If ever there was a comfort food that knew how to steal the show, it’s this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe. Imagine all the creamy, cheesy, golden allure of classic hash brown casserole, hugged by the deeply savory flavor of French onion soup mix and a luscious crown of crispy fried onions. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a family gathering or simply celebrating a Tuesday, this dish transforms simple pantry staples into an irresistibly heartwarming side you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe lies in how effortlessly it comes together—each ingredient has a deliciously important role, from creating that signature creamy coating to the golden, crunchy topping that finishes it all off.
- Frozen hash browns (thawed): These form the comforting base with tender, fluffy potato flavor and a no-fuss prep.
- Cream of chicken soup: The secret to that ultra-creamy texture and savory depth—feel free to swap in cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness, balancing all the rich flavors in every bite.
- French onion soup mix: This gives the recipe its iconic oniony, herby depth with zero effort required.
- Garlic powder: A pinch here accentuates the onion flavors and adds aromatic warmth.
- Black pepper: It’s a simple seasoning that brings the perfect background heat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty cheddar weaves creamy, cheesy ribbons throughout the potatoes.
- Butter (melted): Helps the top brown beautifully and adds that unmistakable touch of decadence.
- Crushed French fried onions (divided): These create an addictive crunchy topping and run through the mixture for extra flavor explosions.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a burst of fresh color and a little brightness, this garnish always feels festive.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure everything bakes up bubbly and golden. While the oven warms, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—glass or ceramic both work beautifully. This will prevent your potatoes from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, blend together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, French onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well until you have a thoroughly combined, creamy, and fragrant base. It may not look glamorous yet, but you’ll know from the aroma you’re onto something special.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Cheese
Dump in the thawed hash browns and the shredded cheddar cheese. Use a sturdy spatula to fold them into the creamy mixture, making sure each bit of potato is coated. This is where those iconic cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth textures start to build.
Step 4: Fold in French Fried Onions
Take one cup of the crushed French fried onions and fold them directly into the mix. This way, you’ll find irresistible oniony crunch in every spoonful, not just on top!
Step 5: Assemble and Butter
Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly from corner to corner. Next, drizzle the melted butter over the surface. This simple step paves the way for a golden top and an extra layer of buttery flavor—don’t skip it.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. The foil creates a steamy environment that helps the casserole set up tender and creamy through the center. You’ll see the magic happening as the kitchen starts to fill with the comforting smells of cheese and onion.
Step 7: Finish with French Fried Onions
Take off the foil, then sprinkle on the remaining half cup of French fried onions. Slide the dish back into the oven, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for the unmistakable golden-brown crunch on top and the bubbly edges. Absolute perfection.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set so each scoop is creamy but holds its shape. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like—it’s simple, but adds a vibrant pop before serving up generous helpings.
How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley just before serving not only brightens up the pan visually but also brings a hint of fresh, herbal flavor that pairs so well with the rich, savory base. You can also try snipped chives or even sliced green onions for a little extra onion punch. For special occasions, a touch of smoked paprika or a crack of black pepper looks gorgeous on top.
Side Dishes
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe shines alongside all your classic mains: think roasted or grilled meats, barbecue chicken, baked ham, or even holiday turkey. For a comfort-centric meal, serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for contrast. Don’t forget a soft dinner roll to soak up the cheesy goodness left behind on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
These potatoes look stunning served family-style from a big baking dish, but you can also scoop them into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for dinner parties. Try layering in extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a more colorful potluck option. If you love entertaining, top with extra crispy onions just before guests arrive so the crunch is at its best.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe, lucky you! Just let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or scoop into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—if they last that long.
Freezing
This dish is an absolute freezer favorite. To freeze, assemble fully but stop before baking and adding the final French fried onion topping. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, label the date, and keep frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, then add the last layer of onions and finish baking fresh.
Reheating
You can reheat portions in the microwave for a quick bite, but for that top-tier crispy texture, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until hot, then uncover for a few minutes to re-crisp the onion topping. This brings the golden crunch and cheesy creaminess right back to life.
FAQs
Can I make the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or any favorite vegetarian condensed soup and you’ll have an equally delicious, comforting vegetarian version everyone can enjoy.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can peel and shred fresh potatoes—just rinse them well and pat dry to remove excess starch and moisture for the best texture. It takes more prep time, but makes a wonderfully rustic casserole.
What’s the best way to crush French fried onions?
Place the onions in a sealable plastic bag and lightly crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a measuring cup. Keep some larger pieces for extra crunch and texture on top!
Can I make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Assemble everything in the baking dish up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated, tightly covered. Just before baking, add the final French fried onions and bake as directed for fresh, crispy results.
What’s the origin of funeral potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a beloved comfort dish in the American Mountain West, traditionally served at gatherings, potlucks, and especially after church services and funerals. Their rich, creamy, cheesy, and crunchy combination brings comfort and warmth to any table, happy or sad.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe for your next gathering or anytime you need a little extra comfort on your plate. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing, feel-good food you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Share a pan, make some memories, and watch those golden spoonsful disappear!
Print
French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting goodness of French Onion Funeral Potatoes, a cheesy potato bake that’s perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings. Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy French fried onions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed French fried onions (divided)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Base: Combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, French onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Add Hash Browns and Cheese: Mix in thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in 1 cup of crushed French fried onions.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes.
- Finish: Uncover, add remaining French fried onions, bake for 10–15 minutes until golden. Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
- Great for potlucks, holidays, or as a side dish with roast meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (about 3/4 cup)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
