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· 4.1 from 22 reviews

There is something irresistibly comforting about a casserole that brings together crispy textures and rich, savory flavors, and that is exactly what the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe delivers in spades. This dish combines tender hash browns with sharp cheddar cheese, a luscious sour cream sauce, and the unmistakable punch of caramelized onions and garlic. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, wrapping each bite in warm, deep flavors that feel like a big, cozy hug. Whether you’re a longtime fan of funeral potatoes or trying this twist for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic on your table.

Ingredients You'll Need

The magic behind this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component brings something special to the dish—creaminess, tang, depth, or crunch—making the final result more than just the sum of its parts.

32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns: The perfect base with a tender but hearty texture that holds up well in the casserole.
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the potatoes and cheese into a creamy dream.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Provides sharp, melty goodness and beautiful golden color.
1 ½ cups sour cream: Brings tang and silkiness that balances the savory flavors.
¼ cup unsalted butter (for sauce): Used to create the luscious base for the onion sauce.
1 small yellow onion (diced): Builds a sweet, caramelized foundation in the sauce.
2 teaspoons garlic (minced): Adds an aromatic punch and depth.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat and complexity.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle wake-up call to the dish without overpowering it.
½ teaspoon dried mustard: A secret flavor booster that ties the cheesy and onion notes together.
½ cup chicken broth (room temperature): Keeps the sauce velvety and full-bodied.
½ cup whole milk (room temperature): Balances the sauce’s texture with creaminess.
2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced, layers separated): The star ingredient for making crispy fried onions that crown the casserole.
4 cups vegetable oil: For frying onions to golden, crunchy perfection.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Sprinkled on the fried onions to enhance their flavor.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and make sure to spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple preparation ensures your potatoes don’t stick and bake evenly throughout.

Step 2: Combine the Potatoes Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. This combination is the creamy, cheesy heart of the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe, giving you that luscious texture that’s impossible to resist.

Step 3: Cook the Onion Sauce

Next, melt ¼ cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, around 3–5 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic for about another minute. Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard to the onions, cooking for another minute to get that beautiful base flavor. Slowly whisk in the room temperature chicken broth and whole milk until the sauce thickens into a silky consistency. This savory sauce is what makes this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe stand out from the rest.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Potato Mixture

Pour the thickened sauce into the potato mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined. Then, transfer this heavenly blend into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cook perfectly later on.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake the assembled casserole for 45–50 minutes, until it’s bubbly and heated through. At this stage, the top should start to turn a gorgeous golden color, hinting at the crispy, melty goodness that’s coming.

Step 6: Make the Fried Onions

While the casserole is baking, prepare your crispy fried onions by heating 4 cups of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350°F. Separate the thinly sliced onion layers, then fry them in batches until golden and crispy. Use paper towels to drain excess oil and season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt immediately. These fried onions add a wonderful crunch and bold onion flavor that perfectly complements the creamy potatoes beneath.

Step 7: Top and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, generously sprinkle your crispy fried onions over the top. This final step elevates the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe beyond your typical dish into something truly spectacular. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

A dark plate holds a dish with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy white mashed potatoes with soft, chunky texture; the middle layer is melted yellow-orange cheese unevenly spread, partially covering the potatoes; the top layer is a pile of thin, crispy golden-brown fried onion strings scattered over the cheese, adding crunch and height. Small green herbs are sprinkled lightly on top, and a silver fork with a dark wooden handle rests on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and freshness, consider garnishing your casserole with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Not only do they brighten the plate, but they also add a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This hearty French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. If you want to go classic, roasted meats or grilled chicken work like a charm to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this casserole into individual portions by baking it in small ramekins or muffin tins, perfect for gatherings or potlucks. You could also layer it in a glass casserole dish to showcase its enticing textures and colors in a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors develop even more after sitting, making leftovers an unexpectedly delicious treat.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well both before and after baking. If freezing ahead, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. To freeze cooked leftovers, store in a sealed container or foil-wrapped dish and freeze similarly.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge. Warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly, about 20–30 minutes. Stovetop reheating or microwaving works for smaller portions, but the oven keeps it closest to freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Freshly cubed potatoes will work well, but you’ll want to parboil or partially cook them first to ensure they bake fully and achieve the right creamy texture in the casserole.

Is there a vegetarian version of the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and the dish remains just as flavorful and satisfying without the meat-based stock.

Can I substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt?

You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative, which will still provide the creamy tang but with a slightly different texture and a bit more protein.

How do I keep the fried onions crispy when topping the casserole?

Make sure to add the fried onions just before serving to maintain their crunch. If added too early, the onions can become soggy from the steam and moisture.

Can I make this dish vegan?

While this recipe relies heavily on dairy, you can try dairy-free cheese, plant-based sour cream, and vegetable broth to create a vegan version. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will differ but it can still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this incredible French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe. Its perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crispy elements will quickly become your go-to comfort food for special occasions or everyday dinners. Give it a whirl, and watch it disappear from the table faster than you can say “pass the fork!”

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need