French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy casserole that brings people together, you’re in the perfect spot to explore how to make French Onion Funeral Potatoes. This classic comfort dish combines crispy potatoes with rich, savory flavors reminiscent of French onion soup, making it an absolute star for family dinners and comforting gatherings. Ready to whip up a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and unforgettable? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: The creamy potatoes and crispy topping create a warm, hearty dish that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and common fresh items, meaning no complicated shopping or fancy components needed.
• Perfect for sharing: Its big-batch nature makes it ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or any event where comfort food shines.
• Flavor-packed: The French onion flavor upgrades classic funeral potatoes with caramelized onions and savory richness.
• Easy to customize: You can easily tweak ingredients or add extras to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of French Onion Funeral Potatoes is how simple ingredients work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the crispy onion topping to the tender, cheesy potatoes—ensuring every bite is a winner.

• Frozen hash browns: Convenient and perfect for that tender potato base.
• French onion soup mix: Adds classic onion flavor with a little extra seasoning kick.
• Sour cream: Contributes creamy tanginess that balances the dish.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheese to bind everything together.
• Butter: Used to make the crunchy fried onion topping golden and flavorful.
• Canned fried onions: Provides the signature crunchy, sweet onion topping that makes this recipe unforgettable.
• Milk: Adds moisture so the casserole bakes up creamy without drying out.
• Onion powder: Boosts that French onion flavor even further.

Variations for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

This recipe is super flexible, letting you tailor it to your liking or dietary preferences without losing that amazing French onion essence. Here are some fun and tasty ways to make it your own.

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free fried onions or skip them and add crushed gluten-free crackers for crunch.
• Add bacon bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon throughout for an extra smoky, savory punch.
• Use cream cheese: Blend some cream cheese with the sour cream for even richer, silkier potatoes.
• Switch cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyere or mozzarella to try different flavor profiles and textures.
• Include veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized peppers to boost nutrition and flavor.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns with sour cream, milk, French onion soup mix, shredded cheddar, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy, flavorful mixture.

Step 2: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer the potato mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for a uniform bake. This ensures that every serving has that perfect balance of crispy top and tender inside.

Step 3: Add the Topping

In a small saucepan, melt butter and toss in the canned fried onions until they’re coated and slightly golden. Sprinkle this buttery onion mixture evenly over the potatoes for that irresistible crunchy finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled casserole for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a golden-brown, crispy topping that invites you to dig in.

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

• Use thawed potatoes: Prevent excess water by fully thawing and draining frozen hash browns before mixing; this keeps your casserole creamy instead of watery.
• Don’t skip butter on onions: Coating the fried onions in butter before topping adds rich flavor and helps achieve a golden crunch.
• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
• Customize cheese: Feel free to blend cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss for a mellow twist.
• Make ahead: Assemble the night before and store covered in the fridge; bake when ready for convenience without sacrificing taste.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich potatoes. For extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on the side never hurts.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with green vegetable sides like roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or garlic sautéed green beans. A crisp garden salad also balances the richness for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider serving French Onion Funeral Potatoes in individual ramekins for personal portions with perfectly crispy edges, or make mini casserole cups using muffin tins for cute, handheld bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat until warmed through for a comforting snack or side.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until bubbling and warmed all the way through, about 20-25 minutes. This keeps the topping crispy, unlike microwaving which can make it soggy.

FAQs

What makes funeral potatoes different from regular scalloped potatoes?

Funeral potatoes typically include a crispy fried onion topping and a creamy, cheesy base, while scalloped potatoes rely more on thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream or cheese sauce.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can, but it requires peeling, shredding, and pre-cooking the potatoes. Frozen hash browns save time and yield consistent texture with less effort.

Is French onion soup mix necessary for the flavor?

It’s key for achieving that distinct French onion taste, but you can also mix caramelized onions with beef broth and seasonings to mimic the flavor if preferred.

How do I keep the topping crunchy?

Coat the fried onions in melted butter before baking and avoid stirring them into the casserole to maintain a crisp finish.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use vegan butter to keep the rich flavor and creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and crispy in one effortless casserole. Whether you’re serving a crowd or making a comforting family meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite go-to. So grab those ingredients, turn on the oven, and enjoy the magic of a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s pure deliciousness!

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