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

Picture this: the moment you pull a bubbling, golden-topped casserole out of the oven, the irresistible aroma of caramelized onions, melted sharp cheddar, and just a hint of buttery richness envelops the kitchen. The crispy, crunchy fried onions on top add a heavenly contrast that makes every bite a delightful textural adventure. This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe is not just comfort food—it’s an experience that brings warmth, joy, and that cozy, “just like home” feeling to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something soul-soothing, these potatoes deliver in every way.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Ready in about an hour: From prepping to that first spoonful of creamy goodness, this dish comes together in roughly 70 minutes—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: No need for fancy items—just everyday staples like potatoes, onions, cheddar, sour cream, and a handful of spices.
Perfect for beginners: Even if you’re new to casseroles or frying onions, the steps are straightforward and foolproof to follow.
Impressive presentation: The crispy, golden fried onion topping makes it look like it came right out of grandma’s kitchen, grabbing compliments before the first bite.
Customizable to your taste: Swap out the cheese or add your favorite herbs to make this recipe truly yours.

Why This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe Works

What truly sets this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe apart is the marriage of textures and flavors. The secret lies in slow-cooked onions that are transformed into crispy fried gems, delivering an irresistible crunch. The thick, creamy sauce made with a combination of sharp cheddar and sour cream adds luscious richness that coats every potato cube. Whisking the sauce to perfection ensures smoothness without lumps, while balancing spices like cayenne and dried mustard bring subtle warmth that elevates the classic cheesy potato casserole. These techniques make every bite a luscious, satisfying comfort food masterpiece.

Large white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden, cheesy potato casserole topped generously with crispy, thinly fried caramelized onions and sprinkled with fresh green herbs, whole dish presented on a rustic wooden surface with natural lighting highlighting the textures, professional 3/4 angle food magazine hero shot on white marble background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets you up for total success with this cozy casserole.

Frozen cubed hash browns: The hearty base that absorbs all the creamy flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, velvety backdrop for both the sauce and potatoes.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded for gooey meltiness and that signature tangy bite.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and creamy texture, making the dish extra luscious.
Yellow onions: Two uses here—one for sauce and one for frying to crispy topping perfection.
Garlic: Minced and aromatic, enhancing the savory depth.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into that irresistible creamy texture.
Kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard: The spice blend that amps up flavor complexity.
Chicken broth and whole milk: Combine to create a creamy, silky sauce base.
Vegetable oil: For frying the onions until perfectly golden and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Frozen hash browns: Use fresh diced potatoes if preferred—just parboil first for tenderness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Swap with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Sour cream: Greek yogurt is a tangy, protein-rich alternative.
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth works wonderfully for a vegetarian twist.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use thawed potatoes: Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess wateriness in the casserole.
Cook onions low and slow: Take your time softening onions to bring out their natural sweetness before frying some for the topping.
Maintain oil temperature: Keep the frying oil steady at 350°F to ensure crispy, not greasy, fried onions.
Whisk sauce continuously: This prevents lumps and creates that luxuriously smooth French onion sauce.
Let casserole rest briefly: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving so flavors meld and it slices nicely.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick oil to ensure your casserole comes out cleanly and effortlessly.

💡 Pro Tip: Using nonstick spray saves time on cleanup and helps that cheesy crust stick perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Potato Base

In a large bowl, combine the thawed cubed hash browns with melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar, and creamy sour cream. Gently mix until every bite will be bursting with cheesy, buttery goodness. Set this comforting potato mixture aside as you move on to the savory sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Toss the potatoes lightly to avoid breaking the cubes for a nice texture contrast.

Step 3: Create the French Onion Sauce

On medium heat, melt butter in a skillet, then add diced yellow onions and cook until soft and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook one more minute, releasing an irresistible savory aroma. Sprinkle in flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard. Stir constantly for about a minute to toast the flour and spices, unlocking deep flavors.

💡 Pro Tip: Toasting the flour and spices helps develop a rich, complex base for your sauce.

Step 4: Whisk in the Liquid Ingredients

Slowly pour in room temperature whole milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously until everything blends into a smooth, creamy sauce. Keep stirring on the heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of your spoon—about 3 to 5 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: Add liquids gradually to prevent lumps and keep the sauce silky smooth.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Potato Mixture

Pour your luscious French onion sauce into the bowl holding the cheesy potatoes. Stir until all components become one harmonious, creamy mixture full of savory depth.

