French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s sure to win over your family and friends, let me introduce you to French Onion Funeral Potatoes. This delightful casserole combines the creamy goodness of potatoes with the savory flavors of French onion soup, topped off with crispy onions. It’s a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone will gather around the table for seconds!

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and heartiness. It’s one of those dishes you can prepare ahead of time and pop in the oven before mealtime. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable—whether you’re serving it at a potluck or just enjoying it at home, this casserole is bound to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready that feels like a labor of love.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This dish is perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble everything in advance and bake it when you’re ready, making meal prep a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and the sweetness of caramelized onions creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve these potatoes alongside any main course or at gatherings; they fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a comforting dish. Gather these items before you start cooking:

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 variations:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
• Cheese Swap: Try different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Gouda for unique flavors.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the taste profile.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a little heat.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and becomes perfectly golden brown on top. While your oven heats up, grab your baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This step is essential as it prevents any sticking and makes clean-up much easier later on.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step is important because cooking the onions enhances their sweetness and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onions and garlic mixture, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, chicken broth, and whole milk. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This creates that creamy filling that everyone will love!

Step 5: Bake Your Casserole

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 6: Prepare Crispy Onions

While your casserole bakes away happily in the oven, heat vegetable oil in another pan over medium-high heat. Once hot enough (you can test by dropping in an onion slice), carefully fry thinly sliced onions until they turn golden brown—this should take about 10-15 minutes. Remember to stir them occasionally so they cook evenly!

Step 7: Top It Off!

Once your casserole is golden brown from baking and smells divine – remove it from the oven and sprinkle those crispy fried onions on top generously. Return it to the oven for another few minutes just until everything melds together beautifully.

And there you have it—a warm dish of French Onion Funeral Potatoes ready to be enjoyed! Serve this delightful casserole hot as a side at dinner or simply enjoy it as comfort food any night of the week!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and high-quality cheese can significantly enhance the flavors of your casserole, making it more delicious and satisfying.

• Consider texture: For an extra crispy topping, make sure to fry the onions until they are golden brown. This adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.

• Customize the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper. You can always start with less and add more to suit your taste!

• Make ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance by assembling it up to a day before you plan to bake it. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

• Let it rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop out portions.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any gathering. Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a vibrant color and a mild onion flavor that complements the rich potatoes.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley provides a pop of green that brightens up the dish while adding a fresh taste.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted with olive oil brings a healthy balance of flavors alongside the richness of the casserole.

• Garden salad: A refreshing garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette can cut through the creaminess of the potatoes.

• Steamed green beans: Quick-steamed green beans tossed in garlic and olive oil offer a crisp texture that pairs well with the soft baked potatoes.

• Grilled chicken or tofu: For those looking for protein options, grilled chicken or marinated tofu works wonderfully as they absorb flavors well without overpowering the comforting taste of the casserole.

Enjoy creating your French Onion Funeral Potatoes! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare them in advance, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeks or special gatherings. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Use a freezer-safe container if you prefer.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and reheat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about French Onion Funeral Potatoes!

Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to your cooking time!

What is the best way to store leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe?

Yes! If you need a dairy-free option, try using plant-based sour cream and cheese. You can also swap out vegetable broth for chicken broth if desired.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for French Onion Funeral Potatoes brings joy to your table, just as it has mine! This comforting dish combines creamy textures with crispy onion goodness, making it a delightful addition to any meal. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and enjoy making this together—it’s sure to become a favorite! Happy cooking!