If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that comfort food has a magical way of bringing people together. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, some recipes just seem to steal the show every single time. One of my absolute favorites? French Onion Funeral Potatoes. This dish is like a warm hug for your taste buds—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Let’s talk about what makes this casserole so special. Imagine the creamy goodness of shredded potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a luxurious homemade sauce that’s spiced to perfection. Top it all off with crispy, golden fried onions, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it for every occasion.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe! I’ll guide you step-by-step to make sure your French Onion Funeral Potatoes turn out perfectly every time.
Prepping the Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key because we want the casserole to bake evenly and achieve that bubbly, golden finish. While the oven’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This will make serving (and cleaning up) a breeze later on.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the stars of the show: 32 ounces of thawed hash browns, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1½ cups of sour cream. Mix it all together until the potatoes are well coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Set the mixture aside while we get to work on the sauce.
Making the Sauce: The Flavor Game-Changer
The sauce is where the magic happens. Start by melting ¼ cup (that’s half a stick) of butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small, diced yellow onion to the skillet and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it softens and becomes slightly translucent. At this point, your kitchen will already smell amazing. Stir in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it’s fragrant.
Next, we’ll thicken things up. Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the onions and stir until everything is well coated. This step is crucial—it helps create that rich, velvety texture we’re going for. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon of dried mustard. These spices add depth and just a hint of heat, making every bite irresistible.
Slowly whisk in ½ cup of room-temperature chicken broth, followed by ½ cup of whole milk. The trick here is to add the liquids gradually while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the potato mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. This step ties all the flavors together, ensuring that every bite of your casserole is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Baking the Casserole
Once your potato mixture is evenly spread in the 9×13-inch dish, it’s time for the oven to work its magic. Slide the dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake it for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly and golden around the edges. The aroma alone will have everyone in your house flocking to the kitchen, eagerly waiting for that first bite.
While the casserole is baking, we’ve got one more star ingredient to prepare: the fried onions.
Crispy Fried Onion Topping: The Crown Jewel
Let’s be honest—what’s a casserole without a little crunch on top? These fried onions take your French Onion Funeral Potatoes from comforting to show-stopping.
Ingredients for the Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large saucepan over high heat. You’re aiming for a temperature of 350°F (175°C), so if you have a thermometer, now’s the time to use it. If not, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of onion—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.
Working in batches, carefully add your thinly sliced onions to the hot oil. Fry them for 2–5 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful pale golden brown. Be sure to stir gently during frying to keep the onions from sticking together. Once they’re done, use a slotted spoon or fine-mesh strainer to transfer the fried onions to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt while they’re still warm to lock in that perfect seasoning.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your onions as they fry! They can go from golden perfection to overly crisp in just a few seconds. A little vigilance ensures you end up with crunchy, flavorful onions every time.
Repeat this process until all the onions are fried. Once they’ve cooled, set them aside. They’ll be ready and waiting to add the perfect finishing touch to your casserole.
Bringing It All Together
As soon as your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short cooling period allows the flavors to settle and makes serving a breeze.
Now for the grand finale: evenly sprinkle your crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. This topping adds not only a delightful crunch but also a burst of oniony flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your French Onion Funeral Potatoes come out perfectly every time:
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: When mixing your sauce, having room-temperature chicken broth and milk helps prevent lumps and creates a smoother texture.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you’re serving a crowd that prefers milder flavors, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For those who love a kick, feel free to add an extra pinch!
- Make It Ahead: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the potato mixture and sauce the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
- Double the Onions: If your crowd loves a crunchy topping, fry an extra batch of onions. You can never have too much of that crispy goodness.
Variations to Try
This recipe is already a winner, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few fun variations:
- Turkey Bacon Lover’s Twist: Stir in crumbled turkey bacon to the potato mixture for a smoky, savory addition.
- Cheese Upgrade: Swap the sharp cheddar for Gruyere or a mix of cheeses for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
- Herb-Infused Onions: Toss your fried onions with a sprinkle of dried thyme or parsley for a subtle herby touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, peel and dice about 6–7 medium russet potatoes into small cubes. Parboil them for 5–7 minutes to slightly soften them before mixing them with the other ingredients. This extra step ensures they’ll cook evenly in the casserole.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
The key to a smooth sauce is to whisk constantly as you add the liquids (chicken broth and milk) to the flour mixture. Adding the liquids gradually and ensuring they’re at room temperature also helps prevent lumps.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (excluding the fried onion topping) up to one day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. Add the fried onions just before serving to keep them crispy.
4. Can I make a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Definitely. Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure any other ingredients you use are vegetarian-friendly. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. If the onions have lost their crunch, you can fry up a small fresh batch to sprinkle on top.
6. Can I freeze French Onion Funeral Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole (without the fried onions) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Add fresh fried onions after baking.
7. What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side to roasted chicken or grilled steak. It’s also hearty enough to stand on its own with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion: Why This Dish Deserves a Spot on Your Table
French Onion Funeral Potatoes are more than just a casserole—they’re a celebration of comfort food at its finest. From the creamy, cheesy potato base to the irresistible crunch of golden fried onions, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, creating moments of joy around the dinner table.
Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday feast, a potluck with friends, or simply because you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, with make-ahead and customization options, it’s as practical as it is delicious.
So go ahead, give it a try! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you add your own twist, or stick to the classic recipe? Share your experience in the comments below—I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Now, grab your fork and dig in. Comfort food doesn’t get better than this!
