French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings everyone together, you’ve found it! French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic cheesy potato casserole, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen.

What makes these potatoes so special is their creamy texture combined with the crispy onion topping. They are rich in flavor and sure to be a hit at any table. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish without any fuss.
• Family-friendly appeal: Who doesn’t love cheesy potatoes? This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare these potatoes in advance, making them perfect for potlucks or holiday dinners.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and sweet caramelized onions creates an irresistible taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile side dish: Pair these potatoes with almost any main course, from grilled chicken to veggie burgers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these French Onion Funeral Potatoes. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, and trust me, they come together beautifully!

For the 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
• 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; about 4 cups onions)
• 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your French Onion Funeral Potatoes:

• Add some greens: Toss in some cooked spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the potato mixture.
• Switch up the cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Top with breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs over the crispy onions before baking.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This step ensures that your potatoes won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onion, minced garlic, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, chicken broth, and whole milk. Mix everything until well-combined. The creamy goodness of this mixture is what makes these French Onion Funeral Potatoes so comforting!

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Pour your potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. The aroma of melted cheese filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Onion Topping

While your casserole is baking away, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot enough, add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy—this will take about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.

Step 5: Top It Off

Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle those crispy onions on top. Pop it back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes to let everything meld together beautifully.

There you have it! A comforting dish of French Onion Funeral Potatoes that’s ready to serve! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use thawed hash browns: Thawed frozen cubed hash browns ensure even cooking and a creamy texture in your casserole, avoiding any excess moisture from frozen potatoes.

• Opt for sharp cheddar cheese: Choosing sharp cheddar cheese not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds that irresistible cheesiness that complements the rich onions perfectly.

• Don’t skip the garlic: Adding minced garlic intensifies the overall taste and brings out a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy and cheesy elements of the dish.

• Make your own crispy onions: While store-bought crispy onions are convenient, making them at home allows you to control the seasoning and ensure they’re fresh, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to your casserole.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your dish to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors as they meld together.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Presenting French Onion Funeral Potatoes can be just as fun as making them! Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting side dish at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh chives: Adding a sprinkle of chives not only brings a pop of color but also adds a mild oniony flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Fresh parsley: A light dusting of freshly chopped parsley provides a vibrant contrast and freshness that balances the richness of the potatoes.

Side Dishes

• Simple green salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty potatoes.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts provide both color and nutrients while their caramelized edges complement the savory flavors in your casserole.
• Garlic bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy goodness on your plate. Plus, who can resist that buttery garlic aroma?
• Steamed broccoli: This nutrient-packed vegetable adds brightness and crunch, creating a balanced meal when paired with the creamy potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to wow your family and friends with this delightful twist on a classic! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance, making your life easier on busy days or special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool completely.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Label with a date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake covered for about 30-40 minutes until heated through, then uncover for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the top.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about French Onion Funeral Potatoes:

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

What can I serve with French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

These cheesy potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

How do I ensure my French Onion Funeral Potatoes are crispy?

For extra crispiness, make sure to drain the onions well after frying and don’t skip baking uncovered towards the end of cooking!

Can I substitute ingredients in French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

Yes! You can use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives if you prefer, or opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful French Onion Funeral Potatoes as much as I do! They bring comfort and warmth to any gathering and are sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe; it’s not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. Happy cooking!