Description
French Onion Funeral Potatoes is a comforting casserole dish featuring tender hash browns, a creamy cheesy sauce infused with caramelized onions and garlic, topped with crispy homemade fried onions. This hearty, baked casserole combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, sour cream, and a savory onion sauce, making it an ideal side dish or main for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Cheese
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups (345 g) sour cream
Sauce
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- ½ cup (120 g) chicken broth, room temperature
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature
Fried Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced and layers separated (about 4 cups onions)
- 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thawed cubed hash browns with melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until evenly combined and set aside.
- Make Sauce – Melt Butter: In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter thoroughly.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard. Cook for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth while continuing to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Combine Sauce and Potato Mixture: Pour the thickened sauce into the bowl with the potato mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined potato and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Prepare Fried Onions – Line Sheet: While the casserole bakes, line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels to drain the fried onions.
- Heat Oil: In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Onions: Working in batches, carefully add about 1 cup of the thinly sliced onion layers to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a pale golden brown, about 2 to 5 minutes. Use a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the fried onions and place them in a single layer on the prepared paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining onions, maintaining oil temperature at 350°F between batches.
- Season Fried Onions: Sprinkle the drained fried onions with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Top Casserole: After the casserole has finished baking, remove it from the oven and evenly sprinkle the fried onions over the top.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm as a delicious and comforting dish.
Notes
- Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed before mixing to ensure even cooking.
- When frying onions, be sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to achieve crispy texture.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the casserole vegetarian-friendly.
- For extra flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: funeral potatoes, french onion casserole, hash brown casserole, cheesy potato bake, fried onions, creamy casserole, comfort food
