French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious side dish, French Onion Funeral Potatoes are just the ticket! This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With layers of cheesy goodness and a crispy onion topping, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). This dish brings warmth and smiles to the table, making it an ideal addition to any meal.

What makes French Onion Funeral Potatoes truly special is how easy they are to whip up. You’ll find that even your pickiest eaters will devour them with glee. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: With a cheesy flavor everyone loves, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these potatoes ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy onions creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for French Onion Funeral Potatoes are simple and wholesome—just the way cooking should be! Gather these items and get ready for some deliciousness.

For the Potato Base

• 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 super flexible! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have or prefer. Here are some tasty variations:

• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or broccoli for an extra nutrient boost.
• Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper if you like a little heat, or mix in some diced jalapeños.
• Cheese swap: Try different shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique twist.
• Herb infusion: Sprinkle in some fresh herbs like chives or parsley before serving for added freshness.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your potatoes cook evenly throughout. While that’s warming up, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onion, minced garlic, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, chicken broth, and milk. Mix everything well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This step is crucial because it ensures every bite is packed full of flavor!

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Pour the creamy potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. It’s important to level it out so that it cooks uniformly.

Step 4: Create the Crispy Onion Topping

In a separate pan over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil until hot but not smoking. Carefully add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle them with salt. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Bake and Top

Once you’ve got those wonderfully crunchy onions ready, sprinkle them generously over the potato mixture in your baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

There you have it! A delightful dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your family table. Enjoy every cheesy bite of these French Onion Funeral Potatoes!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Creating the perfect French Onion Funeral Potatoes is all about those little touches that elevate the dish. Here are my top tips to ensure your casserole is a hit!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh onions and quality cheese. Freshness adds depth of flavor that frozen or pre-packaged ingredients may lack.

• Don’t Skip the Garlic: Adding minced garlic enhances the overall taste and gives a lovely aromatic quality to the potatoes, making them irresistible!

• Brown Your Onions Well: When caramelizing the onions, take your time. A good golden-brown color brings out sweetness and adds a rich flavor that complements the cheesy potatoes beautifully.

• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking enables it to set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

• Customize Your Cheese: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for added creaminess and complexity in flavor.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Serving French Onion Funeral Potatoes can be as creative as you want! This dish shines as a comforting side at gatherings or family dinners. Here are some ideas to make it even more enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the casserole.

• Crispy Fried Onions: A sprinkle of store-bought crispy fried onions on top before serving creates an extra layer of crunch and enhances that onion flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garden Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes, cleansing your palate between bites.

• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans with a touch of lemon butter provide a vibrant side that pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini bring color, texture, and additional nutrition to your meal while complementing the flavors wonderfully.

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm slices of garlic bread on the side for dipping into any leftover cheesy goodness. It’s an indulgent yet delightful addition!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your French Onion Funeral Potatoes will not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any table! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, ensuring that your next meal or gathering is a breeze. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Assemble the dish but don’t bake it first.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• If refrigerated, bake covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• For frozen potatoes, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-70 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

You may have some questions about these tasty French Onion Funeral Potatoes. Here are a few common ones:

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes without sour cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a similar creamy texture.

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

To achieve that perfect crispy topping, fry the onions until golden brown and sprinkle them generously over the casserole just before baking. This will give you that delightful crunch!

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes! Freshly grated potatoes can be used instead of frozen ones. Just make sure they are well-drained of moisture before mixing them into your casserole.

What’s the best way to serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

These potatoes make an excellent side dish alongside roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Serve them warm straight from the oven for maximum flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful French Onion Funeral Potatoes as much as I do! They bring a comforting twist to any meal and are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is special enough to be shared and savored. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it!