black pepper or a light drizzle of caramelized onion jam can also add an unexpected layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, crispy elements.
Side Dishes
French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe works wonderfully alongside roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. A crisp green salad or steamed veggies, like green beans or broccoli, provide a fresh counterpoint, balancing the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it straight from the baking dish for a cozy family-style vibe, or plate individual servings topped with a few fried onions and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant touch. You might also try layering it into smaller ramekins for personalized servings at holiday dinners or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy reheating throughout the week.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well if you want to save some for later. Cool completely before transferring into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through and bubbly again, about 20-25 minutes. If you want to maintain the crispy onion topping, add the fried onions fresh after reheating so they stay crunchy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can peel, cube, and parboil fresh potatoes before incorporating them into the dish. Just be sure they are slightly undercooked so they finish baking in the casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe uses chicken broth, which can be replaced with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly without compromising the savory depth.
Can I make the fried onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the onions a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure they are completely cooled and crisp to maintain the crunch.
What can I substitute for sharp cheddar cheese?
Gruyere or Swiss cheese work wonderfully as substitutes, adding their own nutty and creamy characteristics while complementing the French onion flavors.
How spicy is this dish with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper provides just a gentle warmth that enhances the overall flavor without making the dish noticeably spicy. You can adjust or omit it based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is one of those special dishes that brings comfort and joy to any table. It’s a wonderful blend of simple ingredients transformed into a dish with unforgettable depth, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and watch how the crispy fried onions and creamy casserole unite to create something truly delicious and heartwarming.
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French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic casserole. Combining tender thawed hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy sour cream base with a rich, savory onion sauce, it’s topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch. Ideal as a hearty side dish for gatherings, this baked casserole offers layers of cheesy goodness and deep onion flavor.
Ingredients
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
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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns with melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream until well combined. Set aside this mixture for assembly.
- Make the Sauce: Using a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced onion. Cook until the onion softens, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard until a smooth paste forms. Slowly whisk in room temperature chicken broth and whole milk, continuing to cook and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the thickened onion sauce over the potato mixture and stir well to combine. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and thoroughly heated.
- Fry Onions: While the casserole is baking, line a baking sheet with paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan to 350°F (177°C). Fry the thinly sliced onion layers in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on the paper towels, then sprinkle with kosher salt for seasoning.
- Top and Serve: Once the casserole is fully baked, remove it from the oven and immediately top with the crispy fried onions. Serve hot as a delicious and hearty side dish.
Notes
- Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Frying onions requires careful temperature control (350°F) to achieve perfect crispness without burning.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your preferred sharp cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
