French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that can brighten any table, you’ve come to the right place! French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic cheesy potato casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy onions, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, and every bite feels like a warm hug.

I love making this dish because it’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty side ready in no time. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or just looking to spice up your regular meal rotation, these French Onion Funeral Potatoes are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious side dish without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and crispy onion topping make it irresistible for both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy potatoes and savory onions creates a flavor profile that’s simply unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For these French Onion Funeral Potatoes, you’ll need some simple yet wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s take a look:

For the Casserole

• 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)

For the Crispy Onion Topping

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

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add Some Veggies: Throw in some steamed broccoli or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
• Cheese Options: Swap out sharp cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick!
• Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added freshness.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures your potatoes won’t stick and makes cleanup easier later!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial as it enhances their sweetness and adds depth to your casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sautéed onions, melted butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, chicken broth, and milk. Stir everything together until well combined—this is where all those yummy flavors come together!

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish evenly. Spread it out so every bite gets that cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Onion Topping

In another skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle them with salt. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy—this will be the crowning glory of your dish!

Step 6: Bake

After preparing your crispy topping, layer it over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will be irresistible!

Now you’re all set to enjoy these amazing French Onion Funeral Potatoes! Perfectly cheesy with that crunchy topping—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes can be a delightful experience, especially with a few helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly!

• Thaw Your Hash Browns: Ensure your frozen hash browns are completely thawed before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine evenly and avoids excess moisture in the casserole.

• Use Fresh Onions: Freshly diced onions will offer a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options. The natural sweetness of fresh onions caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

• Don’t Skip the Broth: Using room temperature chicken broth not only adds moisture but also infuses additional flavor into the potatoes. It ties all the ingredients together, giving you that savory depth.

• Crispy Topping Is Key: To achieve that perfect crunchy topping, make sure your sliced onions are thin. The thinner they are, the crispier they will get when fried!

• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely. This makes serving easier and helps all those delicious flavors meld together.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Serving French Onion Funeral Potatoes can be as enjoyable as making them! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the potatoes.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a vibrant touch that enhances both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the casserole and adds a refreshing crunch.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers bring color and nutrients to your meal. Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors in the potatoes.

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that cheesy goodness from your Funeral Potatoes. It’s an easy addition that everyone loves!

• Steamed Broccoli: Tender steamed broccoli not only provides a nice contrast in texture but also adds a healthy green element to your plate, making it visually appealing.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your French Onion Funeral Potatoes will surely be the star of any meal! Enjoy sharing this cozy dish with family and friends; it’s bound to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble this comforting dish ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool entirely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about French Onion Funeral Potatoes that might help you with your cooking journey!

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns for French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just peel and cube them, then boil until slightly tender before mixing with other ingredients.

How do I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch, ensuring the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I prepare French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them a day in advance and bake right before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these French Onion Funeral Potatoes! This recipe brings together creamy layers of flavor topped with a delightful crunch, making it not just a side dish but a comforting hug on your plate. Enjoy sharing this deliciousness with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite variations. Happy cooking!