💡 Pro Tip: Mixing gently preserves the shape of the potatoes for perfect texture.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Transfer your assembled potatoes and sauce into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the top turning a tempting golden color.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye in the last 10 minutes to make sure the top doesn’t brown too fast.

Step 7: Fry the Onion Topping

While the casserole is baking, prepare fried onions for that signature crunch. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350°F. Fry thinly sliced onion layers in batches until pale golden and crisp (about 2 to 5 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer onions to a paper towel-lined baking sheet, and sprinkle with kosher salt immediately.

💡 Pro Tip: Maintain oil temperature by waiting for it to return to 350°F before each batch.

Step 8: Top and Serve

Once your casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle the crispy fried onions generously over the top. The contrast of soft, creamy layers beneath crunchy, golden onions is pure magic. Serve warm and prepare for swoons all around.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve right away to keep the onions crispy, or add them last minute just before eating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Using frozen potatoes without thawing: Causes watery casserole and undercooked texture.
Skipping the slow onion caramelization: Results in a flat, less flavorful sauce.
Overcrowding onions when frying: Leads to soggy, oily onions instead of crisp ones.
Not whisking sauce continuously: Can result in lumps and uneven texture.
Eating casserole too hot: Causes burns or collapsed texture; it needs a few minutes to set.
Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents: Sometimes makes sauce grainy instead of smooth.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe, why not switch things up?

Smoky Bacon Twist

Add crispy cooked bacon bits into the potato mixture and sprinkle a few on top for an irresistible smoky depth.

Herb Infusion

Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary into the sauce for a fragrant, garden-fresh touch.

Spicy Kick

Up the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños for a lively heat that cuts through the creaminess.

Mushroom Medley

Saute mushrooms with onions in the sauce step to bring an earthy, savory note to the dish.

Cheese Swap

Use Gruyère for a more melty, nutty profile or pepper jack for some spice.

Vegetarian Version

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure all cheeses are vegetarian-friendly for a meatless delight.

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Single white plate featuring a generous portion of creamy potato casserole topped with crispy, golden-brown fried onions, showing the soft, cheesy potato layers underneath with visible cubed potatoes and melted cheddar, angled close-up view emphasizing the contrast between the crunchy onion topping and smooth, rich interior, garnished with finely chopped parsley, placed on white marble surface with natural lighting, styled as a ready-to-eat serving from a food blog, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a vibrant pop of color and brightness against the rich potatoes. For an extra touch, a drizzle of truffle oil elevates luxury.

Side Dishes

Pair alongside crisp green salads, roasted meats like chicken or beef, or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. This casserole also shines on holiday tables with glazed carrots or green beans almondine.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for elegant portions or scoop into mini skillet dishes for a rustic feel. Using a cast iron casserole dish keeps it warm longer and looks inviting on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Leftovers taste even better after flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

French Onion Funeral Potatoes can be frozen before baking. Cover tightly with foil and store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and sauce bubbles—about 20-25 minutes. Microwaving works but may soften the crispy onion topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! If using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them, then parboil until just tender before combining with the other ingredients.

How do I get crispy fried onions without a deep fryer?

Use a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with enough oil for frying and monitor temperature carefully with a thermometer for best results.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free sour cream, cheese alternatives, and use plant-based milk for a delicious version without dairy.

What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of seasoning can work in a pinch, though broth adds the best flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?

It’s best to freeze before baking. The crispy topping may lose crunch if frozen after baking.

Can I prepare the fried onions ahead of time?

Yes, fry onions in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best crunch.

How spicy is the cayenne in this recipe?

The amount adds a gentle warmth that complements the cheese, not overpowering. Adjust or omit for milder tastes.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be stirred in for extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe isn’t just a casserole; it’s a celebration of comfort, love, and those precious food memories that feel like a warm hug. The way the creamy potatoes meld with sharp cheddar and those unforgettable crispy onions on top is pure magic—a dish destined to become a family favorite that your guests will ask for time and again.

Have you tried this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🥔🧅🧡