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This French onion funeral potatoes casserole transforms the classic comfort dish with a delicious homemade crispy onion topping that beats anything from a can. The combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and golden fried onions creates a showstopping side dish perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
I first made this for a family gathering last Thanksgiving, and it was the first dish completely devoured. Now I cannot attend any potluck without bringing this along as relatives specifically request my funeral potatoes.
Ingredients
- Frozen cubed hash browns: You want these completely thawed for even cooking and proper texture absorption
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and allows you to control the salt level
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold flavor use freshly grated for best melting
- Sour cream: Creates that signature tangy creaminess
- Yellow onions: Both for the sauce and the crispy topping select firm onions with no soft spots
- Garlic: Adds depth to the sauce fresh minced works best
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce without lumps
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, cayenne, dried mustard): Balance and enhance the flavors
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth use homemade if possible
- Whole milk: Creates silky texture low-fat varieties will make a thinner sauce
- Vegetable oil: For frying the onions choose one with a high smoke point
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Base:
- Combine thawed hash browns with melted butter, shredded cheddar, and sour cream in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until every potato piece is coated in the creamy mixture. The potatoes should be completely thawed to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors properly.
- Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to bubble slightly. Add diced onions and cook them for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and soft but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly one minute more—the garlic should become fragrant but not brown, which would make it bitter.
- Build the Roux:
- Sprinkle flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and dried mustard into the onion mixture. Cook while stirring constantly for a full minute to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture will look thick and pasty—this is exactly what you want for a proper roux.
- Develop the Sauce:
- Gradually add room temperature milk and chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. You'll know it's ready when you can draw a line through the sauce on the back of a spoon, and the line holds.
- Combine and Bake:
- Pour the completed sauce over the potato mixture and fold together until thoroughly combined. Transfer to your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to the edges. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and hot throughout.
- Fry the Onion Topping:
- While the casserole bakes, heat oil to exactly 350°F in a large saucepan. Separate your sliced onions into individual rings for even cooking. Working in batches to maintain oil temperature, fry onions for 2-5 minutes until they reach a pale golden color. They will continue darkening after removal.
- Finish the Dish:
- When the casserole is fully cooked and bubbling, remove from oven and immediately top with the freshly fried crispy onions. The residual heat will help the onions bond slightly with the top of the casserole without becoming soggy.
The homemade crispy onions are truly what elevate this dish from good to exceptional. My grandmother always said funeral potatoes should be good enough to bring comfort, and the first time my husband tasted this version, he declared it worthy of being famous beyond funeral gatherings. The contrast between the crispy topping and creamy potatoes creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
Make-Ahead Options
This casserole works beautifully as a prepare-ahead dish. You can assemble the potato mixture with sauce up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed. The only component that should be made fresh is the fried onions, as they lose their crispness if stored. Fry them while the casserole bakes for the perfect finish.
Substitution Ideas
If you're looking to change things up, consider swapping the cheddar for Gruyère or a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can substitute for some of the sour cream—though the tang will be slightly different. Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little butter and French fried onions from a can can work in a pinch if you're short on time to make the homemade fried onions, though the flavor won't be quite as spectacular.
Serving Suggestions
These French onion funeral potatoes pair wonderfully with holiday meals featuring ham or turkey, but are equally at home alongside a simple roast chicken for Sunday dinner. For a complete meal, serve with a bright green vegetable like roasted asparagus or a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for potlucks where food might sit for a while before serving.
The History Behind Funeral Potatoes
Funeral potatoes earned their somewhat somber name because they were traditionally served at post-funeral gatherings, particularly in Mormon communities throughout Utah and the Mountain West. The dish became popular because it could easily feed a crowd, could be made ahead, transported easily, and provided comfort during difficult times. This French onion version adds a gourmet twist to the beloved classic with its homemade crispy onion topping while maintaining the comforting essence that made the original so popular for generations.
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This dish will undoubtedly become a holiday favorite in your household. Enjoy its creamy, crispy perfection with loved ones—you might just find it disappearing before your eyes!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and sauce ahead, assemble it in the baking dish, and refrigerate it. Add the fried onions just before serving to keep them crispy.
- → Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use peeled and shredded fresh potatoes. Be sure to remove any excess moisture by squeezing them in a clean towel before mixing.
- → What can I use as a substitute for sharp cheddar cheese?
You can replace sharp cheddar with other cheeses like gruyere, Colby jack, or a mix for varied flavor profiles.
- → How can I ensure my fried onions stay crispy?
To keep fried onions crispy, fry in small batches at the correct oil temperature (350°F) and drain them on paper towels immediately after frying.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian.
- → What other toppings work well with this dish?
You can try topping with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crispy bacon for additional texture and flavor.