French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheesy potatoes and crispy onions creates a comforting and satisfying taste3.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Funeral potatoes are a classic crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and special occasions3.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, making it convenient for busy schedules1.
• Versatile: This dish pairs well with various main courses and can be customized to suit your preferences3.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Serving Size: Varies

Ingredients

Potatoes

• 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed1
• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted1
• 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded1
• 1 ½ cups (345 g) sour cream1

Sauce

• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter1
• 1 small yellow onion, diced1
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced1
• ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour1
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt1
• ½ teaspoon black pepper1
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper1
• ½ teaspoon dried mustard1
• ½ cup (120 g) chicken broth, room temperature1
• ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature1

Fried Onions

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)1
• 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil1
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt1

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray1.

Potatoes

1. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, melted butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside1.

Sauce

1. In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt butter1.
2. Add diced onions and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute15.
3. Add flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard. Cook another minute15.
4. Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking until well combined. Continue to cook, whisking until thickened1.
5. Pour the sauce into the potato mixture. Mix well. Then, pour into the prepared baking dish1.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through1.

Fried Onions

1. Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Set aside1.
2. To a large saucepan over high heat, add oil. Heat to 350°F1.
3. 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. (Make sure the oil is at 350°F before frying each batch.)1
4. Sprinkle fried onions with salt, tossing to coat1.
5. After the casserole has baked for 45-50 minutes, remove from the oven. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top of the hot casserole1.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Main Courses: Pairs well with meats, BBQs, and Sunday dinners3.
• Holidays: A great addition to special occasion luncheons or holiday meals38.
• Sides: Serve with green beans, a cooked vegetable blend, or a side salad2.

Tips for Customization

• Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or Parmesan for a unique flavor.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of heat.
• Toppings: Consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon or green onions for extra flavor and texture2.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake1.
• Freezing: Freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking1.

How to Store & Reheat

• To Store: Let the leftover potatoes cool to room temperature. Then, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days1.
• To Reheat: Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave1.

FAQs

• Why are they called funeral potatoes? This dish is often served at funeral luncheons in Utah, providing comfort to grieving families3.
• Can I use shredded hash browns instead of cubed? Yes, you can substitute shredded hash browns for cubed hash browns3.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian1.
• Can I prepare the fried onions ahead of time? Yes, you can fry the onions in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 3 days1.

Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic favorite!