If you’ve ever been to a gathering where comfort food is the star of the show, you might have tasted funeral potatoes—a cheesy, creamy potato casserole that’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. But let me tell you, this version of French Onion Funeral Potatoes takes things to the next level. Imagine golden, crispy potatoes drenched in a luscious, creamy sauce with the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup and a crispy, buttery topping. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and sigh with satisfaction. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are packed with flavor, texture, and all the warm, nostalgic vibes you could ask for. The classic funeral potatoes casserole gets a makeover with the deep, savory flavor of French onion soup, creating a rich, savory dish that is irresistibly creamy on the inside with a perfect crispy, golden top. The combination of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and that French onion flavor is something you’ll want to serve at every family gathering or holiday meal. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s also the perfect side dish to elevate any dinner. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
(Note: A full list of ingredients is provided below)
- Hashbrowns (frozen or freshly grated)
- Butter
- Yellow onions
- Garlic
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version)
- French onion soup mix
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Crushed cornflakes (for topping)
- Olive oil or more butter for greasing
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions and Garlic
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add your sliced yellow onions. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown—about 15-20 minutes. This slow cooking brings out all the caramelized goodness that makes French onion soup so delicious. Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Set this aside while you prepare the rest of the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine your sour cream, cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup, and French onion soup mix. Stir until everything is well mixed. Then, add in your melted butter and about 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the caramelized onions and garlic, making sure everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter. Layer your frozen hashbrowns (no need to thaw them first) into the dish. Pour the creamy French onion mixture evenly over the potatoes, spreading it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
For that crispy, golden topping, sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over the casserole. Drizzle a little melted butter over the cornflakes to help them get golden and crispy as they bake. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your French Onion Funeral Potatoes are ready, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They make a perfect side dish to complement any main course, or you can just enjoy them on their own—they’re that good!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Rush the Onions: The key to getting that amazing French onion flavor is the slow caramelization of the onions. Be patient and let them cook down until they’re golden brown and sweet.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: For an even cheesier casserole, feel free to add a little extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella. I love the gooey, cheesy texture, so I usually add an extra handful of cheese on top!
- Swap the Cornflakes: If you’re not a fan of cornflakes, you can use crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions for a different topping. Each adds a unique texture and flavor to the casserole.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup (or vegetable soup), and you’re good to go! This way, you can still enjoy the creamy richness without any meat.
- Spicy Version: Add a little heat to your casserole by sprinkling in some red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños along with the onions. It adds a fun kick to the richness of the dish.
- Sweet Potato Option: If you prefer sweet potatoes, you can substitute the hashbrowns with grated sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and color. The French onion flavor will still pair beautifully with the sweet potatoes!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with so many main courses. They’re perfect alongside roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or beef, and they’re especially great with steak or ham. If you’re serving this as a main dish, a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole. Or, serve them with a warm loaf of bread for an extra comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop the casserole back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the topping crisps up again. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, but the oven method helps maintain that crispy topping.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. It may take a few extra minutes to cook if it’s cold from the fridge, so just keep an eye on it.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, you can use fresh, grated potatoes, but keep in mind that frozen hashbrowns save you time and hassle. If using fresh potatoes, you may want to parboil them slightly to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.
3. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until heated through.
4. How can I make this dish less rich?
If you’re looking to lighten it up a bit, you can swap out some of the sour cream for Greek yogurt or use low-fat versions of the soup and cheese. While the texture may be slightly different, it will still be delicious!
Conclusion
These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food with their creamy, cheesy goodness and that unbeatable French onion flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or just indulging in some cozy, satisfying food at home, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and completely irresistible. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
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French Onion Funeral Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes prep and bake time)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy potato casserole with the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup and a crispy, buttery topping. Perfect as a side dish or even a meal on its own, this comfort food will steal the show at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hashbrowns (or freshly grated)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version)
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (for topping)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions and Garlic
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup, and French onion soup mix. Stir well.
- Add melted butter and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the caramelized onions and garlic.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter.
- Layer frozen hashbrowns into the dish. Pour the creamy French onion mixture over the potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
- Sprinkle crushed cornflakes over the casserole and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Check for doneness with a fork to ensure potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Rush the Onions: The key to getting that amazing French onion flavor is the slow caramelization of the onions. Be patient and let them cook down until they’re golden brown and sweet.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Add extra cheddar or mozzarella cheese for an even cheesier casserole.
- Swap the Cornflakes: If you don’t like cornflakes, use crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions for a different topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg