Description
French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a comforting casserole dish featuring creamy hash browns mixed with a rich cheesy sour cream sauce, layered with a flavorful homemade onion sauce, and topped with crispy, golden fried onions. Perfect as a hearty side or main dish, this recipe combines the beloved flavors of French onion soup with the cozy, indulgent texture of traditional funeral potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mixture
- 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
Sauce
- 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
Fried Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)
- 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare it for the casserole.
- Prepare Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Sauce – Melt Butter: In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the ¼ cup of butter.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the diced small yellow onion to the skillet, cooking for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to combine and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Broth: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, continuing to stir to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Sauce and Potato Mixture: Pour the thickened onion sauce into the potato mixture. Mix well to evenly coat the potatoes with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Prepare Fried Onions – Line Baking Sheet: While the casserole bakes, line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels to absorb excess oil from the fried onions.
- Heat Oil: In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Onions: Working in batches, add about one cup of the thinly sliced onions to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn pale golden brown, approximately 2-5 minutes. Remove with a fine mesh strainer and transfer to the prepared baking sheet to drain. Sprinkle the fried onions with ½ teaspoon kosher salt while still warm.
- Top and Serve: Once the casserole is fully baked, spread the crispy fried onions evenly over the top for a crunchy, flavorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish.
Notes
- Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- Frying onions in batches prevents overcrowding, ensuring they crisp evenly.
- The fried onions can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a day or two to save time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French Onion Funeral Potatoes, funeral potatoes recipe, baked potato casserole, cheesy potato casserole, crispy fried onions, comfort food casserole
