French Onion Funeral Potatoes take the classic comfort food casserole to a whole new level. Creamy, cheesy potatoes are blended with caramelized onions and a rich French onion flavor, then topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy side dish at dinner.
Personal Story & Background:
Growing up, funeral potatoes were a staple at every family gathering. The creamy, cheesy texture was always a hit, but I wanted to add a little more depth of flavor. Inspired by my love of French onion soup, I decided to mix in caramelized onions and use a crispy fried onion topping instead of the usual cornflakes or crackers. The result? A casserole that’s rich, savory, and absolutely irresistible. This dish is now a favorite at holidays, potlucks, and even weeknight dinners when we’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredient Notes:
- Frozen Hash Browns – Saves time and blends perfectly into the creamy sauce.
- French Onion Dip – Adds a tangy, onion-packed creaminess to the dish.
- Caramelized Onions – Brings depth and natural sweetness that enhances the French onion flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully into the potatoes, adding richness and gooeyness.
- Sour Cream – Balances the flavors and keeps the casserole creamy.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – The classic base for funeral potatoes, giving them a smooth and comforting texture.
- French Fried Onions – The perfect crispy topping that enhances the French onion theme.
- Butter – Helps create that creamy, indulgent consistency.
Substitutions:
- Swap frozen hash browns for diced fresh potatoes for a homemade touch.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 2 thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 20-25 minutes). Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of French onion dip, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the caramelized onions and frozen hash browns until well coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the potato mixture evenly in the pan.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and toss with 1 1/2 cups of crispy French fried onions. Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole evenly.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender. Let cool slightly before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Don’t rush the onions – Properly caramelizing the onions adds so much depth of flavor.
- Use full-fat ingredients – For the creamiest, most indulgent casserole, avoid low-fat substitutes.
- Let it rest – Allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roasted chicken or ham for a complete meal.
- Serve as a side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Add crispy bacon or diced ham to turn it into a main dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Add the fried onions just before baking.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Peel and grate or dice fresh potatoes and parboil them for a few minutes before mixing into the casserole.
What can I use instead of French fried onions?
Try crushed Ritz crackers, Panko breadcrumbs, or shredded cheese for a different crunchy topping.
Conclusion:
French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional funeral potatoes with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and crispy fried onions. Whether you’re bringing this to a potluck or serving it as a side for a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and let me know what you think!
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French Onion Funeral Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 11 servings (adjusted from 8) 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Description
French Onion Funeral Potatoes take the classic comfort food casserole to the next level. Creamy, cheesy potatoes are mixed with caramelized onions and rich French onion flavors, then topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this dish is ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a comforting side dish at dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup French onion dip
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
For the Topping:
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups crispy French fried onions
Instructions
-
Caramelize the Onions:
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 20-25 minutes). Set aside.
-
Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, French onion dip, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir in the caramelized onions and thawed hash browns until well coated.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the potato mixture evenly in the pan.
-
Add the Topping:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and toss with the crispy French fried onions.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
-
Bake Until Golden:
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the fried onions just before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
- Substitutions:
- Use fresh grated or diced potatoes instead of frozen hash browns (parboil first).
- Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Try crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs as an alternative topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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