French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

The Coziest French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe for Gatherings

Comfort meets elegance in this soul-soothing French onion funeral potatoes dish that promises to warm hearts.

Caramelized onions dance with creamy potato layers, creating a side dish that transcends ordinary expectations.

Rich, indulgent flavors blend seamlessly through each carefully crafted bite.

Memories of cherished gatherings emerge as you savor the delicate balance of textures and seasonings.

Crispy cheese edges promise a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, velvety interior.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, passing down culinary wisdom through simple, heartfelt ingredients.

Every forkful tells a story of love, connection, and shared moments around the table.

You cannot resist diving into this irresistible comfort classic that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes With Savory Twists

  • Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace hash browns with cauliflower florets and swap cream of mushroom soup for a vegetable-based cream alternative. Use plant-based cheese to maintain creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Select gluten-free French fried onions and substitute cream soup with a homemade cream sauce using cornstarch and chicken broth. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Friendly: Substitute hash browns with diced turnips or radishes. Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and add extra sharp cheddar for robust flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, select dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Maintain caramelized onion technique for rich depth.

FAQs

  • What makes French onion and funeral potatoes unique in this recipe?

This recipe combines two classic comfort foods – French onion’s rich caramelized flavor and funeral potatoes’ creamy texture – creating a decadent side dish that elevates traditional potato casserole.

  • Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?

While hash browns work best for quick preparation, you can use freshly shredded potatoes. Just ensure they’re well-drained to prevent excess moisture that might make the casserole soggy.

  • How do I get the onions perfectly caramelized?

Cook sliced onions on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and patiently. The slow cooking process breaks down sugars, creating a deep golden brown color and sweet, rich flavor without burning.

  • Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute low-fat versions of sour cream, soup, and cheese. However, reducing fat might slightly change the creamy texture and rich taste that makes this casserole so delicious.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes That Soothe the Soul

  • Quick Comfort Cuisine: Whip up this crowd-pleasing casserole with minimal kitchen skills and maximum flavor.
  • Speedy Preparation: Spend just 20 minutes prepping and 45 minutes baking for a delicious meal that feels like a gourmet experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday side dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Flavor-Packed Convenience: Transform simple ingredients into a rich, creamy dish with caramelized onions and crispy French fried onion topping that elevates classic funeral potatoes.

Funeral Potatoes with French Onion Flavor Ingredients

Dairy Base:
  • Butter: Helps caramelize onions and creates a rich, golden topping.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creamy texture and tangy flavor to the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy, savory base for the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Gives a sharp, melty cheese element to the potato mixture.
  • French Onion Dip: Enhances the onion flavor and adds extra creaminess.
Potato and Onion Components:
  • Hash Browns, Onions: Serve as the main starch and flavor base for the casserole.
  • French Fried Onions: Provides a crispy, crunchy topping with a classic onion taste.
Seasoning and Finishing:
  • Salt and Pepper: Optional seasoning to enhance overall flavor (not mentioned in original recipe, but commonly used).

Funeral Potatoes French Onion Method

Step 1: Caramelize the Sweet Onions

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 20–25 minutes.

Let them turn golden brown and sweet as they develop rich, caramelized flavor.

Once done, set the onions aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Potato Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Sour cream
  • French onion dip
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Add in the caramelized onions and thawed hash browns.

Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy, flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Prep the Casserole Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Spread the potato mixture into the dish, smoothing it into an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping

Melt some additional butter and mix it with crispy French fried onions.

Sprinkle the buttery onion mixture evenly across the top of the casserole for a golden crunch in every bite.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes.

Look for a bubbling edge and golden-brown top as your signal it’s ready.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

Scoop and serve this rich, creamy, and crunchy comfort food while it’s still warm.

Comfort Food Advice for Funeral Potatoes

  • Take your time caramelizing onions on low heat to develop rich, sweet flavor without burning. Patience transforms ordinary onions into a golden, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, monterey jack, or pepper jack to add unique depth and personalize the dish's flavor profile.
  • Drizzle melted butter over French fried onions to ensure maximum crunchiness and golden-brown color across the entire casserole surface.
  • Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Substitute low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup for a lighter version without compromising taste and texture.

Funeral Potatoes Storage Plan

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 3 months.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
  • Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to maintain moisture and even temperature.

What to Serve With Funeral Potatoes

  • Savor Hearty Wine Pairing: Choose a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, creamy potato casserole and match its bold flavor profile.
  • Craft Perfect Beer Match: Select a malty amber ale or crisp lager that cuts through the dish's heaviness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the cheesy, onion-packed comfort food.
  • Elevate Side Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding a tangy, fresh element that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Enhance Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top to introduce a bright, green note that lifts the dish's dense textures and adds a subtle, aromatic complexity.
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French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets classic in this French onion funeral potatoes casserole, blending rich caramelized onions with creamy potato goodness. Cheesy, hearty layers promise a soul-warming side dish you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced

Dairy and Soup Components:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup French onion dip
  • 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups crispy French fried onions

Instructions

  1. Transform sliced onions into a rich, amber-colored delicacy by gently sautéing them in melted butter over a low, steady flame. Allow the onions to develop a deep, caramelized essence through patient, occasional stirring, which will take approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Create a luxurious blend by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, zesty French onion dip, and sharp cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing bowl. Fold in the golden caramelized onions and thawed hash browns, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
  3. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light layer of grease, then distribute the potato concoction evenly across the surface.
  4. Melt additional butter and delicately toss with crispy French fried onions, creating a crunchy, golden topping. Distribute this aromatic layer uniformly across the potato landscape.
  5. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. The dish is ready when the surface achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue and the potatoes reach a tender consistency. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving to let the flavors meld and settle.

Notes

  • Slowly caramelize onions on low heat to prevent burning and develop deep, rich flavor without bitterness.
  • Swap hash browns with cauliflower or sweet potato for low-carb and gluten-free diet variations.
  • Use reduced-fat cheese and soup for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Enhance flavor by adding crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like thyme or chives before baking for extra depth and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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