French Onion Funeral Potatoes might sound like an unusual combination, but trust me—this is comfort food at its absolute finest. You know that moment when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly soul-satisfying? That’s exactly what this dish delivers, but with a gourmet twist that’ll have your family asking for the recipe.
Hey there! I’m Emeli, and as someone who’s spent years perfecting comfort food classics in both professional kitchens and my own home, I can promise you this: these aren’t your typical funeral potatoes. This recipe transforms the beloved Mormon casserole tradition by incorporating the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. The result? Pure magic on a plate.
What makes this special is how we’re elevating a simple potato dish with homemade fried onions, a luxurious cheese sauce, and layers of flavor that would make any French chef proud. We’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect potatoes to mastering those golden fried onions, plus I’ll share some pro tips I’ve picked up along my culinary journey.
Why This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe Works
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe is pure genius for several reasons, and I’m not just saying that because I’m passionate about comfort food:
• Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients – No need to hunt down specialty items; everything’s available at your local grocery store • Make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights – Assemble in the morning, bake when ready, perfect for meal prep • Combines two beloved comfort food classics – French onion soup meets funeral potatoes in the most delicious way possible • Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank – One casserole dish serves 8-10 people generously • Delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home – That homemade cheese sauce and hand-fried onions make all the difference
Choosing the Right Potatoes for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Best Potato Types for This Recipe
When it comes to French Onion Funeral Potatoes, not all spuds are created equal. I’ve tested this recipe with various potato types, and here’s what works best:
Russet potatoes are your golden ticket here. Their high starch content creates that perfect creamy interior we’re after, while still holding their shape during the long bake time. If you’re starting from scratch instead of using frozen hash browns, russets are absolutely the way to go.
Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully too—they’re naturally buttery and have just the right amount of starch to create a luxurious texture without falling apart.
Buying and Prep Tips
Look for firm, unblemished potatoes with no green spots or sprouted eyes. The skin should feel taut, not wrinkled. If you’re buying frozen hash browns (which I actually recommend for convenience), choose a reputable brand and make sure they’re fully thawed before using.
Pro tip from my restaurant days: If using fresh potatoes, grate them and immediately rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat completely dry. This prevents the casserole from becoming gummy.
Substitutions That Work
Sweet potatoes create an interesting twist—use them in a 1:1 ratio, but reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes since they cook faster. Red potatoes work in a pinch, though they won’t get quite as creamy as russets.
Ingredients & Prep for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Potato Prep Essentials
For perfect French Onion Funeral Potatoes, preparation is everything. If you’re using frozen hash browns, let them thaw completely—I usually set them in the refrigerator overnight. Squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel; this step is crucial for avoiding a watery casserole.
If starting with fresh potatoes, I recommend parboiling them for just 3-4 minutes after grating. This partially cooks them and ensures even heating throughout the casserole.
The Magic Sauce Components
The sauce is where this recipe truly shines. Unlike traditional funeral potatoes that rely solely on sour cream and cheese, we’re building layers of flavor:
Butter and flour create our roux base—cook this for a full minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Fresh garlic and diced onions provide the aromatic foundation, while the combination of chicken broth and milk creates richness without being too heavy.
Spice blend secrets: That touch of cayenne and dry mustard isn’t just for heat—they enhance all the other flavors and give the dish complexity.
Essential Pantry Staples
Keep these on hand for the best results:
- High-quality sharp cheddar cheese (never pre-shredded if you can help it)
- Full-fat sour cream for richness
- Kosher salt for proper seasoning control
- Fresh garlic (so much better than powder)
- Quality vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Pre-Cooking Prep for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. French Onion Funeral Potatoes require proper preparation for the best results.
Combine your thawed hash browns with melted butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. This mixture should look rich and well-coated—don’t be shy with the mixing here.
Cooking Method for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
The sauce-making process is where the magic happens in this French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe. In a medium non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add your diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent—this usually takes 3-5 minutes, but don’t rush it.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and all your spices, cooking for one more minute while stirring constantly. This creates a flavorful roux that will thicken our sauce.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency—this usually takes 3-5 minutes.
Doneness Check for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Pour the finished sauce into your potato mixture and combine thoroughly. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know your French Onion Funeral Potatoes are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is bubbly throughout.
Resting for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before adding the fried onions. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents the onions from getting soggy when you add them.
Pro Tips for Perfect French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Avoiding Common Mistakes with French Onion Funeral Potatoes
The biggest mistake I see home cooks make with French Onion Funeral Potatoes is rushing the onion-frying process. Those golden beauties on top need to be fried at exactly 350°F—too cool and they’ll be greasy, too hot and they’ll burn before they’re crispy.
Always use a thermometer when frying the onions. I learned this the hard way during my early restaurant days, and trust me, there’s no visual substitute for knowing your oil temperature.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying onions. Work in batches of about 1 cup at a time—this maintains the oil temperature and ensures even browning.
