Are you looking to indulge in a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family meals? French Onion Funeral Potatoes beautifully marry the flavors of creamy potatoes and rich French onion soup, creating a delectable experience that evokes warmth and nostalgia. If you love comfort food recipes, this dish will definitely earn a spot on your table. Drawing from personal experiences, these potatoes have become a staple at family gatherings, reminding us of the magic created in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore the story behind this beloved dish, provide a detailed recipe, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure your culinary journey is seamless and enjoyable.
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French Onion Funeral Potatoes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting, hearty dish featuring creamy potatoes combined with rich French onion flavors, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- ½ cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, half of the melted butter, sharp cheddar, sour cream, diced onion, garlic, flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and mustard. Stir until well mixed.
- In a skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Cook until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Layer half of the potato mixture in the baking dish, spread it evenly, then add half of the caramelized onions on top.
- Add the second half of the potato mixture followed by the rest of the caramelized onions on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For make-ahead preparation, assemble the dish a day prior and store in the fridge, adding toppings right before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: French Onion, Funeral Potatoes, Comfort Food, Casserole, Side Dish
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro
Let me take you back to a chilly autumn evening. I remember my grandmother bustling around in her kitchen, the aroma of sautéing onions dancing in the air. She had an uncanny ability to transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, and that’s where I first tasted a dish that would leave a mark on my heart: French Onion Funeral Potatoes. It was a family gathering—a bittersweet occasion filled with laughter and tears—and these potatoes stole the show. They perfectly encapsulated the comfort of home and the love poured into every bite.
It was a family gathering—a bittersweet occasion filled with laughter and tears—and these potatoes stole the show. The layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes combine with sweet, caramelized onions to evoke memories of family dinners and kitchen experiments. Fans of creamy potato dishes will immediately understand the magic of this comforting casserole. Over time, I learned that the best dishes are those cooked with love, and my mission has always been to spread that love.
In trying to recreate that magic, I’ve adapted my grandmother’s classic recipe, keeping it simple and accessible for everyone. Whether you’re preparing for a casual weeknight dinner or trying to impress your guests at your next get-together, these potatoes bring comfort and joy to every table. Join me on this culinary adventure as we dive into the delicious world of French Onion Funeral Potatoes.
Now, let’s get into the ingredients that transform this comforting concoction from mere potatoes to an unforgettable experience.
Key Ingredients for French Onion Funeral Potatoes
To create the magic of French Onion Funeral Potatoes, you’ll need a few key ingredients that will ensure every bite is filled with flavor and comfort.
The foundation of this dish begins with 32 ounces of frozen cubed hash browns, thawed to allow for even cooking. While frozen might seem unconventional, this shortcut saves time without sacrificing taste. You’ll also need ¼ cup of unsalted butter—half of it melted to enrich the creamy filling, and the other half will be used for frying onions, giving them that golden, caramelized texture we adore.
Cheese lovers rejoice! Two cups of sharp cheddar cheese will add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish. This cheese melds beautifully with the sour cream (1 ½ cups) and forms the creamy base that holds everything together.
A small yellow onion, diced finely, pairs beautifully with the 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, amplifying the dish’s savory notes. To thicken the mixture, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour will come into play, along with seasonings: 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and a slight kick of ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried mustard.
Adding ½ cup of chicken broth and ½ cup of whole milk at room temperature brings the entire mixture to life as it bakes into a comforting casserole. Lastly, you’ll need 2 large yellow onions for layering atop the casserole before baking.
With these ingredients ready, let’s move on to preparing the necessary steps that will lead us to a delightful dish of French Onion Funeral Potatoes.
Cheese lovers rejoice! If cheese is your love language, don’t miss our creamy pasta dishes that melt hearts just as easily.
Preparing French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. It’s essential to have your oven hot and ready for that perfect bake that transforms our ingredients into creamy, golden perfection. While your oven heats, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, ensuring the potatoes don’t stick during the baking process.
Next, prepare the hash brown mixture. In a large bowl, combine the thawed frozen hash browns, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onions, garlic, flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and mustard. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed, creating a creamy, cheesy potato base that will serve as the foundation of your dish.
Now it’s time to prepare the caramelized onions. In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat, and add thinly sliced onions. Stir them frequently, ensuring they cook evenly until they turn a deep golden brown. This step usually takes about 20-25 minutes, and the onions will develop a rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Once the onions are ready, layer half of the creamy potato mixture in your prepared baking dish, and spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the caramelized onions on top before adding the second half of the potato mixture. Finish by layering the remaining onions on top to create an irresistible crust that forms while baking.
Finally, bake your French Onion Funeral Potatoes in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving; the delightful aroma alone will have everyone gathering around your table, ready to dig in!
These potatoes pair beautifully with hearty family dinners, roasted meats, grilled chicken, or vibrant salads.
Serving and Storing French Onion Funeral Potatoes
When you’re ready to serve your French Onion Funeral Potatoes, take a moment to appreciate the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. This dish is perfect as a side for any family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering. The beauty of comfort food lies in its ability to bring people together, making it the star of your dinner table.
Serving is simple: scoop out generous portions for your guests and watch as their faces light up with joy. Pair these creamy potatoes with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a vibrant salad for a well-rounded meal.
But what about those leftovers? If you find yourself with extra French Onion Funeral Potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again, and you’ll find that the flavors have only improved!
If you want to make ahead, these potatoes can be assembled a day in advance. Just keep the topping separate until you’re ready to bake. This approach is a fantastic time-saver and ensures you can focus on spending time with loved ones during special occasions instead of being slaved to the kitchen.
FAQs
What’s the purpose of using frozen hash browns?
Frozen hash browns save prep time and ensure consistent texture throughout the dish. They’re quick, convenient, and turn out delicious!
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just peel, cube, and cook them until tender before adding to the mixture. This will add extra steps, but fresh potatoes will yield a wonderful flavor.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the chicken broth?
Yes! You can easily substitute vegetable broth to maintain the flavors while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! Assemble it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to add the topping right before baking.
Conclusion
French Onion Funeral Potatoes encapsulate the essence of comfort food with their rich, cheesy goodness and the heartfelt memories they create. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy night in, they are sure to warm your heart and your home. Explore more French-inspired comfort food or soups that warm the soul for an even cozier meal experience. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do!
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