French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that brings comfort to the table, look no further than my French Onion Funeral Potatoes. This recipe is an absolute favorite in my kitchen, and I promise it will be a hit at your next family gathering or busy weeknight dinner. Imagine creamy, cheesy potatoes topped with a crispy onion layer—this dish has it all! Not only is it delicious, but it also feels like a warm hug on a plate.

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are perfect for every occasion, from potlucks to holiday feasts. They’re easy to make ahead of time and can be popped into the oven when you need them most. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dish in advance and bake it just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy onions creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Side Dish: Works wonderfully alongside any main course, whether it’s chicken, beef, or even a hearty salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully to create the comforting flavors of French Onion Funeral Potatoes.

For the 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
• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize these French Onion Funeral Potatoes to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Extra Veggies: Consider throwing in some spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Change Up the Cheese: Swap out sharp cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!
• Go Dairy-Free: Use plant-based sour cream and cheese alternatives if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your potatoes bake evenly and get that golden-brown topping we all love. Don’t forget to spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Add in your diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial because it brings out the sweetness of the onions, adding depth to your potato mixture.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, sautéed onions and garlic, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, chicken broth, and milk. Stir everything together until well mixed. This creamy combination is what makes these French Onion Funeral Potatoes so irresistible!

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole

Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and smooth on top!

Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping

Now it’s time to make those crispy onions! In a clean skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil until shimmering. Carefully add in thinly sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown and crispy—this should take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, sprinkle them with kosher salt while they’re hot.

Step 6: Bake It All Together

Top your potato mixture with crispy fried onions evenly across the surface. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth as it cooks!

Enjoy every bite of these French Onion Funeral Potatoes—they’re truly something special!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use thawed hash browns: This helps the potatoes cook evenly and ensures they absorb all the delicious flavors of the creamy mixture.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese: The sharper the cheese, the more flavor it will bring to your casserole, making each bite irresistible!
• Don’t rush the onion caramelization: Taking your time to caramelize the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the overall dish.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or cayenne according to your preferences—this dish is all about balancing flavors!
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking enhances its texture and makes it easier to serve.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Serving French Onion Funeral Potatoes can be just as delightful as eating them! With a few creative touches, you can make this comforting dish shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced green onions lend a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, enhancing both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: This simple side adds a crunchy texture and bright color that complements the creaminess of the potatoes.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet and slightly caramelized, roasted carrots provide a lovely contrast in flavor while adding visual appeal.
• Garden salad: A refreshing garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole perfectly.
• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and makes for a satisfying accompaniment that everyone will love.

Enjoy serving this delightful dish to friends and family; it’s sure to become a favorite at your gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can make this delicious dish ahead of time, making it easy to serve at gatherings or for busy weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes if you want a crispy top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about French Onion Funeral Potatoes that might help you out!

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes without sour cream?

Yes! You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a similar texture.

How can I add more flavor to my French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, green onions, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also use different types of cheese for extra flavor.

How long do French Onion Funeral Potatoes last in the fridge?

These potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making them great for leftovers!

Can I prepare French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful French Onion Funeral Potatoes as much as I do! This comforting side dish is sure to impress your family and friends, bringing warmth and flavor to any table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your experience—I’d love to hear how they turned out!