If you’re looking for the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible potato casserole, then French Onion Funeral Potatoes are exactly what you need. This dish takes the classic funeral potatoes and gives them a flavor boost with a rich, homemade sauce and crispy fried onions on top. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself (because you deserve it!), this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and why it’s about to become your new go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Love These French Onion Funeral Potatoes

• Rich & Creamy – The combination of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a homemade sauce makes this casserole ultra-creamy and decadent.
• Full of Flavor – With hints of garlic, cayenne, and mustard, these potatoes are anything but bland.
• Crispy Onion Topping – The homemade fried onions add a delicious crunch and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy potatoes.
• Easy to Make – No complicated techniques here! Just mix, bake, and top with those golden onions.
• Crowd-Pleasing – Whether it’s for a potluck, a holiday dinner, or just a cozy night in, this dish is always a hit.

Now that we’ve covered why you need this in your life, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather up these ingredients:

For the Potatoes:

• 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cups sour cream

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried mustard
• ½ cup chicken broth (room temperature)
• ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)

For the Fried Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before anything else, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be ready once your casserole is prepped and ready to go.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Thawed hash browns
• Melted butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Give everything a good mix until it’s evenly combined. This creamy mixture is already looking irresistible, but just wait until we add that homemade sauce.

Set the bowl aside while we move on to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Homemade Sauce

This step is where the magic happens. Unlike traditional funeral potatoes that rely on canned soup, we’re making a homemade sauce that is way more flavorful.

How to Make the Sauce:

1. In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter.
2. Add the diced onions and cook until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle in the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard.
5. Stir well and let it cook for another minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly.
7. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens into a smooth, velvety texture.

This homemade sauce is a game-changer—it’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Combine & Bake

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Pour the homemade sauce over the potato mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
2. Transfer the mixture to your greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spread it out evenly.
4. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

While the potatoes are baking, let’s move on to the best part—those crispy fried onions!

Step 5: Prepare the Fried Onions

Nothing beats the crispy, slightly sweet flavor of homemade fried onions. Sure, you could use store-bought fried onions, but trust me, making them from scratch is totally worth it.

How to Make Crispy Fried Onions:

1. Line a baking sheet with two layers of paper towels to absorb excess oil.
2. In a large saucepan, heat 4 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
3. Working in batches, add about 1 cup of sliced onions at a time.
4. Fry until they turn pale golden brown (this usually takes 2-5 minutes per batch).
5. Use a slotted spoon or mesh strainer to transfer them to the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
6. Immediately sprinkle with kosher salt and toss to coat.

These fried onions add a perfectly crispy topping that takes this dish to the next level.

Step 6: The Grand Finale – Adding the Crispy Fried Onions

After about 45-50 minutes of baking, your potatoes should be golden and bubbling. Now comes the game-changing final step—adding those crispy fried onions we made earlier.

How to Finish the Dish:

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top.
2. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.

That’s it! Your French Onion Funeral Potatoes are officially next-level delicious—creamy, cheesy potatoes with a homemade sauce, topped with the crispiest, crunchiest fried onions.

Now, let’s talk about how to serve them, customize the recipe, and store leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!).

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes are the ultimate side dish, but they also work as a stand-alone meal if you’re in the mood for pure comfort food. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy them:

Perfect Pairings

• Holiday Feasts: Serve alongside roast turkey or prime rib for an unforgettable Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Weeknight Comfort: Pair with grilled or baked chicken or steak for an easy yet satisfying meal.
• BBQ Companion: These potatoes are amazing with smoked ribs, or grilled burgers.
• Breakfast for Dinner: Believe it or not, these potatoes make a fantastic base for a hearty breakfast—just add fried eggs and crispy turkey bacon on top!

No matter how you serve them, they’ll be the star of the show.

Fun Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to customize the recipe and make it your own:

1. Add Some Protein

Turn this into a main dish by adding cooked meat:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken – adds extra flavor and makes it a full meal.
• Crispy turkey bacon – mix it into the potatoes or sprinkle it on top for even more crunch.
• Ground beef or sausage – brown some meat and mix it in before baking.

2. Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Try adding:

• Jalapeños or green chilies – mix them into the potatoes for a spicy kick.
• Extra cayenne or red pepper flakes – give the dish a bolder, spicier flavor.

3. Cheese Lover’s Upgrade

Cheese makes everything better! Try:

• Pepper Jack – for a mild spice and extra creaminess.
• Gruyère or Swiss – for a fancy French onion soup vibe.
• Parmesan – for a nutty, salty finish.

4. Make It Lighter

If you want to lighten things up a bit:

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for added protein and tang.
• Use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
• Replace some of the butter with olive oil for a healthier twist.

5. Crunchy Topping Alternatives

If you don’t want to fry your own onions, you can:

• Use French’s crispy fried onions (found in the grocery store).
• Swap the onions for a crushed potato chip topping (barbecue or sour cream & onion chips are amazing!).
• Try panko breadcrumbs tossed with a little melted butter for a lighter crunch.

These small changes totally transform the dish and let you get creative with your flavors!

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them.

How to Store Leftovers:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the casserole (without the fried onions) for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Best Ways to Reheat:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Add a fresh sprinkle of fried onions to crisp it up again.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes, but note that the onions might lose their crunch.
• Air Fryer: If you want to bring back the crispy topping, heat a portion in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.

FAQ: Your French Onion Funeral Potatoes Questions, Answered!

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the potato mixture and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the assembled casserole (without the fried onions) in the refrigerator, covered with foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before popping it in the oven.

For best results, fry the onions fresh before serving to keep them crispy.

2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, but it takes a little extra effort! If you want to use fresh potatoes:

• Peel and dice about 4-5 large Russet potatoes.
• Boil them for 5 minutes, then drain and let cool before mixing them into the casserole.

Alternatively, you can shred fresh potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture before using them in place of hash browns.

3. What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream or want a lighter option, try one of these substitutes:

• Greek yogurt – adds a tangy flavor and extra protein.
• Cream cheese – mix in ½ cup of softened cream cheese for a richer, creamier dish.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half – for a silkier texture, though it won’t have the same tang as sour cream.

4. Can I make this without the fried onions?

Of course! If you don’t want to fry onions from scratch, you can use:

• French’s crispy fried onions (store-bought)
• Crushed potato chips for a salty, crunchy topping
• Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a lighter alternative

That said, homemade fried onions really take this dish to the next level, so if you have time, give them a try!

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! The only non-vegetarian ingredient in the recipe is chicken broth. Simply swap it out for vegetable broth, and you’re good to go.

For an extra umami boost, try using mushroom broth—it adds depth and richness to the dish.

6. Why is my sauce lumpy?

Lumpy sauce happens when the flour isn’t fully incorporated or when the milk and broth are added too quickly. To avoid this: ✔️ Whisk constantly while adding liquids slowly.
✔️ Make sure the broth and milk are room temperature before adding them to the roux.
✔️ If lumps form, you can strain the sauce before mixing it into the potatoes.

7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Best ways to reheat:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5 minutes to revive the crispy topping.

If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Make This Dish

If you’ve never tried French Onion Funeral Potatoes before, now is the time. This dish is pure comfort food magic, packed with creamy, cheesy, crispy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just because you’re craving something seriously delicious, this casserole is a must.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, get cooking, and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below with your favorite twists, serving ideas, or just to tell me how much you loved it. And if you took any drool-worthy photos, don’t forget to share them—I love seeing your creations!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your French Onion Funeral Potatoes!

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