French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that brings everyone together, then you’ve landed in the right spot! French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic cheesy potato casserole. This dish combines the creamy goodness of sour cream and sharp cheddar with the rich flavor of caramelized onions. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone will be asking for seconds. Trust me; once you serve this, it will quickly become a favorite!

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The crispy onion topping adds a wonderful texture that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Plus, you’ll love how well it pairs with almost any meal. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious side dish in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy flavor and crunchy topping!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it right before serving, making entertaining a breeze.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of creamy potatoes and sweet caramelized onions is simply irresistible.
• Versatile Side Dish: This recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or even as part of a holiday spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these French Onion Funeral Potatoes! You’ll find everything you need in your pantry or local grocery store.

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 Topping

• 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced, layers separated – about 4 cups onions)
• 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to put your own spin on these French Onion Funeral Potatoes:

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Cheese Swap: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the taste even further.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your potatoes bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial because we want every bit of those French Onion Funeral Potatoes to come out smoothly!

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining butter and add diced onions. Sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant. This process brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of your casserole.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns with sour cream, shredded cheese, sautéed onions, garlic, flour, seasonings, chicken broth, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined—this mixture is what makes your casserole creamy and delicious!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Prepare the Crispy Onions

While the casserole is baking, heat vegetable oil in another pan over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the thinly sliced onions until they’re crispy and golden brown. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

After removing your casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly before topping it generously with those crispy fried onions. Serve warm and watch everyone rave about this delicious dish!

Enjoy sharing these delightful French Onion Funeral Potatoes with friends and family—you’re going to love how they bring everyone together!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and quality cheese enhance the flavor of your casserole, making each bite more delicious and satisfying.

• Thaw the hash browns completely: Fully thawed hash browns will cook more evenly and create a better texture throughout the dish, preventing any clumps from forming.

• Adjust the spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or cayenne to match your preference for heat. This allows you to customize the flavors to suit your family’s tastes.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier without falling apart.

• Prepare in advance: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the refrigerator!

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes make for an impressive side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Here are some ideas on how you can serve them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds color and a mild onion flavor that complements the potatoes wonderfully.
• Crumbled crackers or breadcrumbs: For some added crunch, top your casserole with crumbled crackers or breadcrumbs before baking. This will create an inviting crispy layer on top!

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli is a nutritious option that balances out the richness of the potatoes while adding vibrant color to your plate.
• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory flavors in this dish.
• Grilled chicken or tofu: For protein options, grilled chicken or marinated tofu served alongside can make this meal heartier and satisfying.

Now that you’re ready with these tips and serving suggestions, get cooking! Your French Onion Funeral Potatoes are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a fantastic option for meal prep! They can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy this creamy and cheesy delight without any last-minute stress.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making French Onion Funeral Potatoes:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Simply peel and cube them, then cook them until tender before mixing them into the casserole.

How do I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it uses vegetable oil and broth. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you add are also plant-based!

What makes these French Onion Funeral Potatoes special?

The unique combination of creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy onion topping creates a rich flavor profile that sets this dish apart from traditional potato casseroles.

Can I prepare French Onion Funeral Potatoes a day ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for French Onion Funeral Potatoes brings warmth and joy to your table! With its creamy texture and crispy topping, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you—happy cooking!