What’s the Deal with French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

If you’ve ever had a meal that made you feel like you were wrapped in a cozy blanket of comfort, this is it. French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a rich, creamy casserole that combines all the comforting flavors of French onion soup with the indulgent, cheesy goodness of funeral potatoes. The result? A casserole so good, it’ll be the star of the table at any potluck, holiday gathering, or weeknight dinner. With layers of crispy potatoes, savory onions, and gooey cheese, this dish will quickly become your new favorite comfort food.

The name “funeral potatoes” comes from the dish’s popularity at funerals (for a reason—you’ll want this to be a part of every meal). But trust us, you’ll be serving it far beyond somber occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why French Onion Funeral Potatoes are about to become your go-to comfort food:

Cheesy and creamy: This dish is everything you love about cheesy potatoes, but with the rich flavor of caramelized onions.
Crispy on top, creamy on the inside: The French onion flavor comes from both the creamy sauce and the crispy, buttery topping that’ll have you scraping the bottom of the casserole dish.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and just a few steps, you can whip this up in no time. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, family gathering, or just a regular dinner, this dish fits every scenario and pleases a crowd.
A make-ahead dream: It’s a casserole you can prepare in advance and bake when you’re ready, saving you time on the big day.

The Good Stuff You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

1 bag (32 oz) frozen hashbrowns (or 6 cups of fresh shredded potatoes)
1 large onion, finely diced (yellow or sweet onions work best)
2 tablespoons butter
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom if you prefer)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
1 cup French fried onions (the crispy kind from the can)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup French fried onions (more crispy goodness)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because you can never have too much cheese)
1 tablespoon butter (melted)

Let’s Do This

Prep Work (5 minutes):

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This will prevent your potatoes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
While the onions are cooking, go ahead and mix the soup, sour cream, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly (10 minutes):

Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add them to the soup mixture. Then stir in the frozen hashbrowns (no need to thaw them). Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to your greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle 1 cup of French fried onions over the top of the casserole. These will give the casserole a beautiful golden, crispy layer during baking.
For the topping, mix the additional French fried onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole.

Baking (30-40 minutes):

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden brown on top.
Check after 30 minutes—if the top is crispy and the casserole is heated through, it’s done. If you like a darker top, let it go for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Finishing Touches (2 minutes):

Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set up.
Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, oniony, crispy goodness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with roasted meats: This dish goes great with chicken, pork, or beef—perfect for a hearty family meal.
Serve with a fresh salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the casserole.
For a complete meal: Add some steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli to round out your plate.

Switch It Up

Once you’ve nailed the classic version, try some fun twists:

Bacon Lovers: Add cooked crumbled bacon to the casserole for an extra savory, smoky flavor.
Cheesy Garlic: Mix garlic powder into the soup mixture and top with extra garlic butter before baking for a garlicky kick.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a can of diced green chilies or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
Vegetarian Style: Swap the cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup, and add more sautéed mushrooms for texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep it ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to go.
Freeze for later: You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.
Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats nicely in the microwave or oven.

Questions People Actually Ask

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
A: Absolutely! Just shred about 6 cups of fresh potatoes, rinse them well to remove excess starch, and squeeze out the moisture before mixing them into the casserole. The texture will be a little different, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use gluten-free French fried onions and check the soup label to make sure it’s gluten-free, or opt for a gluten-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: You bet! While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a creamy Gruyère for a different twist.

Q: How can I make this dish ahead of time for a potluck?
A: You can prep it the day before, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready. If you’re traveling, bake it at home and reheat at the potluck if necessary.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes: Comfort in Every Bite

Author: Tyla
Total Time: 1 hour

Print Recipe

Description