If you’re dreaming of a side dish that captures the heart and soul of both a classic casserole and the rich depth of caramelized onions, you’re in for a treat with this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe. Wonderfully creamy, loaded with gooey cheese, studded with buttery hash browns, and crowned in a blanket of crispy French fried onions, this irresistible dish is comfort food at its absolute best. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a potluck, or just a cozy family dinner, this classic brings warmth and joy to every table—guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The core ingredients for this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe are simple but absolutely essential—each one playing a starring role in creating big flavors, creamy texture, and eye-catching golden color. These pantry and fridge staples come together to deliver ultimate comfort in every spoonful.

Frozen shredded hash browns (28–32 oz, thawed): The hearty, flaky backbone that soaks up the rich sauce and creates a perfect, tender bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle richness to help the onions caramelize to deep, golden perfection.
Large yellow onion (thinly sliced): The key to the French onion flavor—slowly caramelized for depth and sweetness.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Lends extra flavor and helps round out the creaminess of the casserole.
Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The classic creamy base that ties everything together—feel free to use homemade if you prefer!
Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tanginess and body, making the creamy filling simply irresistible.
Shredded Swiss cheese or Gruyère (2 cups): Melty and nutty, it infuses every forkful with luscious, cheesy goodness.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory notes and balances the sweeter onions.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing every flavor without overpowering.
Crushed French fried onions (1 1/2 cups, divided): The signature crowning touch—half in the casserole for oniony crunch, half for that irresistible golden topping.

How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your largest skillet, add a splash of olive oil, then gently cook those thinly sliced onions over medium heat with just a pinch of salt. Stir them occasionally and let the magic happen for about 10–12 minutes—the color should be deep golden and the kitchen will be filled with the most wonderful, sweet aroma. This is the secret to giving your French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe its signature flavor!

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, shredded Swiss cheese, melted butter, fragrant garlic powder, a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, your freshly caramelized onions, and 1 cup of those crispy French fried onions. Stir until everything’s happily married and well combined—you should see cheese ribbons, creamy sauce, and flecks of caramelized onion throughout.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon that delicious mixture into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish, giving it an even spread with your spatula. Cover the dish snugly with foil to lock in all that luscious moisture, ensuring a tender bake without drying out. This step lays the foundation for the casserole to cook through evenly and meld all the flavors together.

Step 4: Bake and Top

Bake, covered, at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until everything is bubbling away. Then, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy French fried onions all over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and satisfying to tap. The aroma will signal it’s almost time to serve!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Patience is key—let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before scooping. This short wait gives it time to set up, making it easier to serve neat squares or tidy spoonfuls. Now you’re ready to wow your guests with this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

How to Serve French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Dress your French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich, cheesy base. Feeling fancy? A few extra French fried onions on top never hurt!

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair beautifully with classic mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or grilled steak. For a lighter touch, serve them next to a crisp green salad or some simply steamed green beans. They’re just as happy sharing space with other comfort food favorites at a holiday buffet or potluck.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a gathering, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for a personal touch. For family-style meals, let guests scoop straight from the dish—just place it in the center of the table for ultimate comfort food vibes! This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe can even be served as a brunch main, with a poached egg on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra casserole after your meal? Simply let it cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.

Freezing

You can prep this casserole ahead of time and freeze for future cravings. Assemble but don’t bake, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time as needed.

Reheating

For leftovers, heat in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 20–25 minutes until piping hot. If you prefer the quickest route, a minute or two in the microwave per serving will also do the trick. If reheating the whole casserole, uncover in the last few minutes for crispy onions on top!

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can! Just peel and grate your potatoes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing them in—this prevents a watery casserole and helps achieve the right texture.

What’s the best cheese for French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe?

Swiss cheese or Gruyère are classic choices for their nutty meltiness, but you can experiment with sharper cheeses like cheddar or a blend for extra depth. The important thing is to use a cheese that melts well and enhances the overall flavor.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken soup, and you’ll have a delicious, fully vegetarian French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe that no one will want to miss out on.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole (minus the topping), cover, and store in the fridge up to a day ahead. Add the remaining French fried onions before baking to keep them extra crispy.

Can I add protein for a heartier variation?

Yes, feel free to stir in cooked and chopped ham, bacon, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken. These additions make the French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe an easy, all-in-one comfort meal!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe—it’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation, brings people together, and turns an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. Whether you share it at a potluck or make it for your family on a cold night, you’re sure to be asked for the recipe. Give it a try and discover just how special this comforting classic can be!

French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of French Onion Funeral Potatoes, a cheesy hash brown casserole elevated with caramelized onions and a crispy topping. This dish is a crowd-pleaser for any gathering, from holiday feasts to potluck dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sauce Mixture:

1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping:

1 1/2 cups crushed French fried onions (divided)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, cook the sliced onions in olive oil until golden and caramelized. Set aside.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine hash browns, soup, sour cream, Swiss cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, caramelized onions, and 1 cup of fried onions.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, cover with foil, bake for 35–40 minutes. Uncover, add remaining fried onions, bake for 10–15 more minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest before serving.