French Onion Funeral Potatoes are a cheesy, creamy delight that will warm your heart! With a tasty mix of hash browns, sour cream, and crispy onions, they make the perfect side dish.
These potatoes are so good, they’ll make you forget you’re at a gathering! I love serving them with a scoop of my favorite protein for a complete meal. Trust me, you won’t want to share!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes: These provide the base for the dish. If you can’t find them, you can use freshly grated potatoes, but be sure to squeeze excess moisture out to avoid a soggy texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese brings a distinct flavor. If you want something milder, you can swap it for medium cheddar or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Cream of Chicken Soup: It adds creaminess and flavor. For a vegetarian option, opt for condensed cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy sauce made from milk and flour.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: Both add richness. You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Light mayo is also a good substitute if you’re watching calories.
French Onion Soup Mix: This is the flavor booster! If you’re out of it, combine onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of beef bouillon for a similar effect.
Crispy Fried Onions: These give a nice crunch on top. If you want to make it healthier, try toasting some breadcrumbs or using panko instead.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Creamy and Delicious?
Getting the right texture is key in this casserole. Here’s how to prevent it from being dry or too runny:
- Make sure your shredded hash browns are completely thawed and drained well if you use fresh potatoes.
- Mix ingredients well – this helps everything blend and ensures even flavor and moisture.
- Don’t skip the butter and crispy onions. They add crunch and flavor to the top, balancing the creaminess underneath.
- Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set up a bit, making it easier to serve.
How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (optional, for extra onion flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delightful casserole will take around 15 minutes to prepare and about 45-55 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 10 minutes to have this rich and cheesy dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, French onion soup mix, and chopped onions (if you’re using them). Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together well until it’s evenly combined and creamy.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it cooks evenly in the oven.
4. Add Cheese and Onions:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potato mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust when baked!
5. Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the crispy fried onions. Evenly sprinkle this tasty mixture over the cheese layer for that extra crunch and flavor.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting period helps the layers set up a bit before serving.
8. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a beautiful and fresh finishing touch. Cut into squares and serve this comforting dish to your family and friends!
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, you can grate about 4 cups of them. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
You can lighten up the recipe by using reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise. Additionally, you can substitute half of the cheddar cheese with a lower-fat cheese or use a combination of cheeses for different flavors!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight out of the fridge.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
