These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are creamy and cheesy with a crispy topping. Perfect for potlucks or gatherings, they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Honestly, who can resist that golden crunch on top? I could eat this dish for every meal and never tire of it! Just mix, bake, and you’re all set for smiles at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrown Potatoes: These provide the base for the dish. Thawing frozen hash browns makes them easier to mix. If fresh potatoes are available, consider grating them, but you might want to soak and dry them first to reduce excess moisture.
Cheddar Cheese: I used sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar or even a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack for a different taste. Vegan cheese can also work well if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!
Cream Soups: The cream of mushroom and French onion soups lend depth to the dish. If you prefer homemade, try substituting with your own creamy mushroom sauce and onion broth. Just ensure the consistency remains similar!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a bit of tang. Greek yogurt makes a great substitute and adds extra protein. You could also use a dairy-free yogurt for a lactose-free option.
French Fried Onions: These crispy bits add a great crunch on top! If they’re not available, you can use crushed potato chips or make your own crispy onion straws by frying thinly sliced onions.
How Do I Get That Perfectly Crispy Top?
Getting that golden, crunchy top is all about timing and technique. You want the French fried onions to crisp up nicely while ensuring the dish heats through completely. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start baking uncovered at a lower temp, allowing the casserole to heat through.
- In the final baking phase, raise the temp slightly (if desired) to promote browning.
- Spread extra French fried onions on top during the last 10-15 minutes for added crunch.
Always keep an eye on it to prevent burning—everyone loves that golden look, but not the burnt taste!
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup French fried onions (plus extra for topping)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of baking time. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get delicious, creamy, cheesy French Onion Funeral Potatoes on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First, let’s get that oven warming up! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, so our casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Mixing the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of mushroom soup, French onion soup, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or a whisk to stir everything until it’s well mixed and smooth.
3. Adding the Good Stuff:
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Add in the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and French fried onions into the bowl. Gently mix everything together until all the hash browns are coated in the creamy mixture.
4. Pouring Into the Dish:
Carefully pour this delicious mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure all the edges are nicely filled.
5. First Bake:
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. You want it to be bubbling and heated through. You can almost smell how yummy it is already!
6. Adding the Crunch:
Take the casserole out of the oven, but don’t turn the oven off yet! Sprinkle some extra French fried onions over the top. Now, return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will make the onions crispy and golden brown—yum!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s all golden and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven. If you like, sprinkle some fresh thyme on top for a lovely touch. Serve it hot as a comforting side dish, and enjoy the praises you’ll get!
This casserole is creamy and cheesy, packed with rich French onion flavor, and topped with crispy caramelized onions. It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion!
Can I Use Fresh Hash Browns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh hash browns, make sure to wash, peel, and shred them first. However, you’ll want to soak them in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain and dry them well before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! The ingredients already lean towards vegetarian. Just ensure you’re using a vegetable-based cream of mushroom soup rather than a meat-based one, and you’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to restore the creamy texture if needed.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze French Onion Funeral Potatoes! Just assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.