Introduction

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a comforting casserole combining tender hash browns, rich cheddar, and a creamy onion sauce. Topped with crispy homemade fried onions, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 ½ cups (345 g) sour cream
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon dried mustard
½ cup (120 g) chicken broth, room temperature
½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups)
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup (½ stick) of butter. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Stir in the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Cook for one minute while stirring constantly to create a roux.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, continuing to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
Step 6: Pour the sauce into the potato mixture. Stir gently to combine everything evenly, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Step 8: While the casserole bakes, prepare the fried onions. Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels and set aside.
Step 9: Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over high heat to 350°F (175°C).
Step 10: Working in batches, carefully add about 1 cup of thinly sliced onions to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until onions turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes.
Step 11: Use a slotted spoon or fine mesh strainer to transfer the fried onions to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat until all onions are fried, maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F.
Step 12: Sprinkle the fried onions with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently to coat.
Step 13: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the fried onions over the top.
Step 14: Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the crispy onion topping with the creamy potato base.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth in the sauce.
Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
Make the fried onions a day ahead and store them in an airtight container for extra convenience.
Try adding chopped chives or green onions into the potato mixture for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to preserve texture. Fried onions are best added fresh but can be stored separately and reheated briefly in a hot oven or skillet.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can dice and parboil fresh potatoes before combining them with the other ingredients for similar results. Just ensure they are well drained before mixing.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine, use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and replace sour cream with a non-dairy plain yogurt or a suitable creamy substitute.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

A comforting and savory baked casserole combining crispy hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a flavorful creamy onion sauce, topped with crispy homemade fried onions for the perfect funeral potatoes side dish.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 ½ cups (345 g) sour cream

Sauce

¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon dried mustard
½ cup (120 g) chicken broth, room temperature
½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature

Fried Onions

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix everything thoroughly and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Add the diced small yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Cook the mixture for about one minute to form a roux.
Add liquids: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Combine sauce and potatoes: Pour the thickened sauce into the potato mixture and stir well to combine. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Prepare fried onions while casserole bakes: Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels and set aside. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over high heat to 350°F.
Fry onions in batches: Working in batches, carefully add about 1 cup of the thinly sliced onions to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes. Remove fried onions using a slotted spoon or fine mesh strainer and place them in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Ensure the oil returns to 350°F before frying each batch.
Season fried onions: Sprinkle the fried onions with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently to coat evenly.
Top casserole with fried onions: Once the casserole finishes baking, remove it from the oven and evenly sprinkle the fried onions over the top.
Serve: Serve the French Onion Funeral Potatoes warm as a rich, flavorful side dish perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Notes

Use thawed frozen hash browns for best texture and consistency.
Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is essential for crispy, non-greasy fried onions.
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: funeral potatoes, French onion casserole, baked hash browns, creamy cheesy potatoes, crispy fried onions side dish