If you have a soft spot for cheesy, comforting casseroles with a delightful crunchy topping, you are going to absolutely adore this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe. It combines creamy, tender potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese and that irresistible French onion flavor, all crowned by a crispy layer of caramelized onions. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family gathering, or a cozy night in, this dish brings incredible warmth and joy to the table. You’ll keep coming back to it again and again because it hits all the right notes: savory, rich, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple at first glance, but they work together to create a rich and layered flavor profile that is absolutely essential for this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe. Each element plays a vital role in delivering the creamy texture, the perfect balance of tangy and savory, and that crunchy topping we all crave.
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns: The perfect base that bakes into tender, fluffy potatoes without any peeling or chopping fuss.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the potatoes together with a smooth finish.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Provides a bright, sharp flavor with melty goodness in every bite.
- 1 ½ cups sour cream: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Infuses the casserole with classic French onion sweetness and texture from the inside.
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced): Adds a savory punch that complements the onion without overpowering it.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and enhances the depth of flavor.
- 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced for topping): The star ingredient for the topping—golden, caramelized, and crispy for the ultimate finish.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This stops the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier, which feels like a little bonus when you’re making such a rich dish.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl, mix those thawed hash browns with melted butter, shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings. This is where the magic begins—the butter and sour cream create a luscious creaminess, while the cheddar and onions add sharpness and sweetness. Combine everything thoroughly until your mixture looks creamy and well-blended.
Step 3: Spread Into the Baking Dish
Transfer your cheesy potato mixture into the prepared dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan. This ensures it will bake up beautifully, cooking uniformly so every bite has the perfect balance of creamy potatoes and melted cheese.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions for the Ultimate Topping
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of vegetable oil with a pinch of kosher salt. Toss in those thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and get crispy. This step usually takes about 15 minutes, but patience here pays off with incredible flavor and texture that makes this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Once your onions are perfectly caramelized and crispy, sprinkle them generously over the top of the potato mixture. Pop the whole thing into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll want to bake it until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown, signaling that your casserole is ready to become the star of your meal.
How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the richness. For an extra touch, a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving highlights the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with green, crisp vegetables like roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast, making your meal feel balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress family or guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets. It looks charming and feels personal, plus those crispy tops stay delightfully crunchy longer when plated individually. You can also layer the casserole into a trifle dish for a fun twist on presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually meld and improve, so it’s a fantastic dish to make ahead and enjoy for several days.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it’s cooked and cooled. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20–30 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual servings but finish with a quick broil for a minute or two to revive that crispy onion topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can peel and cube fresh potatoes, parboil them until tender, then proceed with the recipe. However, frozen hash browns save time and provide consistent texture, which is why they are a popular choice here.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
To make the recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are perfectly vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To adapt the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe for dairy-free needs, use dairy-free sour cream, vegan cheddar-style cheese, and plant-based margarine or oil instead of butter. It will change the flavor slightly but still taste delicious.
What makes this a “funeral potatoes” dish?
“Funeral potatoes” is a cherished comfort food tradition, often served at gatherings following funerals or large family events. This particular French Onion version adds a savory twist with caramelized onions, making it extra special and flavorful.
Can I add extra ingredients like bacon or herbs?
Definitely! Crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add wonderful layers of flavor. Just be careful to balance additions so the classic French onion essence always shines through.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try if you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Its harmony of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, tangy sour cream, and caramelized onion crunch is downright irresistible. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will hold a special place in your recipe box and your heart.
Print
French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe is a comforting and cheesy casserole featuring crispy caramelized onions atop a creamy blend of hash browns, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and savory seasonings. Perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main 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
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Topping
- 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Kosher salt: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare it for the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced small onion, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons flour, chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixed potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced large yellow onions and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 15 minutes.
- Top and Bake: Spread the crispy caramelized onions evenly over the potato mixture. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until it is bubbling and golden brown on top.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use freshly grated cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded.
- Make sure hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- If preferred, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- The crispy onions can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
