French Onion Funeral Potatoes – Cheesy Casserole Recipe with Crispy Onion Topping
These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory French onion flavor. Topped with crispy fried onions and baked until golden, this crowd-pleasing casserole is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Foil (for reheating)
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen cubed hash browns, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour (or 1 tbsp cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden. Stir occasionally. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes.
Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth and milk. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, cayenne, and dry mustard. Let cool slightly.
Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix hash browns, sour cream, shredded cheese, and the cooled onion sauce until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with crispy fried onions
Bake
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble without topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add onions and bake before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze without topping. Thaw overnight and bake with fresh crispy onions.
- Cheese Tip: Blend cheddar with Gruyère or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use veggie broth and skip meat add-ins.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 4–5 hours, add crispy onions just before serving.