Introduction

French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a comforting, cheesy casserole loaded with tender potatoes and topped with crispy fried onions. This rich and savory dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy layered casserole. The bottom layer is a soft mix of mashed potatoes with a pale yellow creamy texture. On top of this is a layer of melted cheese that is slightly golden in color. The dish is covered with crispy, thin rings of fried onions that are golden brown with some darker, caramelized edges. Small bits of chopped green herbs are scattered lightly over the top, adding a fresh contrast. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with silver serving utensils beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt (for fried onions)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the thawed potatoes, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Stir in the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Cook for one more minute to toast the flour slightly.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, continuing to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Pour the sauce into the potato mixture and mix well. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, until it is bubbly and heated through.
Step 8: While the casserole bakes, prepare the fried onions. Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels and set aside.
Step 9: Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over high heat to 350°F (175°C).
Step 10: Working in batches, fry about 1 cup of the sliced onions at a time, stirring occasionally, until they turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes.
Step 11: Use a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the fried onions from the oil. Drain them on the prepared paper towels in an even layer. Repeat with remaining onions, making sure the oil returns to 350°F before each batch.
Step 12: Sprinkle the fried onions with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and toss to coat evenly.
Step 13: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top.
Step 14: Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the comforting blend of creamy potatoes and crunchy, savory onions.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use a mix of sharp and smoked cheddar cheese.
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option.
You can prepare fried onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days to save time.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
If you prefer a milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, add fresh fried onions on top after reheating.

How to Serve

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a creamy yellow and white layered casserole, topped with a generous amount of crispy, golden-brown fried onions spread unevenly on the surface. The casserole has a somewhat textured top with bits of melted cheese visible. A silver spoon with floral design is partially scooping out a portion from the top left area, showing the soft, creamy inside that blends white and yellow tones. Small green herb sprinkles are scattered over the dish. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a small portion of a black plate holding a slice of the casserole visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can peel and cube fresh potatoes, then parboil them before using. This helps achieve a similar texture to thawed frozen hash browns.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free sour cream, and choose a vegan cheese substitute. Ensure the milk is replaced with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.