There’s something delightfully nostalgic about a dish that brings comfort and warmth – like a cozy sweater on a brisk autumn day. French Onion Funeral Potatoes, with their golden, crispy topping and gooey, cheesy layers, are that dish for me. Whether it’s a family reunion or just Tuesday night dinner, these potatoes somehow manage to steal the spotlight, evoking memories of home and simpler times, even if the name is a tad peculiar.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until well combined.
- For the sauce, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onions until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried mustard, cooking for an additional minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens. Pour this sauce over the potato mixture and stir until fully mixed. Then, transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the casserole in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and heated through. Meanwhile, prepare the fried onions by heating oil in a large saucepan to 350°F.
- Fry the thinly sliced onions in the hot oil in batches until they turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried onions onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet, sprinkling them with salt.
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and evenly distribute the fried onions over the top. Serve the dish warm for a delicious, comforting side.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups (345 g) sour cream
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- ½ cup (120 g) chicken broth, room temperature
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, layers separated (about 4 cups onions)
- 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
FAQ
- What are Funeral Potatoes?
- Funeral potatoes, also known as Company Potatoes or Holiday Potatoes, are a creamy, cheesy potato casserole commonly served at gatherings, particularly after funerals, hence their name. Typically made with ingredients such as hash browns, cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy topping like crushed cornflakes or crispy onions, they are a comforting dish perfect for sharing.
- Can I use store-bought crispy fried onions instead of frying my own?
- Absolutely, store-bought crispy fried onions can be a convenient substitute for homemade fried onions. Just sprinkle them over the casserole before the final baking step for a quick and easy option.
- How can I prepare French Onion Funeral Potatoes in advance?
- To make this dish ahead of time, mix the potatoes, sauce, and other ingredients, then spread the mixture into your baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for 2-3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Fried onions can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
- Allow the French Onion Funeral Potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or use a microwave for quicker reheating.
- What substitutions can I make for the ingredients?
- You can use shredded hash browns instead of diced ones, although the texture might vary. For the cheese, any variety that melts well can be used, such as sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor. If sour cream isn’t available, plain Greek yogurt is a good alternative.
Tips
- Thaw and Drain Hash Browns: Ensure that you thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen diced hash browns before using them in the recipe to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Homemade Fried Onions: While store-bought crispy fried onions are convenient, frying your own onions can add a fresher taste and personalized touch to the dish. Use yellow onions for their natural sweetness, or Vidalia onions if you prefer an even sweeter flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Sharp cheddar is recommended for its intense taste, but mixing in other cheeses that melt well can enhance the dish’s richness.
- Make Ahead Instructions: Prepare the potato mixture and sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of serving. This also allows the flavors to meld together for a more robust taste.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Large saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon
- Large baking sheet
- Paper towels (for lining the baking sheet, although not equipment, these are a necessity for the frying process)
