French Onion Funeral Potatoes

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful twist on the classic dish. Featuring tender diced hash browns in a rich cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions, this recipe elevates a traditional favorite into a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Upgrade: The caramelized onions and crispy fried onion topping add depth and texture.
• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for a cozy meal.
• Versatile: Great for holidays, potlucks, or as a hearty side for dinner.
• Customizable: Easily adjusted to suit your flavor preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dish:

• 32 oz frozen diced hash browns, thawed
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp dried mustard
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

For the Crispy Fried Onion Topping:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Fried Onions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Toss the sliced onions in a light dusting of flour and shake off any excess.
3. Fry the onions in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
2. Whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk until smooth.
3. Add cheddar cheese, sour cream, dried mustard, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with the cheese sauce. Mix until fully coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. Remove the dish from the oven and evenly distribute the crispy fried onions over the top.
2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the onions are slightly browned.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure the hash browns are gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne for heat.
• Crunchy Topping Alternatives: Substitute fried onions with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crispy bacon bits.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in small portions.
• Freezing: Freeze the assembled dish (without the onion topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking and add the fried onions during the last step.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, peel and dice fresh potatoes, then parboil them until just tender before using.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish (excluding the fried onions) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

3. What should I serve with this dish?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a fresh green salad.

4. How do I keep the fried onions crispy?

Add the fried onions just before the final bake to maintain their crunch.

5. Can I use store-bought fried onions?

Yes, store-bought fried onions work as a convenient alternative.

6. Is there a way to lighten this recipe?

Use reduced-fat sour cream, milk, and cheese, and bake the onions instead of frying them.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, peas, broccoli, or bell peppers make great additions.

8. What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but mild or medium cheddar works too.

9. Can I make individual portions?

Yes, bake the mixture in ramekins for single-serve portions.

10. How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?

Thaw and drain the hash browns well, and ensure the cheese sauce is thick before mixing.

Conclusion

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy, savory topping. This elevated take on a classic dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or holiday feast. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a side dish everyone will love. Try it out and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe!

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