French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

If you’ve ever craved comfort food that somehow manages to be both nostalgic and elevated, you’re going to adore these French Onion Funeral Potatoes. Imagine everything you love about a classic cheesy potato casserole, now topped with deeply caramelized onions that are crisp, golden, and impossible to resist. This dish brings together the soul-soothing richness of sharp cheddar, the creamy tang of sour cream, and that trademark savory edge of French onion flavor—all blanketed over tender hash browns. Whether you’re headed to a family potluck or just want to treat yourself on a cozy night in, this casserole captures homey warmth in every bubbling bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need to hunt down fancy ingredients for French Onion Funeral Potatoes—what makes them special is how familiar staples come together in a totally crave-worthy way. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor, gooey texture, and that show-stopping golden finish.

• Frozen cubed hash browns (32 ounces, thawed): The base of the casserole, offering fluffy potato bites that soak in all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup + ¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps bind the potatoes while boosting flavor in both the filling and French onion topping.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The sharpness is key for balancing all that creaminess—go bold for best results.
• Sour cream (1½ cups): Brings tang, moisture, and that pillowy texture that sets these potatoes apart.
• Small yellow onion (diced): Melds softly into the sauce, giving every bite a sweet, savory backbone.
• Garlic (2 tsp, minced): A must for deepening the French onion flavor with gentle aromatic bite.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Creates a silky sauce by thickening the mixture as it cooks.
• Kosher salt (1 tsp + ½ tsp): Used for seasoning both the sauce and the irresistible fried onions.
• Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds just enough bite to cut through the creamy notes.
• Cayenne pepper (½ tsp): Provides a subtle kick—feel free to use less if you prefer it mild.
• Dried mustard (½ tsp): Gives a gentle depth and zing that wakes up the cheese flavor.
• Chicken broth (½ cup, room temperature): Enhances savoriness and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
• Whole milk (½ cup, room temperature): Balances richness and helps create a creamy base for the sauce.
• Large yellow onions (2, thinly sliced, layers separated): These become the irresistible crispy French onion topping.
• Vegetable oil (4 cups): Essential for achieving shatteringly crisp, golden-brown fried onions.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Before anything else, get your oven preheating to 350°F so it’s ready when you are. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick mist with nonstick cooking spray—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when cleanup time rolls around.

Step 2: Mix the Potato Base

In a large bowl, stir together the thawed hash browns, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix until everything is just combined and the potatoes are coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. Set aside while you whip up the luscious sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic for the Sauce

Heat the remaining butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and gently bubbling, add in the diced onion and cook, stirring, until they’re soft and just beginning to turn golden—about 3 to 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for one minute more; your kitchen is about to smell incredible.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard. Stir everything together, and let it cook for another minute so the flour loses its raw edge. Now, slowly splash in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly. Let this blend gently simmer until it thickens into a rich, silky sauce that clings to the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Pour your made-from-scratch sauce straight into the potato mixture and give everything a hearty stir, ensuring all those potato cubes are coated. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, smoothing out the top. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until it’s bubbling, golden around the edges, and smells like heaven.

Step 6: Make the Crispy French Onion Topping

While your French Onion Funeral Potatoes bake, line a large baking sheet with a double layer of paper towels to drain your soon-to-be fried onions. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat to 350°F. Working in batches, carefully add a cup of thinly sliced onions to the hot oil, frying until pale golden—about 2 to 5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon, transfer to the prepared baking sheet, and repeat. Sprinkle the warm, crisped onions with kosher salt while still hot for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the casserole is bubbling and piping hot, pull it from the oven. Scatter your freshly fried onions right over the top while it’s still steamy—the sizzle is pure music. These crispy onions are the crowning glory, so spread them generously and bring the whole dish to the table while it’s still warm and irresistibly fragrant.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

Put a final flourish on your French Onion Funeral Potatoes by adding a sprinkling of chopped fresh chives or a few extra shreds of cheddar cheese before serving. These little touches add freshness and color, making every bite feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This rich, savory casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or a simply prepared roast. The potatoes are filling, so balance them with lighter sides to create a crowd-pleasing plate that won’t leave anyone feeling weighed down.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning French Onion Funeral Potatoes into individual ramekins or mini baking dishes before adding the fried onions. This makes for an elegant dinner party presentation or a cozy, personalized touch at family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen and meld together, making the next-day bites just as comforting as when fresh from the oven.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping) and freeze it, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake straight from the freezer (add about 15–20 minutes to the baking time), then finish with fresh-fried onions.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until hot all the way through (about 20–25 minutes). If you love extra crunchy onions, save a handful to sprinkle on after reheating for a fresh pop of texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! If you want to make your French Onion Funeral Potatoes with fresh potatoes, simply peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces, then parboil until just tender before mixing into the casserole.

What’s the secret to crispy fried onions on top?

The trick is to slice your onions thinly and fry them in batches at the correct oil temperature (350°F). Drain well on paper towels and salt immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?

Yes—just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a completely vegetarian version that’s every bit as tasty and satisfying.

What’s the best way to transport them for a potluck?

Let the casserole cool briefly, cover it tightly with foil, and carry the fried onion topping in a separate container to sprinkle on just before serving for guaranteed crispiness.

Do I have to fry my own onions?

While nothing beats homemade fried onions, you can use store-bought crispy onions in a pinch for convenience—just sprinkle over the casserole before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing quite like digging into a bubbling pan of French Onion Funeral Potatoes—each bite is cheesy, creamy, and loaded with swoon-worthy caramelized onion crunch. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this irresistible comfort classic!

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