French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that will steal the show at your next gathering, look no further than French Onion Funeral Potatoes! This dish combines the comforting flavors of crispy onions and cheesy potatoes into one deliciously creamy casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where you want something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, once you serve this at your table, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

What I love most about French Onion Funeral Potatoes is how it brings people together. The rich flavors and creamy texture make it a beloved comfort food that pairs well with just about anything. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can focus on enjoying time with your loved ones instead of spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or potluck.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love the cheesy goodness and crispy topping.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to impress your guests!
• Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of cheese, potatoes, and caramelized onions offers heartwarming comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a breeze with these simple, wholesome ingredients. You might already have many of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole

• 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! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for an extra dose of nutrition.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives for a lighter option.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and becomes perfectly golden brown by the time it’s ready to serve. While it heats up, go ahead and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Onion Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until they become translucent—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to bring out their natural sweetness which will add depth to our casserole.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sautéed onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, chicken broth, and milk. Mix everything together until well combined. This step is important because it allows all those delicious flavors to meld together!

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping

In another skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions in batches until they are golden brown and crispy—about 10-15 minutes in total. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with salt while frying! Crispy onions are what take this dish over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until bubbly around the edges. In the last few minutes of baking time, sprinkle those crispy fried onions on top so they can get nice and crisp while finishing off in the oven.

Once done baking, let it cool slightly before serving—this will help everything set up nicely. Enjoy your French Onion Funeral Potatoes as a delightful side dish that everyone will rave about!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Creating the perfect French Onion Funeral Potatoes is all about the details, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to a whole new level!

• Thaw your hash browns completely: This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture from making your casserole soggy. A well-thawed potato base will give you that perfect creamy texture.

• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly grated sharp cheddar will melt beautifully and provide a rich, gooey texture.

• Sauté onions until caramelized: Taking the time to caramelize the onions adds depth of flavor to your dish. The sweet, golden-brown onions will enhance the overall taste and make each bite irresistible.

• Let it rest before serving: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This gives it time to set and makes serving easier while maintaining its delicious creamy texture.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize the crispy onion topping by adding breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers mixed with herbs. This adds an extra crunch and flavor contrast that everyone will love!

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are not only tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas for presenting this delightful dish at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh chives: Adding a sprinkle of fresh chives on top brings color and a mild onion flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
• Shredded parsley: A light dusting of parsley not only enhances the aesthetic but also adds a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

• Roasted asparagus: Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, roasted asparagus makes for a vibrant side with a slight crunch that pairs wonderfully with creamy potatoes.

• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a great accompaniment; its buttery crunch is perfect for scooping up those cheesy potatoes!

• Green salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli offers not just color but also a healthy addition to balance out the meal, enhancing both nutrition and presentation.

Now you’re all set to create an unforgettable meal! Your friends and family will be raving about these French Onion Funeral Potatoes long after they’re gone! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or busy weeknights. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, ensuring you always have a delicious side dish on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes to cool completely.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the potatoes as directed, but do not bake them.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and reheat for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, then follow the same steps.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about French Onion Funeral Potatoes.

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes without sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Both options will still provide a creamy texture and flavor.

What makes French Onion Funeral Potatoes special?

French Onion Funeral Potatoes combine creamy cheese, savory onions, and crispy toppings for a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a twist on traditional potato casseroles that everyone will love!

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

To achieve a crispy topping, be sure to use fresh or homemade fried onions on top before baking. Also, avoid overcooking the potatoes to keep their texture light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful French Onion Funeral Potatoes! They bring warmth and comfort to any meal, whether it’s a family gathering or just dinner at home. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite! Happy cooking!