French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Name: French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 32 oz frozen cubed hash browns, thawed; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 1/2 cups (345 g) sour cream; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57 g) unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 tsp garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (31 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp dried mustard; 1/2 cup (120 g) chicken broth, room temperature; 1/2 cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups onions); 4 cups (32 oz) vegetable oil; 1/2 tsp kosher salt

by Sophia

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There’s something magical about the combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and a golden, crispy topping. This French Onion Funeral Potatoes dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy night at home. If you’re a fan of creamy casseroles with bold flavors, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your rotation. Let’s dive in and bring some warmth to your kitchen!

Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser

Before we get into the step-by-step magic, let me tell you why I adore this recipe. It’s not just about the creamy texture or the cheesy goodness. It’s the crispy, golden fried onions on top that elevate the dish into a league of its own. And let’s not forget—it’s so easy to make! Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply craving comfort food, this casserole ticks all the boxes.

Getting Started: Prep and Preheat

First things first, let’s get your kitchen ready for this delicious journey.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your casserole comes out of the dish as effortlessly as it disappears from your plate.
Thaw the Hash Browns: You’ll need 32 ounces of frozen, cubed hash browns. Let them thaw before mixing—this step is crucial for even cooking.

Making the Creamy Potato Mixture

Now, for the heart of the dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

Thawed hash browns
¼ cup melted unsalted butter

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1½ cups sour cream

Stir until everything is well combined. The melted butter coats the potatoes beautifully, while the sour cream and cheese give the dish its rich, creamy texture. Set this mixture aside as we prepare the next flavor-packed layer.

Creating the Savory Sauce

This sauce takes the casserole to the next level with a medley of spices and a creamy base. Here’s how to make it:

Sauté the Aromatics: Melt ¼ cup unsalted butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add one small diced yellow onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Toss in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute.

Build the Roux: Stir in ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried mustard. This mixture forms the base of your sauce, so give it a minute to cook and lose the raw flour taste.
Whisk in the Liquids: Gradually whisk in ½ cup chicken broth and ½ cup whole milk, both at room temperature. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens into a luscious sauce.

Bringing It All Together

With your potato mixture and sauce ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole.

Pour the prepared sauce over the potato mixture, and stir until everything is well-coated.
Transfer this creamy, cheesy goodness into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Into the Oven

Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s bubbling around the edges and beautifully golden on top. While it bakes, you’ll have just enough time to prepare the pièce de résistance: the crispy fried onions.

Now that your creamy potato casserole is baking and filling your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma, it’s time to whip up the star topping: crispy fried onions. These golden, crunchy delights add a savory layer of flavor and texture that takes this dish from comforting to unforgettable. Let’s dive in!

The Art of Perfectly Crispy Fried Onions

Frying onions might seem like a small step, but it’s the secret weapon that elevates this recipe. Here’s how to make them perfectly:

Prepare Your Workstation:
- Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. This will help drain excess oil from the onions after frying.
- Thinly slice two large yellow onions (you’ll need about 4 cups of slices). Try to keep the slices uniform for even cooking.
Heat the Oil:
- Pour 4 cups of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the oil over high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of onion—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
Fry in Batches:
- Fry 1 cup of onion slices at a time. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy onions.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even frying. Cook for 2-5 minutes per batch, or until the onions turn a light golden brown. (They’ll continue to darken slightly as they cool.)
- Use a slotted spoon or fine mesh strainer to remove the onions, and transfer them to your prepared paper towels.
Season Immediately:
- While the onions are still warm, sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, tossing gently to coat evenly. This simple step locks in flavor and makes these onions utterly addictive.

The Final Assembly

Your casserole should be perfectly baked by now—bubbly, golden, and almost ready to serve. It’s time to add the finishing touch.

Top It Off:
- Remove the casserole from the oven, but keep it hot. Evenly sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top, creating a layer of crunchy goodness that’s impossible to resist.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve this dish straight from the oven to ensure the onions stay crisp. Each bite will be a dreamy combination of creamy potatoes, cheesy sauce, and crunchy onion topping.

Tips and Variations for Extra Flair

Want to make this recipe uniquely yours? Here are some tips and variations to customize it:

Add Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon into the potato mixture or sprinkle it over the fried onions for a smoky twist.
Spice It Up: Love heat? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the sauce.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Cheese Lovers Unite: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky Gouda can add a new dimension to the dish.

Why the Crispy Onions Matter

If you’re tempted to skip the fried onions, let me convince you otherwise. Their crunch provides the perfect contrast to the creamy casserole, and their golden-brown color makes the dish look just as amazing as it tastes. Trust me, they’re worth the extra few minutes in the kitchen!

FAQs and Wrapping Up the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Experience

By now, your kitchen probably smells like heaven, and you’ve got a casserole topped with golden, crispy fried onions ready to steal the show. But before you dig in, let’s tackle some common questions to ensure your French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a smashing success.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the potato mixture and the sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then combine them and bake when you’re ready. Fry the onions just before serving for optimal crispiness.

2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fried onions soggy.

3. Can I use store-bought fried onions instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought fried onions are a convenient alternative. While homemade onions bring an unbeatable freshness and flavor, pre-packaged ones can save time without compromising too much on taste.

4. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Definitely! Peel and dice fresh potatoes into small cubes, then boil them until just tender before using them in the recipe. This adds a little extra prep time but works just as well.

5. What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Colby Jack, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for added flair.

6. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, and swap some of the butter for Greek yogurt in the potato mixture. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

7. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, but with a note of caution: freeze the unbaked casserole without the fried onions. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, bake, and then top with freshly fried onions.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love French Onion Funeral Potatoes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are more than just a dish—they’re a warm hug in casserole form. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy, savory onions, this recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering or serving it alongside a simple dinner, it’s guaranteed to be the star of the meal.