Name: French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 2 large yellow onions, (thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)); 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up—ooey gooey, golden, cheesy potatoes crowned with a crispy mountain of homemade fried onions and kissed with the deep flavor of caramelized onion and a hint of sharp cheddar. There’s something almost magical about digging your spoon into the bubbly, steamy center and striking gold with those sweet-and-savory crispy onions on top. Whether you’re headed to a potluck or simply in need of a soul-warming side dish, this recipe transforms the familiar and friendly funeral potatoes into a French onion showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to crowd-pleasing side dishes, simplicity is often the key, and these ingredients come together to guarantee each bite is full of flavor, creaminess, and crunch. Every component contributes something vital—from texture and color to the irresistible depth that defines these French Onion Funeral Potatoes.

Frozen cubed hash browns (32 ounces, thawed): The backbone of our casserole, providing the ideal soft and satisfying base that soaks up all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (½ cup total, melted and divided): Adds creamy richness and helps achieve that classic, comforting mouthfeel.
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Gives tangy meltiness and sharp flavor to every forkful.
Sour cream (1½ cups): Keeps everything moist and tangy, cutting through the richness just enough.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Sautéed into the sauce for a subtle allium sweetness and depth.
Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Adds irresistible aromatic flavor that brings the whole casserole together.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the cheese sauce so it hugs every single potato cube.
Seasonings (kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne, dried mustard): Delivers balanced savory flavor and just a hint of warmth.
Chicken broth (½ cup, room temperature): Enriches the sauce and helps blend all the creaminess together.
Whole milk (½ cup, room temperature): Adds subtle sweetness and makes the sauce luscious and silky.
Yellow onions (2 large, thinly sliced—about 4 cups): These are set aside for the crispy fried topping that makes these French Onion Funeral Potatoes unforgettable.
Vegetable oil (4 cups, for frying): Ensures the sliced onions crisp up perfectly with a golden, irresistible crunch.
Kosher salt (for seasoning): The final savory touch to make those fried onions extra addictive.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a nice spray with nonstick cooking spray—this prevents sticking and makes for easy serving later. A little bit of preparation goes a long way towards those perfect squares!

Step 2: Assemble the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, half of your melted butter, the shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir it all together until the potatoes are evenly coated—you’ll see the mixture start to look creamy and cheesy right away. Set this aside while you make that luscious sauce.

Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce

Melt the remaining butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens up, about 3 to 5 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic—give it a minute to bloom and release its aroma, but don’t let it brown.

Step 4: Thicken and Flavor the Sauce

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Stir and cook for about a minute; this gives your sauce both thickness and those crave-worthy layers of flavor that make French Onion Funeral Potatoes stand out.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer

Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture gently simmer, whisking, until it’s thickened and silky—almost like a rich cheddar soup. This is key to ensuring every single potato is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 6: Combine, Pour, and Bake

Pour the warm, thickened sauce over your potato mixture. Gently stir to combine everything, then transfer it into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and tantalizingly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Fry Those Onions

While the potatoes are baking, line a baking sheet with paper towels to catch any extra oil from your fried onions. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the thinly sliced onions (about 1 cup per batch) for 2 to 5 minutes until they’re pale golden and irresistibly crisp. Use a slotted spoon or mesh strainer to transfer them to the lined baking sheet, sprinkle with kosher salt, and let them cool. Don’t skip this—the crispy fried onions are what make French Onion Funeral Potatoes sing!

Step 8: Top It Off and Serve

Once your casserole is hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven and scatter the fried onions generously over the top. Serve the French Onion Funeral Potatoes warm, and watch as everyone dives in for seconds.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of minced chives or parsley is always a welcome touch on French Onion Funeral Potatoes, brightening up the rich, savory flavors and adding a pop of green for visual appeal. If you like a little extra zing, try a dusting of fresh cracked black pepper or even a handful of small, crisped shallots for even more oniony flair.

Side Dishes

These decadent potatoes truly shine beside roasts and grilled meats—think pot roast, grilled chicken, or a juicy steak. For a holiday or potluck spread, pair them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or sautéed green beans to balance the creamy richness. French Onion Funeral Potatoes elevate any meal to celebration status.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for fancy single-serve portions. For potlucks, transfer portions to a portable container and add the fried onions just before serving so they stay crisp. Or stack up layers in a trifle bowl for a quirky, show-stopping presentation—French Onion Funeral Potatoes always get people talking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), spoon the French Onion Funeral Potatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld, making for fantastic leftovers you’ll look forward to.

Freezing

Want to get ahead? You can freeze the unbaked casserole (minus the fried onions) for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, bake as directed, then top with freshly fried onions for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through. For that just-fried onion crunch, you can crisp up any leftover onions in a hot, dry skillet before sprinkling them back on top right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While frozen cubed hash browns are ultra-convenient, you can use fresh diced potatoes. Just parboil them until just fork-tender before proceeding with the recipe to ensure they’re perfectly cooked in the casserole.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great swap—it offers the same tangy creaminess without missing a beat. Cream cheese blended with a splash of milk can also work in a pinch for French Onion Funeral Potatoes.

Can these be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Just substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, and you have a fully vegetarian version of French Onion Funeral Potatoes. The flavors stay indulgent and full-bodied, even without meat-based broth.

How do I keep the fried onions crisp?

The key is to fry them in small batches and drain them well on paper towels. Don’t top the casserole with onions until just before serving; that way, French Onion Funeral Potatoes keep their signature crispy crown.

Do I have to make the onions from scratch?

Not at all! While homemade fried onions truly make a difference, you can substitute store-bought crispy fried onions in a pinch. Just sprinkle them on top before serving for a time-saving shortcut.

Final Thoughts

Once you try French Onion Funeral Potatoes, you’ll see why they’re a mainstay on my family table year after year. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough for any gathering—go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible comfort classic!

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a comforting and indulgent casserole that combines the richness of French onion flavors with classic funeral potatoes for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Instructions

Preheat oven. Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Potatoes
Combine potatoes, butter, cheese, and sour cream.
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
Sauce
Make sauce. Melt butter in skillet.
In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add onions and garlic.
Add onions and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
Add dry ingredients.
Add flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard. Cook another minute.
Add milk and chicken broth.
Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking until well combined. Continue to cook, whisking until thickened.
Pour sauce into potato mixture. Pour into baking dish.
Pour the sauce into the potato mixture. Mix well. Then, pour into the prepared baking dish.
Bake 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Make fried onion.
While the casserole is baking, prepare the fried onions.
Fried Onions
Line baking sheet with paper towels.
Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Set aside.
Heat oil.
To a large saucepan over high heat, add oil. Heat to 350°F.
Fry onions. Set on paper towel.
Working in batches, add about 1 cup of onions to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until onions turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried onions from the hot oil. Place them in an even layer onto the lined baking sheet. Set aside and repeat with the remaining onions. (Make sure the oil is at 350°F before frying each batch.)
Sprinkle fried onions with salt, tossing to coat.
Remove casserole from oven. Add fried onions.
After the casserole has baked for 45-50 minutes, remove from the oven. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top of the hot casserole.
Serve warm.
Serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American