French Onion Funeral Potatoes

If you’re craving a rich, comforting side dish that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic funeral potatoes with the irresistible flavor of caramelized onions, you’ve found your new favorite recipe. French Onion Funeral Potatoes bring together crispy potatoes baked under a luscious, cheesy onion sauce topped with crunchy French fried onions. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply upgrading your weeknight dinner with a dish everyone will rave about. Let’s dive into making this soul-satisfying delight that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food classic: Combines the nostalgic flavors of French onion soup with the hearty texture of baked potatoes for the ultimate comfort dish.
• Easy to prepare: Uses simple pantry staples and basic cooking techniques, so you can whip it up without stress.
• Perfectly creamy and crispy: The creamy cheese sauce pairs with crispy fried onions on top for a delightful textural contrast.
• Great for gatherings: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, onions, or toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe is carefully chosen to build rich layers of flavor and texture. From creamy cheese to crispy onions and tender potatoes, each component plays a vital role in making this dish truly irresistible.

• Frozen hash brown potatoes: Conveniently shredded and ready to bake, they provide a crisp yet tender base.
• French fried onions: The signature crispy topping that adds mouthwatering crunch and savory depth.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Adds moisture and a velvety texture with mild earthiness that complements the onions.
• Sour cream: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang to balance the richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to deliver gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the potatoes.
• Butter: Enhances the overall richness and helps create a golden crust.
• Onion powder and garlic powder: Intensify the savory onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

Variations for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Feel free to make this French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe your own! There are plenty of simple tweaks and swaps to suit your preferences, whether you’re looking to lighten it up or boost the flavor.

• Vegetarian friendly: Use cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup without meat to keep it plant-based.
• Extra cheesy: Mix in gruyere, mozzarella, or fontina along with cheddar for a richer cheese profile.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked bacon or diced ham before baking for a heartier dish.
• Herb infusion: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
• Low-fat option: Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly in the dish, allowing them to thaw slightly while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Onion Cheese Sauce

In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, butter (melted), onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

Gently fold the thawed hash browns into the sauce mixture, ensuring the potatoes are fully coated. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of French fried onions evenly over the top. This will crisp up during baking, adding a delightful texture contrast to the creamy potatoes beneath.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Funeral Potatoes

• Use thawed potatoes: Allow hash browns to thaw slightly for even cooking and smoother sauce absorption.
• Don’t skip the butter: It creates richness and helps the topping brown perfectly.
• Try fresh caramelized onions: For a deeper onion flavor, substitute some French fried onions with caramelized fresh onions in the sauce.
• Cover briefly if needed: If the top browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking to avoid burning.
• Make it a day ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate, then bake before serving to save time.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole right before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this indulgent dish with fresh green salads, roasted vegetables, or light steamed greens like broccoli or green beans to brighten and balance your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, top with a dollop of sour cream or crisp bacon bits for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture without drying out.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Cool it completely, then freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat French Onion Funeral Potatoes covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes, to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can shred and blanch fresh potatoes before using, but frozen hash browns save time and ensure consistent texture and moisture content in the dish.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or celery soup can be used, or you can make a simple homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed option.

Are French Onion Funeral Potatoes gluten-free?

Traditional French fried onions often contain gluten, so choose gluten-free fried onions or bake your own using gluten-free flour if needed.

Can I prepare this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives, a plant-based cream soup, and vegan crispy onion toppings to create a vegan-friendly version.

How can I make the top extra crispy?

For an especially crunchy topping, add extra French fried onions right before the final 5-10 minutes of baking or briefly broil to crisp it up further.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with savory onion goodness, and topped with the perfect crispy crunch that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or just elevating a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Dive in and enjoy every comforting forkful!

Related Posts

• Beans Parmesan
• Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp
• Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Print