French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings. With crispy, golden-topped potatoes and a hint of French onion flavor, they’re oh-so-satisfying!
These potatoes are like a warm hug on a plate. They always bring smiles to the table, and I just can’t resist their cheesy goodness. Perfect for both special occasions and cozy nights in! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen shredded hash browns are super convenient and work perfectly here. If you don’t have them, try using fresh, grated potatoes, but remember to squeeze out excess moisture first for a nice texture.
Onions: Caramelized onions add a delicious flavor twist. Use yellow onions for their sweetness when caramelized. If you’re short on time, you could skip caramelizing and use sautéed onions instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. If you want something milder, just use regular cheddar or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. In a pinch, Monterey Jack can work too!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can swap this for cream of chicken soup if you’re not a fan of mushrooms. For a homemade touch, mix heavy cream with sautéed mushrooms and seasonings.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Both give creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a plant-based yogurt as a substitute for sour cream. For mayo, consider using an egg-free variety if needed.
How Do I Caramelize Onions to Perfection?
Caramelizing onions is an important step that adds depth to your dish. Patience is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and stir occasionally.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat.
- When they’re deep golden brown and sweet, they’re perfect! Remember to remove them from heat to avoid burning.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh thyme or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time for this recipe is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, which includes 20-25 minutes of caramelizing onions and 45-55 minutes of baking. It’s a bit of work upfront, but the delicious outcome is worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion rings. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn deeply caramelized and golden brown. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Once they’re perfectly caramelized, remove them from heat and set aside.
3. Mix Your Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns, 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well-combined and looks creamy.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, making sure it covers the bottom well.
5. Prepare the Onions:
Take the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and melt it in the same skillet where you cooked the onions. Add the caramelized onions back to the pan and toss them in the melted butter. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
6. Top the Casserole:
Sprinkle the last ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the potato mixture. Then, layer the butter-coated caramelized onions on top. Make it nice and even!
7. Bake:
Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You know it’s ready when the potatoes are hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, you can garnish your French Onion Funeral Potatoes with fresh thyme or parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful, comforting dish!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh potatoes! Just shred them and be sure to squeeze out excess moisture. This helps maintain the right texture in the final dish. If using fresh, consider using about 4-5 medium potatoes to replace the 3 cups of frozen hash browns.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Also, ensure that the other ingredients, especially condiments like mayonnaise and any seasoning blends, are certified gluten-free.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble it in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating!
