French Onion Funeral Potatoes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are my twist on the ultimate comfort casserole. This recipe transforms classic funeral potatoes into a flavor-packed side dish with golden fried onions and a creamy homemade sauce. I love making these whenever I need to bring something irresistibly rich and satisfying to a family gathering or holiday feast.

I first brought these to a Thanksgiving dinner and everyone begged for the recipe before we sat down for dessert. These potatoes have now become our most requested holiday side.

Ingredients

• Frozen cubed hash browns: For ultimate convenience and consistent texture Look for brands without added seasoning so you control the flavors
• Unsalted butter: Essential for both the potatoes and the sauce Quality butter makes a difference in richness
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Creates that classic gooey cheesy pull Shred your own if possible for fresher melt
• Sour cream: Adds richness and that signature creamy tang Use full-fat for best results
• Yellow onion: Used twice for depth and sweet flavor Pick firm onions without soft spots
• Garlic: Provides an aromatic kick Choose fresh cloves for maximum punch
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it coats every potato cube Sift if possible for less lumpiness
• Kosher salt: This enhances every layer Look for coarse grains for more control when seasoning
• Black pepper: A touch of warmth Grate fresh for a more pronounced flavor
• Cayenne pepper: Offers a subtle heat If you love spice you can add a pinch more
• Dried mustard: Rounds out the savory notes Use fresh ground for the best taste
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth Opt for low-sodium so you can adjust seasoning
• Whole milk: Makes the sauce luscious Whole milk is best for creaminess
• Vegetable oil: For frying the onions Use a neutral oil for best crispiness
• Fried yellow onions: The star crunchy topping Slice them as thin as possible for ultra-light crisp texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit This ensures you can pop your casserole in as soon as everything is mixed

Mix the Potato Base:

In a large bowl combine thawed hash browns melted butter shredded cheddar and sour cream Stir until everything is evenly coated and set aside

Make the Sauce:

In a nonstick skillet melt butter over medium heat Add diced onions and stir until soft and sweet about three to five minutes Add minced garlic and let cook for another full minute so the kitchen smells amazing

Build the Roux and Flavor Base:

Sprinkle in flour salt black pepper cayenne pepper and dry mustard whisking them into the onion mixture Let it cook for another minute so the flour loses its raw taste

Thicken with Broth and Milk:

Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk while whisking constantly Continue whisking for several minutes until the mixture thickens into a silky sauce

Combine and Fill the Dish:

Pour the thickened sauce over the potato mixture Mix very well to distribute the sauce Then spread everything into your greased nine by thirteen inch baking dish

Bake the Casserole:

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for forty five to fifty minutes The edges should be bubbly and the cheddar golden

Fry the Onion Topping:

Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Working in batches drop in thinly sliced onions and fry stirring until they turn pale golden Remove carefully with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel Sprinkle with salt while they are still warm

Add the Crunchy Topping:

Once the casserole is cooked top generously with crispy fried onions Spread them evenly so every bite gets crunch

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the casserole cool for just a few minutes then serve hot while the cheese is perfectly gooey

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You Must Know

• High in comfort factor this is always the most popular side on a potluck table
• Completely made from scratch no condensed soups required
• Easy to make ahead and bake later

I am obsessed with the crispy onions on top They turn each forkful into creamy crunchy heaven and my kids always fight over the corners with the most topping Last Christmas my father-in-law insisted on taking home leftovers and said the onions tasted better than any store bought can ever could

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Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely before covering tightly and refrigerating They will stay fresh for up to four days To reheat place in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and crisp the onions under the broiler for a minute or two if needed Avoid microwaving with the onion topping as it will get soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in Monterey Jack cheese for a milder flavor or pepper jack if you prefer a kick You can make these vegetarian by using vegetable broth and check if your hash browns are meat free If you are short on time use canned fried onions though homemade is always best

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes pair perfectly with roast beef ham or any holiday main course I love them with simple roasted vegetables on the side Serve with a big green salad and you have an impressive meal for guests

Cultural and Historical Context

Funeral potatoes are rooted in Midwest and Mountain West culture often served at gatherings for their comfort and ability to feed a crowd The French onion twist adds layers of flavor and makes the dish even more crave worthy

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of potatoes work best in this casserole?

Frozen cubed hash browns are easiest, providing uniform texture and even cooking without extra prep work.

→ Can I use store-bought fried onions instead of homemade?

While homemade fried onions offer unbeatable flavor and crunch, store-bought versions are a convenient option.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole (without onions on top), cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add fried onions just before baking.

→ What cheese works well besides cheddar?

Swap cheddar for Gruyère or a cheese blend for a more nuanced flavor and excellent meltability.

→ Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep the casserole meat-free.