French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a cozy, cheesy dish that combines crispy potatoes with creamy goodness and a delightful onion flavor. They’re perfect for gathering with family and friends!
These potatoes are like a warm hug on a plate! I love making them for potlucks—they disappear faster than a donut at a diet convention! 😂 They’re super easy to whip up, too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: These are the base of the dish and provide a great texture. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh grated potatoes. Just soak them in water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry before using to avoid a watery dish.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt makes a healthy swap if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind it might give a slightly different flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides moisture and richness. If you’re vegetarian, try using cream of mushroom soup instead. You could also make a homemade version with stock and a roux for more control over flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar enhances the dish’s flavor. If you want a milder taste, go for medium or mild cheddar. There’s always the option of using a dairy-free cheese for lactose intolerance.
French Onion Dip: It adds a robust onion flavor. If you’re out of it, mix sour cream with onion powder and some minced onion to recreate the flavor.
French Fried Onions: These add a crispy topping! If you prefer a healthier version, consider topping with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelized onions are key for full flavor in this dish. Cooking them well adds depth. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a large skillet on medium heat and add your butter. Let it melt completely.
- Add the thinly sliced onions, making sure they’re in a single layer. Stir occasionally to keep them from burning.
- Cook low and slow for about 10-15 minutes until they turn soft and golden brown. If they start to stick, a sprinkle of water can help loosen them.
- Once they are caramelized, reserve half for topping and fold the rest into your hash brown mixture.
Take your time with this step; it significantly boosts the flavor of your Funeral Potatoes!
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup French onion dip
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 45-50 minutes to bake. All together, you’re looking at about an hour, but it’s worth every minute for this creamy, comforting casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the casserole.
2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and French onion dip. Use a spoon to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. Feel free to add salt and pepper to taste—this will enhance the flavor!
3. Sauté the Onions:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them slowly. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You want them to become golden brown and sweet, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
4. Combine the Onions with the Hash Browns:
Once the onions are caramelized, save half for the topping and fold the other half into the hash brown mixture. This will add a delicious onion flavor throughout the casserole.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the hash brown mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
6. Add Toppings:
Take the reserved caramelized onions and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole. Next, add a generous layer of French fried onions for a crunchy finish.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly all over. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color before serving. Enjoy your creamy and savory French Onion Funeral Potatoes—a perfect dish for any gathering!
Can I Use Fresh Hash Browns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh hash browns, you’ll need to sauté them briefly until they’re slightly softened before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help achieve that perfect creamy texture.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
No problem! You can swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade roux if you’re looking for something gluten-free. Just combine 1 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of flour, whisk until smooth, and use it as a substitute!
How to Store Leftover French Onion Funeral Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re warmed through. You can add a splash of milk to keep them creamy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even corn for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to sauté them first if they need cooking, as you’ll want them tender in the final dish.
