French Onion Funeral Potatoes

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Golden, cheesy, and rich with the deep flavor of caramelized onions, French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side. This casserole takes the familiar creamy potato bake and transforms it with savory depth thanks to French onion soup mix, sharp cheeses, and a crunchy topping.

Whether you’re bringing this to a holiday table, potluck, or serving it alongside roasted meats, these potatoes always steal the show. The blend of gooey cheese and the crispy breadcrumb crust makes each bite a textural delight. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to throw together.

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What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for French Onion Funeral Potatoes?

This dish traditionally calls for shredded or diced hash browns straight from the freezer section, making it incredibly simple. But you can also use freshly boiled and cubed potatoes if you prefer a chunkier bite. The key is ensuring the potatoes are cooked until just tender so they can absorb all the cheesy onion flavor without going mushy.

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Ingredients for the French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Frozen Hash Browns
These are the heart of the casserole. They save time and offer consistent texture, though fresh potatoes can also work.

French Onion Soup Mix
Packed with concentrated onion flavor and seasoning, this mix infuses the entire dish with that signature French onion taste.

Sour Cream
This gives the casserole its creamy base while adding a bit of tang to balance the richness.

Cream of Mushroom Soup
It blends perfectly into the sauce, adding earthiness and extra creaminess.

Shredded Cheese (Gruyère, Mozzarella, or Cheddar)
Melty, sharp cheese creates that irresistible gooey pull and rich bite. Gruyère is especially perfect for French onion-inspired dishes.

Caramelized Onions
These bring the sweet-savory depth that defines this dish. Slow-cooked until golden, they make the flavor pop.

Butter
Used to sauté the onions and bind the breadcrumb topping.

Breadcrumbs or Crushed Cornflakes
They add crunch and contrast to the creamy filling underneath.

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How To Make the French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until they become golden brown and caramelized. This can take about 20-25 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s what brings that sweet depth to the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, combine sour cream, French onion soup mix, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until smooth. Fold in shredded cheese and half of the caramelized onions.

Step 3: Mix in the Potatoes

Add the frozen hash browns (or cubed cooked potatoes) into the creamy base. Stir gently until everything is well coated and evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the potato mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining caramelized onions.

Step 5: Add the Crunch

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole for that golden crunchy layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling at the edges. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers can set.

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Serving and Storing French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Serve these hot from the oven alongside a roast chicken, ham, or even as the main event with a crisp green salad. They hold their shape beautifully when spooned out, and the crunchy topping stays firm if served fresh. If you’re prepping ahead for a gathering, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the topping right before baking to keep it crisp.

Leftovers? They reheat wonderfully in the oven or even the microwave. Just cover loosely with foil when reheating in the oven to keep the moisture in without sacrificing texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I caramelize onions properly?

Cook them slowly on medium-low heat with a bit of butter, stirring regularly. It can take 20-30 minutes. They should become deeply golden and sweet, not burnt.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the topping. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then top and bake when ready.

What cheese works best in this dish?

Gruyère is ideal for its nutty, melty qualities, but cheddar and mozzarella are great too. You can even mix them for a more complex flavor.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Boil, peel, and cube them until tender, then use them just like frozen hash browns.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes, swap the cream of mushroom soup with a vegetarian version and make sure your soup mix doesn’t contain meat-based ingredients.

Can I freeze this casserole?

You can freeze it before baking. Assemble the dish (without the topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake.

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Want More Casserole Comfort Food Ideas?

You might also like the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, perfect for a vegetable-packed meal that still feels indulgent. Or try the Sloppy Joe Casserole, with its tangy meat filling and fluffy biscuit topping.

For something creamy and ultra comforting, the Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese is always a winner, especially for gatherings. And if you’re craving more onion-forward flavors, the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe brings that same depth with a simpler prep.

For a hearty weeknight dinner twist, Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is another crowd favorite, delivering familiar flavors with a baked comfort vibe.

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If you bake it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add extra cheese? Maybe a pinch of thyme? Leave a comment below and let’s share tips—I’m always excited to hear your take.

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