French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to wow your family and friends with French Onion Funeral Potatoes, the ultimate comfort food casserole that combines the irresistible flavors of creamy potatoes, savory French onion sauce, melty cheddar, and an over-the-top crispy fried onion topping. This dish is everything you love about classic funeral potatoes, but with a sophisticated French onion twist that makes each bite extra special. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or just a cozy weeknight treat, French Onion Funeral Potatoes are guaranteed to steal the show and become your new go-to indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create these unforgettable French Onion Funeral Potatoes, but each one brings something magic to the casserole. From the hearty hash browns to the layers of cheese and the fresh, golden fried onions on top, every component contributes to the incredible texture, taste, and color of the finished dish.
- Hash Browns (32 ounces frozen cubed, thawed): These shortcut potatoes keep things easy, while still giving you all that chunky, comforting goodness in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup for potatoes, ¼ cup for sauce): Adds richness and a silky smooth finish throughout the casserole and the creamy onion sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melty, tangy, and packed with flavor, cheddar is what makes this dish so satisfyingly cheesy—don’t skimp!
- Sour Cream (1½ cups): This gives the casserole its signature creaminess and a subtle tang that balances all the savory notes.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, diced for sauce; 2 large, sliced for topping): Onions are the star both inside the sauce and as a crunchy topper, amplifying that irresistible French onion character.
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Adds a deep, aromatic flavor base that makes every layer of the casserole shine.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Helps thicken the sauce, making it lusciously creamy so it hugs every bite of potato.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon for sauce, ½ teaspoon for onions): Seasoning is key—salt helps draw out the flavors in every element.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the savory profile of the dish.
- Cayenne Pepper (½ teaspoon): A hint of heat to warm things up, making the whole casserole even more memorable.
- Dried Mustard (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle sharpness, echoing that classic French onion depth.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup, room temperature): Infuses the sauce with body and richness—use a good-quality broth for best results.
- Whole Milk (½ cup, room temperature): Combines with broth for that ultra-creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Vegetable Oil (4 cups, for frying): Hot oil is essential for achieving those crispiest, golden fried onions to crown the casserole.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, so your casserole comes out easily and cleanup is a breeze. Getting this step out of the way first sets you up for a smooth assembly and bake.
Step 2: Mix Up the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss together the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar, and creamy sour cream. Stir everything until it’s well combined—the mixture should look rich and slightly sticky, so each bite will bake up creamy and cheesy. Set this glorious bowl aside while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Whip Up the French Onion Sauce
In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and toast it for another minute to build that classic French onion aroma. Sprinkle in the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard. Cook for a minute, then slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce is thickened and smooth—this is what takes your potatoes from good to unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures and Bake
Pour the warm French onion sauce straight into the potato mixture. Mix thoroughly, so every chunk is swaddled in sauce and cheese. Scoop the whole mix into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling at the edges, deeply golden, and ready to make your kitchen smell like heaven.
Step 5: Make the Crispy Fried Onions
While the casserole bakes, line a baking sheet with two layers of paper towels for draining the onions. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over high heat until it reaches 350°F. Working in batches, add about 1 cup of the sliced onion layers to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the onions are pale golden and shatteringly crisp, about 2 to 5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkling immediately with salt. Repeat with all the onions, letting the oil come back to 350°F between batches.
Step 6: Top and Serve
After the casserole has baked to melted, bubbling perfection, remove it from the oven and immediately shower the surface with your fresh, crunchy fried onions. This finishing touch transforms your French Onion Funeral Potatoes into a showstopper, both visually and flavor-wise. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible contrast between the creamy center and the crispy topping!
How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh chives or parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A little extra black pepper or even a pinch of smoked paprika gives the crispy onions a beautiful finish and amps up the presentation. French Onion Funeral Potatoes look gorgeous straight from the oven with their crown of golden onions, but a touch of green brings them to life.
Side Dishes
Because French Onion Funeral Potatoes are so rich and full of flavor, I love to serve them alongside simply roasted meats (like chicken, beef, or ham) and a bright green salad or lightly steamed vegetables. This dish also pairs perfectly with classics like glazed carrots, green beans, or even fresh fruit salad—anything that offers freshness and balance to the creamy, cheesy potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of one big casserole, try dividing the mixture into mini ramekins for individual servings—perfect for dinner parties or potlucks. Or, bake French Onion Funeral Potatoes in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, showy table presentation. You could even tuck the casserole into hollowed-out bell peppers or portobello mushroom caps for a fun, hand-held party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have extra French Onion Funeral Potatoes, let them cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, maintaining their luscious creaminess.
Freezing
French Onion Funeral Potatoes freeze surprisingly well. For best results, freeze the casserole before adding the fried onions on top. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, bake as directed, and scatter with fresh-fried onions before serving so every bite is as crisp and flavorful as the first time.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 25–30 minutes. If you’ve saved extra fried onions separately, scatter them on for the last 5 minutes to crisp up, or toast under the broiler for an extra minute or two. A quick zap in the microwave works for single servings, but be sure to add any extra crispy onions just before eating.
FAQs
Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping) a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, bake as directed, and add the freshly fried onions right before serving for maximum crunch.
What’s the best way to fry onions for this recipe?
Slice the onions thinly and work in batches, always making sure the oil is at 350°F to achieve that even, golden crispness. After frying, drain well on paper towels and sprinkle with kosher salt while still hot for restaurant-worthy flavor and crunch.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
You can! Peel and dice about 2½ pounds of russet potatoes, then parboil for 3–4 minutes before assembling the casserole. Drain well and proceed as directed. This swap adds a more rustic texture and lets you control the size of each potato bite.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Yes—just swap the chicken broth in the sauce for a rich vegetable broth. Everything else in the French Onion Funeral Potatoes is vegetarian-friendly, so your meat-free guests can dig in with everyone else.
How do I keep the fried onions crispy?
Let fried onions cool completely on paper towels, then store them uncovered at room temperature, not in the fridge. Only add them to the casserole right before serving to keep every bite extra crisp and delightful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing side dish that feels like a warm hug, you can’t go wrong with French Onion Funeral Potatoes. They’re creamy, cheesy, packed with golden onions, and utterly addictive. Once you try them, I promise your casserole game will never be the same. Gather your loved ones, make a big batch, and watch every spoonful disappear!
Print
French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a comforting and indulgent casserole dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with the creamy goodness of funeral potatoes, topped with crispy fried onions.
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
- Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
- Sauce: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onions until softened, then add garlic. Stir in flour, seasonings, milk, and broth. Cook until thickened. Combine with potato mixture and bake.
- Fried Onions: Fry thinly sliced onions until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt. Top the baked casserole with fried onions.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying the onions.
- You can prepare the fried onions while the casserole is baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: French Onion Funeral Potatoes, Funeral Potatoes, French Onion, Casserole, Potatoes, Comfort Food
