Print

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

4.6 from 106 reviews

French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a comforting, creamy casserole combining crispy hash browns, sharp cheddar, and a rich onion-garlic sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a perfect savory crunch. This classic dish is baked to bubbly perfection, ideal as a hearty side or main feature for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

  • 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

Sauce

  • 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

Fried Onions

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups, layers separated)
  • 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until evenly incorporated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Add the diced small yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Stir and cook the mixture for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, continuing to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Sauce with Potatoes: Pour the thickened sauce into the bowl with the potato mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients well. Transfer the entire mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
  8. Prepare Fried Onions: While the casserole bakes, line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil over high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  9. Fry Onion Slices: Working in batches, carefully add about 1 cup of the thinly sliced onion layers to the hot oil. Stir occasionally and fry until the onions turn a pale golden brown, about 2 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or fine mesh strainer, remove the fried onions and place them in a single layer on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining onions, ensuring the oil temperature remains at 350°F between batches.
  10. Season Fried Onions: Sprinkle the fried onions with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently to coat evenly.
  11. Top the Casserole and Serve: When the casserole has finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top. Serve the dish warm for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use thawed hash browns to ensure even cooking and proper texture in the casserole.
  • Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F while frying onions to achieve optimal crispiness without burning.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • The casserole can be prepared a day ahead; bake just before serving for best results.

Keywords: French Onion, Funeral Potatoes, Casserole, Comfort Food, Cheesy Potatoes, Crispy Onions