Tool Recommendations for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
A good whisk is essential for making smooth sauce. I swear by balloon whisks for this recipe—they incorporate air and prevent lumps better than flat whisks.
Heavy-bottomed saucepan for frying the onions—it maintains temperature better than thin pans. And please invest in a reliable instant-read thermometer; it’s a game-changer for oil temperature.
Storage & Reheating for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
French Onion Funeral Potatoes keep beautifully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes. You can also freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Flavor Variations for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Spicy Twist on French Onion Funeral Potatoes
For those who love heat, try adding diced jalapeños to the onion mixture or chipotle peppers in adobo to the sauce. The smoky heat pairs beautifully with the rich cheese and crispy onions. Start with just one chipotle pepper—you can always add more next time.
Keto/Low-Carb French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version. Steam the cauliflower until just tender, then proceed with the recipe as written. You might need to reduce the liquid slightly since cauliflower releases more moisture than potatoes.
Global Flavors for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Mediterranean twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and substitute Gruyère cheese for half the cheddar. Mexican-inspired: Include diced green chiles, cumin, and top with crispy fried shallots instead of onions.
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Cooking Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Version | Chipotle peppers, jalapeños | Add peppers with onions |
| Keto-Friendly | Cauliflower instead of potatoes | Steam cauliflower first, reduce liquids |
| Mediterranean | Sun-dried tomatoes, Gruyère, herbs | Add tomatoes with cheese, herbs in sauce |
| Mexican-Style | Green chiles, cumin, pepper jack | Mix chiles into potatoes, cumin in sauce |
| Smoky BBQ | Smoked paprika, BBQ sauce swirl | Add paprika to sauce, swirl BBQ before baking |
Serving Suggestions for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
French Onion Funeral Potatoes shine as a side dish, but they’re substantial enough to serve as a main course with the right accompaniments.
Perfect pairings include grilled or roasted meats—think herb-crusted pork tenderloin, garlic butter steak, or even simple grilled chicken thighs. The richness of the potatoes balances beautifully with lean proteins.
For vegetarian meals, serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans add nice color and texture contrast.
Wine pairings: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the cheese and cream, while a light Pinot Noir complements the caramelized onions beautifully. Beer lovers should try this with a wheat beer or amber ale—the malty sweetness plays perfectly with the dish’s comfort food nature.
FAQs About French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole (except the fried onions) up to 24 hours before serving. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed. Fry the onions fresh and add them after baking for the best texture.
Can I use frozen onions instead of fresh? Fresh onions work much better for both the sauce and the fried topping. Frozen onions contain too much moisture and won’t achieve that perfect golden crispy texture we’re after.
What if my sauce turns out lumpy? If your sauce gets lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth it out. The key is adding the liquid gradually while whisking constantly—patience is your friend here.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women? Yes, all ingredients are pregnancy-safe when the dish is cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F throughout the casserole.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with Gruyère for a more sophisticated taste, or use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible—it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about French Onion Funeral Potatoes—the way they bring people together around the table, the satisfied sighs after that first creamy, crispy bite, and the requests for seconds (and thirds) that inevitably follow.
Fire up your oven and try this tonight! I promise you, this recipe will become a staple in your comfort food rotation. The combination of creamy potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and those incredible fried onions creates a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.
Join the thousands of home cooks who’ve already fallen in love with this recipe! Share your results on social media—I love seeing your creations and hearing your family’s reactions.
Ready for more comfort food classics with a twist? Try my Loaded Cauliflower Casserole for another crowd-pleasing side, or check out my Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake for your next family dinner. Both recipes use similar techniques and will expand your comfort food repertoire beautifully.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!
I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!
Happy cooking, and remember—the best recipes are the ones shared with love!
– Emeli
Founder & Chef at FoodFansy.com
French Onion Funeral Potatoes: Ultimate Comfort Recipe (Easy + Crispy!)
- Total Time: 1hr 10mins
Description
Discover the recipe for French Onion Funeral Potatoes, a delicious twist on the classic cheesy potato casserole with a homemade crispy onion topping! AMAZING!
Ingredients
Potatoes
▢
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
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
Sauce
In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add onions and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
Add flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard. Cook another minute.
Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking until well combined. Continue to cook, whisking until thickened.
Pour the sauce into the potato mixture. Mix well. Then, pour into the prepared baking dish.
Bake 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
While the casserole is baking, prepare the fried onions.
Fried Onions
Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Set aside.
To a large saucepan over high heat, add oil. Heat to 350°F.
Working in batches, add about 1 cup of onions to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until onions turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried onions from the hot oil. Place them in an even layer onto the lined baking sheet. Set aside and repeat with the remaining onions. (Make sure the oil is at 350°F before frying each batch.)
Sprinkle fried onions with salt, tossing to coat.
After the casserole has baked for 45-50 minutes, remove from the oven. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top of the hot casserole.
Serve.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 people
- Calories: 529kcal
Keywords: French Onion Funeral Potatoes