The Best French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe for Comfort

Nestled in culinary traditions, French onion funeral potatoes blend comfort and nostalgia into one delectable dish.

Creamy layers mingle with caramelized onions, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers memories of gatherings.

Hearty ingredients dance together, promising warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Richness seeps through crispy potato edges, inviting immediate appreciation of this classic comfort food.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, promising a texture that satisfies deep hunger.

Savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, awakening anticipation.

Come experience this soul-warming recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Pairing Suggestions with Funeral Potatoes

Pair with a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and cheesy potatoes.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish’s creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.

Grill herb-marinated chicken or pork tenderloin that echoes the onion’s depth while balancing the potato casserole’s richness.

Roast asparagus spears with garlic and olive oil to add a green, nutritious element that refreshes the palate between bites.

Proper Storage for Funeral Potatoes

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and reheat for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top layer.

FAQs

• What makes the French onion flavor stand out in this dish?

The caramelized onions and French-inspired seasoning blend create a rich, deep flavor profile that elevates traditional funeral potatoes with a gourmet twist.

• Is this recipe difficult to prepare?

Not at all! While it has multiple steps, each component is straightforward and can be easily managed by home cooks with basic kitchen skills.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and sauce in advance, assembling and baking just before serving to maintain the crispy fried onion topping’s texture.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Frozen hash browns are ideal, as they provide consistent texture and save preparation time compared to fresh-cut potatoes.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Appeal

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic funeral potatoes with a French onion twist, delivering rich, savory flavors that everyone will love.
• Master Layered Techniques: Learn professional cooking skills by creating a complex sauce, frying onions, and building a delicious casserole with multiple preparation steps.
• Gather Around Goodness: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings where hearty, warming dishes bring people together and create memorable moments.
• Texture Sensation: Combines creamy potato base with crispy fried onion topping, offering an incredible contrast of smooth and crunchy textures in every delightful bite.

Ingredients for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

• Hash Browns: Frozen shredded potatoes that serve as the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Provides a smooth, creamy consistency and subtle tanginess to the potato mixture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the creamy sauce.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce texture.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and provides a silky consistency.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Dry Mustard: Add layers of seasoning and subtle heat to enhance overall taste.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the crispy onion topping.
• Additional Onions: Fried to create a crunchy, golden-brown topping for the casserole.

How to Prepare Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Potato Base

• Thawed hash browns
• Melted butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Blend all ingredients thoroughly until well mixed.

Step 3: Craft the Flavorful Sauce

Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Melt butter and add diced onions, cooking until they become soft and translucent (about 3-5 minutes). Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Dry mustard

Stir and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens.

Step 4: Merge and Bake

Pour the prepared sauce over the potato mixture. Mix completely and transfer to the greased baking dish.

Spread evenly across the dish. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and heated through.

Step 5: Create Crispy Onion Topping

Set up a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350F (175C).

Fry onions in small batches, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. Cook until they turn a pale golden brown (about 2-5 minutes per batch).

Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried onions to the paper towel-lined sheet. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven. Generously scatter the crispy fried onions across the top.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Helpful Tips for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

• Caramelize onions slowly for a rich, sweet undertone that adds complexity to the funeral potatoes.
• Pat hash browns dry before mixing to prevent soggy texture and ensure maximum crispiness.
• Reduce salt in chicken broth or use low-sodium alternatives to control overall dish saltiness.
• Incorporate Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for increased protein and lower fat content.
• Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Flavor Variations on Funeral Potatoes

• Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap hash browns for cauliflower or sweet potato cubes for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Creamy Edition: Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour and select certified gluten-free hash browns to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute hash browns with cauliflower rice or riced turnips and use heavy cream instead of milk for a keto-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the sauce, then top with crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting French onion funeral potatoes blend creamy cheese and caramelized onions into a soul-warming side dish. Hearty potato casserole layers create a rich, savory experience you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups (345 grams) sour cream

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams / 1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (57 grams / 1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) chicken broth, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (122.5 grams) whole milk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
• 1/4 cup (31 grams) all-purpose flour

Onion Ingredients:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)
• 4 cups (32 ounces / 907 grams) vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine thawed hash browns with melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until well integrated.
3. Create the sauce by heating butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Incorporate flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard, stirring continuously to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, maintaining constant movement until the mixture smooths out and thickens.
6. Merge the sauce with the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution. Transfer the combined ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly and thoroughly heated.
8. While the casserole bakes, prepare fried onions by heating vegetable oil to 350F (175C) in a large saucepan.
9. Fry onions in batches, stirring occasionally, until they achieve a pale golden brown color (2-5 minutes per batch). Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
10. Sprinkle salt over the fried onions and toss to coat. Once the casserole is done, top with crispy fried onions and serve immediately.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper for those who prefer milder or spicier dishes.
• Swap hash browns with cauliflower or sweet potato for a low-carb or nutrient-dense alternative.
• Ensure chicken broth is at room temperature to prevent lumpy sauce formation when whisking.
• Use clarified butter or ghee for a richer flavor and higher cooking temperature if desired.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 323
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 387 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 46 mg