Name: French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed.; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided.; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded.; 1 1/2 cups sour cream.; 1 small yellow onion, diced.; 2 teaspoons minced garlic.; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.; 1 teaspoon kosher salt.; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.; 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard.; 1/2 cup chicken broth.; 1/2 cup whole milk.; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced.; 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying.; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt for onions.

A serving of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs and garnished with parsley. | lifesugar.co

Let me share my absolute favorite comfort food recipe with you! I've been making these French Onion Funeral Potatoes for years and they never fail to bring smiles to the table. The combination of creamy cheesy potatoes and those crispy onions on top is pure magic. My family begs for these at every holiday gathering!

The Story Behind The Name

You might wonder about that interesting name! These potatoes got their nickname because they're often brought to gatherings after funerals where their warm comforting goodness helps bring people together. But honestly these are too good to save for sad occasions. I make them for everything from Sunday dinners to holiday feasts.

Everything You'll Need

One bag of frozen diced hash browns. Let them thaw first.
Sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated it melts so much better.
A big dollop of sour cream for that perfect tang.
My special sauce made with butter onions and broth.
Those amazing crispy fried onions for the top.
Some oil for frying if you're making your own onions.

Let's Make It Together

Start With The Sauce: Get those onions nice and fragrant in melted butter. Add garlic because well garlic makes everything better!
Mix It All Up: Toss your potatoes with that gorgeous sauce cheese and sour cream until every bite is coated.
Into The Pan: Spread it all in your baking dish. I use my favorite 9x13 pan.
Top It Off: Now for the best part those crispy onions go right on top.
Bake Until Bubbly: Pop it in at 350°F and let it get all golden and gorgeous.

A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with crispy, golden-brown layers and sprinkled with fresh parsley. | lifesugar.co

Quick Onion Tip

Look I love making my own fried onions but some days are just busy! On those days I grab a container of the store bought ones. Nobody has ever complained and it saves so much time.

Make It Ahead

This is my go to recipe when I need to plan ahead. Mix it all up cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. It'll wait patiently for up to a day! You can even freeze it for a few months just thaw it overnight before baking.

About Those Onions

If you're frying your own onions (which I love to do when I have time) make them a couple days ahead! They keep perfectly in a container and stay nice and crispy.

Saving Leftovers

In the rare case you have any leftovers they'll keep nicely in the fridge for a few days. Just pop them in a container with a good seal.

A close-up of a creamy, cheesy dish with pasta, topped with golden-brown crispy breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. | lifesugar.co

Warming It Up

When you're ready for round two pop it in the oven at 350°F. About 15 minutes usually does the trick. I've used the microwave in a pinch but the oven keeps everything crispier.

Perfect For The Holidays

These potatoes have become such a tradition at our holiday table. They're right there next to the turkey at Thanksgiving and ham at Christmas. Everyone expects them now!

Mix It Up

Sometimes I get creative with different cheese blends. A mix of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda is amazing! And don't be shy with seasonings add whatever your family loves.

Why Onions Are Key

That crispy onion topping isn't just for looks! It adds this amazing sweet crunch that makes these potatoes extra special. Way better than the usual cornflake topping if you ask me.

A close-up image of a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. | lifesugar.co

Potato Prep Tips

Here's a little trick I learned the hard way make sure those frozen hash browns are really thawed and drained. Nobody wants watery potatoes! I usually let them thaw overnight.

What To Serve With It

These potatoes are best friends with any roasted meat. We love them with ham turkey or even a simple roast chicken. They steal the show every time!

Save That Oil

If you make your own fried onions don't toss the oil! Strain it and save it for next time. It picks up such a lovely flavor that's perfect for other cooking too.

Fresh vs Store-Bought

Sure the store bought onions are convenient but there's something special about homemade ones. They're fresher crispier and you can control exactly how golden they get.

Sneaking In Veggies

Sometimes I toss in some extra veggies like peas or broccoli. My kids don't even mind because everything tastes better in that creamy cheese sauce!

A close-up of a creamy, golden-brown lasagna slice topped with crispy bits and garnished with fresh chives on a white plate. | lifesugar.co

Complete The Meal

I like balancing out these rich potatoes with something fresh and green. A simple salad or some steamed green beans are perfect alongside.

Making It For Everyone

Got gluten-free friends? Just swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and check those onion labels. Easy peasy!

Pure Comfort In A Dish

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes have become more than just a recipe in our family they're a tradition. Every warm cheesy bite brings back memories of special moments shared around our table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why are they called funeral potatoes?: This style of potato casserole got its name because it's often served at funeral luncheons, particularly in the Midwest and Mountain states.
→ Can I use store-bought crispy onions?: Yes, you can substitute French's or another brand of crispy onions if you don't want to make your own, though homemade ones provide better flavor.
→ Can I make this ahead?: You can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate, but add the crispy onions just before serving to maintain their crunch.
→ Why thaw the hash browns first?: Thawed hash browns ensure even cooking and help prevent excess moisture in the casserole that could make it watery.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?: You can freeze before adding the crispy onions. Thaw completely before baking and add fresh crispy onions on top.

Conclusion

This upgraded funeral potatoes recipe transforms a classic comfort food into a gourmet dish. By combining creamy hash browns with a rich cheese sauce and topping it with homemade crispy onions, the recipe elevates a traditional side dish into a standout casserole that's perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes