French Onion Funeral Potatoes: A Creamy, Crispy Comfort Food Classic

Name: French Onion Funeral Potatoes: A Creamy, Crispy Comfort Food Classic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz frozen cubed hash browns, thawed; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 ½ cups sour cream; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 tsp garlic, minced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; ½ tsp dried mustard; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup whole milk; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 cups vegetable oil; ½ tsp kosher salt (for fried onions)

August 15, 2025

- by Jenna

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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a must-try! This indulgent casserole combines tender hash browns, a creamy sauce, and crispy homemade fried onions for a dish that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or cozy family dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Irresistible Crispy-Onion Topping:

Homemade fried onions add a golden, crunchy contrast to the creamy potato base, making every bite a perfect balance of textures.

Rich, Flavor-Packed Sauce:

A blend of sharp cheddar, sour cream, and a savory spiced sauce ensures this dish is bursting with deep, comforting flavors.

Easy to Make Ahead:

Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, this casserole can be assembled in advance and baked when ready—just add the crispy onions at the end!

Ingredients for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Frozen Cubed Hash Browns:

Thawed hash browns provide the perfect potato texture—tender yet sturdy enough to hold up in the casserole.

Unsalted Butter:

Adds richness to both the potato mixture and the sauce, ensuring a velvety, flavorful base.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

Melts beautifully into the dish, giving it a tangy, cheesy depth.

Sour Cream:

Creates a creamy, slightly tangy binder that keeps the potatoes moist and delicious.

Yellow Onion:

Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed.

Garlic:

Enhances the savory notes of the dish with its aromatic flavor.

All-Purpose Flour:

Helps thicken the sauce for a luscious, cohesive texture.

Spices (Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Dried Mustard):

These seasonings add warmth, a touch of heat, and complexity to the dish.

Chicken Broth & Whole Milk:

Combined, they create a smooth, flavorful liquid base for the sauce.

Vegetable Oil:

Used for frying the onions to crispy perfection.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with quantities is provided in the recipe card just below.)

Variations

Gluten-Free Version:

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Vegetarian Option:

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.

Extra Cheesy Twist:

Add a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella along with the cheddar for a more complex cheesy flavor.

How to Prepare French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar, and sour cream. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft, then stir in garlic for another minute.

Step 4:

Whisk in flour and spices, cooking for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk and broth, whisking until thickened.

Step 5:

Combine the sauce with the potato mixture, then spread into the baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly.

Step 6:

While baking, fry thinly sliced onions in hot oil until golden. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

Step 7:

Top the baked casserole with fried onions and serve immediately.

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Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen

Ensures uniformly thin onion slices for perfectly crispy fried onions.

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Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid

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Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Grill and Cooking

Helps maintain the correct oil temperature for frying onions without burning.

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Tips and Tricks

Use a Mandoline for Even Onion Slices:

For perfectly crispy fried onions, slice them uniformly with a mandoline.

Thaw Hash Browns Properly:

Let frozen hash browns thaw in the fridge overnight to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Monitor Oil Temperature:

Keep the oil at 350°F for frying to ensure onions crisp up without burning.

How to Serve

Pair with a Fresh Green Salad:

The crispness of a simple salad balances the richness of the potatoes.

Serve as a Holiday Side:

This dish shines alongside roasted meats like ham or turkey.

Top with Fresh Herbs:

A sprinkle of chives or parsley adds a fresh contrast to the savory flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Assemble Ahead:

Prepare the casserole (without frying onions) up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding fried onions at the end.

Store Leftovers Properly:

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Freezing Not Recommended:

The creamy texture may become grainy after freezing, so enjoy fresh!

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes! Parboil and cube fresh potatoes, but frozen hash browns save time and ensure even cooking.

2. Can I use store-bought fried onions?

Absolutely, though homemade adds a fresher, crispier touch.

3. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Don’t overbake—remove it once bubbly and golden. The sour cream and cheese help retain moisture.

Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight treat, these French Onion Funeral Potatoes are sure to become a new favorite. Happy cooking!