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The moment you pull these French Onion Funeral Potatoes from the oven, you'll experience the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy potatoes beneath a golden crown of crispy fried onions. This elevated version of the classic funeral potatoes transforms a beloved comfort dish into something even more special through the addition of homemade fried onions and a rich, from-scratch sauce. After numerous test batches in my kitchen, I've discovered that taking time with each component creates a casserole that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Last weekend, I served this at a family potluck, and my aunt, who's been making traditional funeral potatoes for decades, asked for the recipe. The secret lies in properly draining the hash browns and taking time to develop flavor in the sauce.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Frozen Hash Browns (2 pounds) – Choose diced rather than shredded for better texture. Thaw completely and drain well
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups) – Freshly grated provides better melting and flavor than pre-shredded
- Sour Cream (1 cup, full-fat) – Provides richness and tanginess. Room temperature blends better
- Yellow Onions (3 large) – Two for frying, one for the sauce. Choose firm onions with tight skins
- Butter (½ cup) – Unsalted allows better control of seasoning
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup) – For thickening the sauce
- Chicken Broth (1 cup) – Low-sodium preferred
- Whole Milk (1 cup) – Full-fat provides the best texture
- Garlic (3 cloves) – Fresh minced garlic only
- Vegetable Oil (for frying) – Neutral flavor with high smoke point
Seasonings:
- Salt (1½ teaspoons)
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- 1. Hash Brown Preparation
- Begin by thawing frozen hash browns completely in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside. Excess moisture will make your casserole watery, so this step is crucial.
- 2. Crispy Onion Topping
- Slice two large onions into thin, uniform rings about ⅛-inch thick. Separate the rings and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and let stand for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, using a thermometer to maintain temperature. Working in batches, fry onions until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towel-lined plates. Set aside.
- 3. Sauce Base Creation
- In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Add one finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in ¼ cup flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- 4. Sauce Development
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
- 5. Assembly Process
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Add the cheese sauce to the bowl with drained hash browns, mixing gently but thoroughly until all potatoes are evenly coated. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- 6. Baking Method
- Top the potato mixture with remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly around the edges and lightly golden on top.
- 7. Final Topping Application
- Remove casserole from oven. Immediately top with the prepared crispy fried onions, covering the entire surface evenly. Return to oven for 5 minutes to heat the onions and ensure they're crispy.
- 8. Resting Period
- Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the sauce to set properly and prevents burning.
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Make-Ahead Instructions
If preparing in advance:
- Complete all steps through assembly
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
- Store fried onions separately in an airtight container at room temperature
- When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap but replace foil
- Add 10-15 minutes to initial covered baking time
- Top with fried onions during final 5 minutes of baking
Storage Guidelines
For Leftovers:
- Allow casserole to cool completely
- Store in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
- Keep remaining crispy onions separate in an airtight container at room temperature
Reheating Instructions
Individual Portions:
- Microwave: Heat on 70% power for 2-3 minutes
- Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying
- Add fresh crispy onions after reheating
Whole Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Cover with foil
- Heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through
- Top with fresh crispy onions during last 5 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Roasted turkey or ham for holiday meals
- Grilled meats for casual dinners
- Green vegetable side dishes
- Fresh herb garnish (parsley or chives)
Variations
Cheese Options:
- Mix of cheddar and Gruyere for extra depth
- Add Parmesan for sharp flavor
- Use Monterey Jack for milder taste
Topping Alternatives:
- Store-bought French fried onions
- Crushed potato chips
- Buttered breadcrumbs
- Crushed cornflakes (traditional style)
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Final Thoughts
Through extensive testing and refinement, these French Onion Funeral Potatoes have evolved into a reliable, impressive dish that honors the classic while adding sophisticated touches. Whether served at a holiday gathering or casual potluck, they consistently deliver the perfect balance of creamy comfort and crispy satisfaction that makes them memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare the casserole and refrigerate. Bake just before serving and add the fried onions on top.
- → What if I don't want to make fried onions?
- You can use store-bought crispy fried onions or top with additional shredded cheese.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free flour and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- → What can I serve with these potatoes?
- Great with roasted meats, holiday dinners, or as a standalone comfort food.