Welcome to the cozy world of comfort food, where rich flavors and creamy textures come together in a glorious way. Today, we’re diving into a scrumptious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite: French Onion Funeral Potatoes. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser, it also carries that nostalgic vibe that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, as if you’ve just wrapped yourself in your favorite blanket.
Imagine layers of creamy, cheesy goodness topped with a crunchy onion crown that sends your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or simply a cozy family gathering, French Onion Funeral Potatoes will make you the culinary superhero of the day. Trust me, your friends and family will be eagerly waiting for the next scoop.
Why You'll Love This French Onion Funeral Potatoes
- This incredible French Onion Funeral Potatoes transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious French Onion Funeral Potatoes:
32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns – Make sure they are thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – This adds richness to the potato base.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – Offers a bold flavor that perfectly complements the onions.
1 ½ cups sour cream – Creates a creamy texture that brings everything together.
¼ cup unsalted butter – Used for sautéing the onions, enhancing their sweetness as they cook.
1 small yellow onion, diced – Adds depth of flavor as one of the base components.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
¼ cup all-purpose flour – Acts as a thickener for the creamy sauce.
1 teaspoon kosher salt – To enhance the flavors throughout the dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to complement the creamy elements.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Optional, if you like a little heat!
½ teaspoon dried mustard – Adds tanginess to balance the richness.
½ cup chicken broth – For a savory, robust flavor.
½ cup whole milk – Ensures a creamy consistency in the sauce.
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced – These beauties will be caramelized and used as a topping.
4 cups vegetable oil – Essential for frying those crispy onions to perfection.
½ teaspoon kosher salt – For seasoning the fried onions.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious French Onion Funeral Potatoes:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine Potato Base
In a large bowl, mix together the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir it all up and set aside while you work on the savory sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Toss in the diced yellow onion. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they have softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard to the sautéed onions, cooking for another minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, continuing to cook until the mixture has thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour the onion sauce into the potato mixture and stir until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and heated all the way through.
Step 6: Fry the Onions
While the casserole is baking, line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. In a large saucepan, add the vegetable oil and heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add about 1 cup of thinly sliced onions to the hot oil in batches, frying until they turn a pale golden brown (about 2-5 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy onions and place them on the paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle them lightly with salt for extra flavor.
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crispy onions on top. Serve it warm and watch it disappear in an instant. This dish truly brings joy to any gathering, making it one you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Funeral Potatoes!
You Must Know About French Onion Funeral Potatoes
- This showstopping French Onion Funeral Potatoes delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting French Onion Funeral Potatoes Cooking Process
Start by cooking the onions until soft while the hash browns are thawing. Mix your creamy sauce ingredients while sautéing the garlic for extra flavor, ensuring an efficient and delicious cooking experience.
Add Your Touch to French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Feel free to swap sharp cheddar for your favorite cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. Add crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like chives to elevate the flavor, creating a personalized twist on this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring that crispy topping stays delightful.
Chef's Helpful Tips for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
- This professional-quality French Onion Funeral Potatoes relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sharing this recipe reminds me of a family gathering when my aunt declared these funeral potatoes her new favorite dish. There was something magical about how quickly they disappeared, leaving only the warm memories of weeping joy and laughter behind.
FAQs About French Onion Funeral Potatoes
What is French Onion Funeral Potatoes?
French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a creamy, cheesy casserole that combines hash browns with a rich onion-infused sauce. It’s often topped with crispy fried onions, giving it a delightful crunch. This comforting dish is popular at gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, where it quickly becomes a favorite among attendees. The recipe offers an indulgent way to enjoy classic flavors reminiscent of French onion soup in a hearty potato format, making it perfect for any occasion.
How do I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture in French Onion Funeral Potatoes, it’s vital to use a combination of sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and a thickened sauce made from milk and chicken broth. Start by combining these ingredients with the thawed hash browns in a large bowl. The mix of cheeses ensures that each bite is rich and comforting, while the baking process melds the flavors beautifully. Be sure to stir thoroughly, ensuring every potato cube is coated in the decadent sauce.
Can I customize French Onion Funeral Potatoes?
Absolutely! Customizing French Onion Funeral Potatoes is part of the fun. You can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Adding crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like chives elevates the flavor and makes it uniquely yours. Feel free to play with seasonings or add vegetables to make it fit your personal taste and preference while keeping that traditional taste intact.
How should I store leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes?
To store leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. This will help maintain the crispy fried onion topping, ensuring it remains delicious and enjoyable, just like when it was freshly made.
Conclusion for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a beloved dish that blends the comforting flavors of creamy potatoes with the savory goodness of French onion soup. It features a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the crispy fried onions elevating the overall experience. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe brings smiles and satisfaction to every table. Don’t miss out on making this delectable dish at your next celebration!
French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, melted butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
- In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add onions and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Add flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Cook another minute.
- Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking until well combined. Continue to cook, whisking until thickened.
- Pour the sauce into the potato mixture. Mix well. Then, pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Set aside.
- To a large saucepan over high heat, add oil. Heat to 350°F.
- Working in batches, add about 1 cup of onions to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until onions turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried onions from the hot oil. Place them in an even layer onto the lined baking sheet. Set aside and repeat with the remaining onions.
- Sprinkle fried onions with salt, tossing to coat.
- After the casserole has baked for 45-50 minutes, remove from the oven. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top of the hot casserole.
- Serve.
