Grief-Soothing French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Comfort meets elegance in this hearty French onion funeral potatoes recipe that blends creamy textures with rich, savory flavors.

Caramelized onions weave their magic through layers of tender potatoes and melted cheese.

Crispy golden edges promise a delightful crunch in every bite.

This dish whispers warmth and nostalgia, perfect for gatherings that call for soul-satisfying comfort food.

Cheesy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying, these potatoes elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

The classic French onion twist adds unexpected depth to a beloved potato casserole.

Prepare to be delighted by this irresistible culinary creation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Smart Storage for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled potato casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Thaw frozen casserole in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to crisp top.

FAQs

• What makes this recipe unique compared to traditional funeral potatoes?

This version adds a French onion twist by incorporating caramelized onions and a thickened sauce, creating a more complex and savory flavor profile that elevates the classic comfort dish.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine just before baking. This makes it convenient for meal planning or potluck gatherings.

• Is it necessary to use homemade fried onions, or can I use store-bought?

While homemade fried onions provide a fresher taste and crispier texture, you can substitute with store-bought crispy onions if you’re short on time. Homemade offers better control over seasoning and crunch.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes: Why Everyone Loves Them

• Reimagine traditional funeral potatoes with a French onion twist that delivers rich, deep flavor profiles perfect for family gatherings.
• Simple ingredient swaps and adjustments allow home cooks to personalize this dish without complicated techniques, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• Crispy fried onion topping transforms the classic casserole, adding unexpected crunch and golden-brown excitement to every single bite.
• Works brilliantly as a side dish for holiday meals, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, providing a satisfying and hearty complement to multiple protein options.

Ingredients to Gather for Funeral Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

• Potatoes: The hearty foundation of this comforting casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds rich creaminess to the potato mixture.
• Butter: Provides smooth texture and deep flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Contributes melty, savory goodness to the dish.

• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy sauce base.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a velvety consistency.
• Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Dry Mustard: Seasonings that add complex and balanced flavor.

• Yellow Onions, Vegetable Oil: Essential for creating the golden, crispy fried onion topping.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the sauce.

Tools to Have Ready for French Onion Potatoes

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining potato mixture ingredients smoothly.
• Non-stick skillet: Perfect for cooking onions and preparing creamy sauce base.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Whisk: Key for blending sauce ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Slotted spoon: Great for safely removing fried onions from hot oil.
• Large saucepan: Necessary for deep-frying crispy onion topping.
• Baking sheet: Helps drain excess oil from fried onions.
• Paper towels: Used to line baking sheet for draining fried onions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for stirring ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Making French Onion Potatoes: The Process

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Potato Base

• Potatoes
• Butter
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Stir until the ingredients are well combined and set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Develop Onion Foundation

Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium temperature.

Melt butter and add onions, cooking until they become soft and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).

Toss in minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Dry mustard

Cook for one minute.

Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens nicely.

Step 5: Merge Sauce and Potatoes

Pour the rich, creamy sauce into the potato mixture.

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Bake Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and the dish is heated completely through.

Step 7: Craft Crispy Onion Topping

Prepare a large baking sheet by layering it with two sheets of paper towels.

Heat oil in a large saucepan to 350°F.

Step 8: Fry Onion Garnish

Working in batches, carefully add onions to the hot oil.

Fry while stirring occasionally until they turn a beautiful pale golden brown (2-5 minutes).

Remove with a slotted spoon and spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Repeat the process, ensuring the oil maintains 350°F between batches.

Step 9: Season Crispy Onions

Sprinkle the fried onions with salt and gently toss to ensure even seasoning.

Step 10: Final Assembly and Serving

Remove the bubbling casserole from the oven.

Generously scatter the crispy seasoned onions across the top.

Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Top Tips for Creamy French Onion Funeral Potatoes

• Drain frozen hash browns thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a creamy and rich casserole consistency.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to personal heat preference, adding gradually for balanced flavor without overwhelming heat.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature at 350F for perfectly golden and crispy fried onion topping, preventing burning or sogginess.
• Use a blend of sharp cheddar and gruyere for deeper, more complex cheese flavor profile in the potato mixture.
• Cover casserole with foil halfway through baking if top browns too quickly, ensuring even cooking and preventing dry edges.

Flavor Twists for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap some cheese with pepper jack for a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation that brings extra heat and flavor.

Serving Up Funeral Potatoes: Tasty Ideas

• Crispy Comfort Companion: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole.
• Protein Partner: Pair with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham for a complete and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Top with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness that elevates the dish's visual appeal and taste.
• Wine Wisdom: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay that cuts through the casserole's richness.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comforting french onion funeral potatoes deliver a hearty side dish with deep midwest roots. Caramelized onions and creamy cheese blend seamlessly, creating a soul-warming casserole you’ll crave at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 32 ounces (907 g) frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups (345 g) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 g) chicken broth, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard

Fried Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)
• 4 cups (32 ounces / 907 g) vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded potatoes with butter, cheese, and sour cream, creating a creamy base mixture.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce flour and seasonings to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth, whisking until the sauce transforms into a smooth, thickened consistency.
5. Merge the prepared sauce with the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors and creating a cohesive casserole base.
6. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent cooking.
7. Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until the top becomes golden and the interior reaches a bubbling, heated state.
8. While the casserole bakes, prepare crispy onion topping. Heat oil to 350F in a large saucepan, creating a designated frying station with paper towel-lined baking sheet.
9. Carefully fry onion batches, stirring occasionally, until they achieve a pale golden brown color. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
10. Season the fried onions with salt, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
11. Once the casserole is fully baked, generously scatter the crispy seasoned onions across the surface. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne pepper for those who prefer mild or bold flavors.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free flour and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Prepare fried onions ahead of time and store in an airtight container to save cooking time on the day of serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 543 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg