French Onion Funeral Potatoes

French onion funeral potatoes are that comfort food casserole you crave when you need something warm to share with a crowd. I love how the sweet caramelized onions mingle with creamy potatoes and plenty of melted cheddar. The crunchy onion topping makes every bite addictive and it is always the first thing gone at family get-togethers and holidays.

I first tried this at a cozy winter potluck where it disappeared within minutes. Since then my family asks for it at every holiday and even picky eaters go back for seconds.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Frozen cubed hash browns: The classic base for creamy casseroles. Look for a brand with minimal ice crystals for best texture.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps toast the flour. Choose good quality butter for more taste.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a tang that balances the richness. I always shred my own for better melt.
• Sour cream: Makes the casserole perfectly creamy. Full fat gives the best result.
• Yellow onion: Contributes to the oniony backbone. Dice it for the sauce and slice more for the topping.
• Garlic: Brings savory depth. Use fresh garlic if possible.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and holds everything together. Use unbleached for flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Taste your mixture before baking.
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and a savory note. Use freshly cracked.
• Cayenne pepper: Gives a gentle background warmth.
• Whole milk: Smooths out the sauce and helps bind it together. Room temperature milk blends more easily.
• Vegetable oil: Needed for crisping up the onions. Use neutral high smoke point oil.

How to Make It

Prep and Preheat:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with a light coating of nonstick spray so your casserole comes out easily.

Caramelize the Onions:

In a large skillet heat vegetable oil on medium high. When hot add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir occasionally for twenty five to thirty minutes until they turn deep golden and crisp. Be patient caramelizing builds amazing flavor.

Make the Creamy Base:

In a separate saucepan melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sweat your diced onion and minced garlic until translucent about five minutes. Stir in flour cook for two more minutes to remove the raw taste. Whisk in whole milk until smooth, bring just to a simmer so it thickens.

Combine and Mix:

Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until you have a rich sauce.

Assemble the Casserole:

In a large bowl toss thawed hash browns with your creamy cheese sauce. Gently fold until every potato piece is coated.

Top and Bake:

Spread potato mixture into your prepared dish. Cover the top evenly with a thick layer of the crisp caramelized onions. Dot with more cheese if desired.

Bake and Serve:

Bake uncovered for thirty to forty five minutes until bubbling and golden around the edges. Rest five to ten minutes before serving so it sets a bit.

Caramelizing onions is my favorite part because their scent fills the house and reminds me of my grandma spending all Saturday in the kitchen. I always sneak a taste of the onions before they hit the casserole and my family rushes to the table when this comes out of the oven.

Flavor Boosters

If you do not have sharp cheddar try gruyere or Swiss cheese for a nuttier profile. Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream if you want a bit of tang. For a gluten free version use your favorite gluten free flour blend for thickening and double check your hash browns do not include wheat ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

French onion funeral potatoes shine next to roast meats or holiday hams. They are also fantastic with a crisp salad for a vegetarian option. Leftovers make a hearty breakfast topped with a fried egg the next day.

Creative Twists

In spring you can mix in fresh chives or green onions for a burst of color. Use sweet Vidalia onions in the summer for gentle flavor. When craving extra richness in winter add a bit of cream cheese and a pinch more black pepper.

You will come back to this recipe again and again for its ease and crowd pleasing power. Watching everyone dig in with seconds makes all that onion slicing completely worth it.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, simply peel and dice fresh potatoes into small cubes. Parboil them until just tender before assembling the dish.

→ What cheese works best for this dish?

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a robust, tangy flavor, but you can also try blending in Gruyère or Monterey Jack.

→ Can I prepare French onion potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

→ How do I make the topping crispy?

Thinly slice and fry onions until golden, or use store-bought crispy fried onions for an easy crunch.

→ Are there vegetarian options for this dish?

Yes, ensure to use vegetable oil and check that your cheese is vegetarian-friendly for a fully meat-free result.