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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded potatoes with butter, cheese, and sour cream, creating a creamy base mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Merge the prepared sauce with the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors and creating a cohesive casserole base.
- Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until the top becomes golden and the interior reaches a bubbling, heated state.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the fried onions with salt, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- 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