Name: French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns (thawed); 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 ½ cups sour cream; 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup vegetable broth; ½ cup whole milk; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 teaspoons garlic (minced); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon dried mustard; 4 cups vegetable oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table, you’ve found it with these French Onion Funeral Potatoes. This recipe is a beloved twist on the classic cheesy potato casserole, featuring a homemade crispy onion topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

What makes these French Onion Funeral Potatoes so special? It’s all about the harmony of creamy cheese, hearty potatoes, and flavorful onions coming together in perfect unison. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a holiday feast or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this dish will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious side dish without any fuss.
Family-Friendly Appeal: The cheesy goodness and crispy onion topping make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance, so you can simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and sautéed onions brings an irresistible flavor to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes use simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these items to create a truly comforting 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) vegetable broth, (room temperature)
½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, (room temperature)
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! Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas:

Add Some Greens: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for unique flavors.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavor profile.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is essential for ensuring that your potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely golden-brown top.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup easier later on.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

In a pan over medium heat, melt the remaining butter and add the diced onion. Sauté until they are soft and translucent. This process brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cooked onions, garlic, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, broth, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined—this is where all those wonderful flavors come together!

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Enjoy sharing these delightful French Onion Funeral Potatoes with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are sure to impress, and with just a few tips, you can make them even more delicious!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh onions instead of pre-packaged ones. Fresh onions bring a robust flavor that elevates your dish.
Don’t Skip the Cheese: Be generous with the sharp cheddar cheese. It adds creaminess and a delightful tang that complements the potatoes perfectly.
Layer Wisely: When layering the casserole, ensure an even distribution of ingredients. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Keep an Eye on the Topping: Watch the crispy onion topping carefully towards the end of baking. You want it golden brown but not burnt!
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This lets the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Serving these delightful potatoes can be as creative as you want! They make a fantastic centerpiece for your meal or a comforting side dish at any gathering.

Garnishes

Chopped Chives: Sprinkle some fresh chopped chives on top for a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Crumbled Crackers: For added crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top right before serving.
Fresh Parsley: A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and a touch of freshness to balance out the richness of the casserole.

Side Dishes

Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini add vibrant colors and nutrients to your plate while balancing out the creamy potatoes.
Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the potatoes.
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans tossed with olive oil and garlic provide a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with cheesy casseroles.
Grilled Chicken or Fish: If you want to add protein to your meal, grilled chicken or fish seasoned with herbs makes for a deliciously balanced dinner alongside these potatoes.

Enjoy preparing your French Onion Funeral Potatoes! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress friends and family alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish throughout the week or at your next gathering.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ensure they cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked or baked French Onion Funeral Potatoes.
If freezing unbaked, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
For baked potatoes, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container.
Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

To reheat from the refrigerator, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through (about 25-30 minutes).
For frozen baked potatoes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute until warm.

FAQs

Have questions about making French Onion Funeral Potatoes? Here are some answers!

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes without sour cream?

Yes! You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

How do I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your cheese is rennet-free.

What are some variations of French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also experiment with different cheeses!

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

They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful French Onion Funeral Potatoes! This recipe not only brings comfort but also has a special touch that makes it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. I would love to hear how yours turn out—so don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking!