French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering, look no further than French Onion Funeral Potatoes. This delightful twist on the classic cheesy potato casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crispy onion topping, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in some hearty comfort food, this recipe has got you covered!

What makes these French Onion Funeral Potatoes truly special is their perfect blend of flavors and textures. The sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, while the crispy onions add that satisfying crunch we all love. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds—trust me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish without stress.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will be begging for more of these creamy, cheesy potatoes.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this dish in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of garlic, onions, and cheese creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You probably have many of these in your pantry already! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these scrumptious French Onion Funeral Potatoes.

For the Casserole

• 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 parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add some veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Change up the cheese: Try using gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute with vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream for a plant-based version.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your potatoes will cook evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This step is crucial as it prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup later on.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Add the diced small yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they are soft and translucent—this step brings out their natural sweetness which adds depth to your casserole!

Step 4: Combine the Mixture

In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns with sautéed onions and garlic, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, chicken broth, and whole milk. Stir well until everything is combined—this mixture is where all those delicious flavors come together!

Step 5: Pour into Dish

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Prepare the Crispy Onion Topping

For that irresistible crunch! Heat vegetable oil in a separate pot over medium-high heat. Carefully fry thinly sliced large yellow onions until they are golden brown. Remove them from oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Step 7: Bake It All Together

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. In the last few minutes of baking time, sprinkle those crispy fried onions on top—this final touch elevates your dish to pure comfort food perfection!

Enjoy serving this warm bowl of joy at your next dinner gathering!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Freshly shredding your cheese ensures a creamier texture and better melting qualities compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
• Thaw hash browns completely: Ensuring your frozen hash browns are fully thawed will help them blend better with the creamy mixture, avoiding any excess moisture that could make the dish too watery.
• Customize the spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, use less or substitute it with a pinch of paprika for flavor without the heat.
• Make ahead of time: You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
• Don’t skimp on the onion topping: The crispy onion topping adds texture and flavor that complement the creamy potatoes. Make sure to cook them until golden brown for maximum crunch!

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Crumbled crispy onions: Adding extra crispy onions on top right before serving provides an irresistible crunch and elevates the presentation.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich potatoes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers bring color and nutrients to your meal while complementing the creamy texture of the potatoes.
• Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftovers from this cheesy goodness while adding an extra layer of comfort food appeal.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only balances out the richness but also adds a nutritious touch to your plate.

Enjoy serving up this delightful twist on classic comfort food at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are not just a delicious side dish; they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them later without losing their delightful flavors.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if they seem dry.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool completely and cut it into portions.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
• If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

If you have any questions about making these tasty French Onion Funeral Potatoes, you’re not alone. Here are some common inquiries!

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

How do I store leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

Leftovers should be cooled completely before being stored in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I substitute ingredients in French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or swap out cheddar cheese for your favorite type of cheese. Feel free to get creative!

What can I serve with French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad. They complement many main dishes wonderfully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these French Onion Funeral Potatoes as much as I do! This recipe is special because it combines comfort food with a fun twist that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these potatoes are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!