If you’ve ever wanted to bring a hearty, cheesy comfort dish that everyone can’t stop talking about, then this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a creamy, savory casserole that marries crispy golden onions with tender hash browns and melty cheddar in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on simple, classic ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave. Each component plays a crucial role: the crispy onions bring crunch, the sharp cheddar adds richness, and the sour cream gives that creamy tangy base. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns: The perfect tender potato base that’s easy to work with and bakes beautifully.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps everything bind together smoothly.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Gives a wonderful cheesy depth and gooey texture throughout.
- 1 ½ cups sour cream: Delivers creamy tang that balances the dish’s richness.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Provides a subtle onion flavor inside the casserole.
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced): Adds a gentle aromatic punch that complements the onions.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Moistens the mixture and intensifies savory notes.
- 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced for topping): The star crispy topping that is golden, sweet, and irresistible.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray—this will help the potatoes release effortlessly after baking and prevent sticking during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, and any additional seasoning you like. Make sure everything is thoroughly mixed so each bite bursts with flavor. This mixture forms the creamy, cheesy foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture Evenly
Once combined, pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly—this ensures consistent cooking, with that wonderful golden crust forming all over.
Step 4: Create the Crispy Onion Topping
While the casserole begins baking, heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deep golden brown and crispy, which should take about 15 minutes. This step adds the iconic French onion flair to your potatoes.
Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection
After the onions are crispy, sprinkle them generously over the potato layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbly, golden brown finish that signals it’s ready to pull out—every bit of heaven in one casserole.
How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and mild freshness that complements the richness perfectly. A dollop of sour cream on the side never hurts either—it amps up the creaminess and adds a nice tang.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty much a star on its own, but you can balance out the indulgence with crisp green beans, a bright mixed salad, or roasted vegetables. They all pair wonderfully and add a nice contrast in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This not only looks charming but makes portion control easy for gatherings. Plus, the crispy edges on each little casserole are insanely good.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely), cover them tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days without losing that savory charm.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly again, usually about 25-30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving a single portion works, but baking keeps that crispy top perfect.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
You can, but frozen hash browns save time and provide consistent texture. If using fresh, peel and cube them, then parboil to soften before assembling the casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To make it vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The dish will still be rich and flavorful without compromising its comforting character.
Can I make the crispy onions ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crispy onions a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Re-crisp them briefly in a skillet before topping, if needed.
What other cheeses can I use instead of cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with gouda, gruyere, or a blend. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the onion flavors.
Can I add herbs or spices to customize the recipe?
Absolutely! Thyme or rosemary pair beautifully with the French onion flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a subtle warmth, too. Personalize it to your taste!
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some cozy comfort food, its luscious layers of flavor never disappoint. Give it a whirl, and I promise it’ll become one of those dishes you love to make again and again, sharing the joy with everyone around your table.
Print
French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe combines crispy golden hash browns with a creamy cheesy base and a delicious topping of caramelized, crispy French onions. Perfect as a hearty side dish for gatherings, it delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns (thawed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
French Onion Topping
- 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare for baking.
- Combine Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onion, minced garlic, flour, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create an even layer for baking.
- Cook French Onions: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes. This step adds a deep, rich flavor and texture to the topping.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the crispy French onions evenly over the potato mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed before mixing to ensure even cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- If you prefer extra crispy topping, you can broil the French onions on top for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
