French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate cheesy comfort food casserole! This rich and creamy potato bake combines tender hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a flavorful homemade French onion-style sauce, all topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunchy finish. Inspired by classic funeral potatoes but with a savory French onion twist, this casserole is warm, comforting, and completely irresistible.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, or cozy gatherings, this side dish always disappears fast!
Why You’ll Love These French Onion Funeral Potatoes
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
- Crispy homemade fried onion topping
- Loaded with rich French onion flavor
- Perfect holiday side dish
- Great make-ahead casserole
- Crowd-pleasing comfort food recipe
What Are Funeral Potatoes?
Funeral Potatoes are a classic cheesy potato casserole traditionally served at large gatherings and family meals, especially in the Midwest and Western United States. They earned their name because they were commonly served at post-funeral gatherings due to how easy they are to prepare for a crowd.
Classic versions usually include:
- Hash browns
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Creamy sauce
- Crunchy topping
This version swaps crushed cornflakes for crispy fried onions to create rich French onion flavor in every bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns
Frozen cubed hash browns work best for texture and convenience. Be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
Shredded hash browns can also work, though the casserole texture will be softer.
Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese adds bold flavor and creamy richness. You can also use:
- Gruyère
- Monterey Jack
- Colby Jack
- Mozzarella
Sour Cream
Sour cream creates the signature creamy texture and slight tang that funeral potatoes are known for.
Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted if needed.
Onions
Fresh yellow onions are cooked into the sauce and also fried crispy for topping. Their sweetness deepens beautifully while cooking.
Sauce
The homemade sauce combines butter, onions, garlic, flour, broth, milk, and seasonings to create a rich French onion-inspired base.
Homemade Fried Onions vs Store-Bought
Homemade fried onions add incredible flavor and texture, but store-bought crispy onions are a great shortcut.
Homemade Fried Onions
- Fresher flavor
- Extra crispy texture
- More homemade presentation
Store-Bought Fried Onions
- Faster and convenient
- Easy for busy days
- Still delicious
Both work beautifully!
How To Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes
This casserole comes together in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare The Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Thawed hash browns
- Melted butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Make The French Onion Sauce
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add diced onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and seasonings.
- Add flour to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth.
- Cook until thickened and creamy.
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Assemble The Casserole
- Pour the sauce into the potato mixture.
- Stir well.
- Spread evenly into a greased baking dish.
Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Step 4: Fry The Onions
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry sliced onions in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
Step 5: Finish The Casserole
Once baked:
- Remove casserole from oven.
- Top generously with crispy fried onions.
- Serve warm.
The crunchy onions take this casserole completely over the top!
Make Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance.
Refrigerator
Assemble the casserole without the onion topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer
Freeze assembled casserole for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
You can also fry the onions ahead and store them separately.
What To Serve With French Onion Funeral Potatoes
These potatoes pair perfectly with holiday meals and hearty dinners.
Delicious Pairings
- Roast turkey
- Ham
- Pork loin
- Steak
- Meatloaf
- Roast chicken
- Green beans
- Dinner rolls
How To Store & Reheat
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat:
- In the oven at 350°F
- In the microwave for quick servings
For best texture, add fresh crispy onions after reheating.
French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes
Servings
12 servings
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 32 ounces frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1½ cups sour cream
Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup whole milk
Fried Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Prepare The Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make The Potato Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, melted butter, cheese, and sour cream.
- Set aside.
Prepare The Sauce
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook onions until softened.
- Add garlic and cook another minute.
- Stir in flour and seasonings.
- Slowly whisk in milk and broth.
- Cook until thickened.
Assemble & Bake
- Stir sauce into potato mixture.
- Spread into baking dish.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until bubbly.
Fry The Onions
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry onions in batches until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
Finish
- Remove casserole from oven.
- Top with crispy fried onions.
- Serve warm.
Tips For The Best Funeral Potatoes
- Drain thawed potatoes well to avoid watery casserole.
- Freshly shred cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t overcrowd onions while frying.
- Use a wire whisk for a silky smooth sauce.
- Add onions just before serving to keep them crispy.
Variations
Bacon French Onion Potatoes
Add crispy bacon pieces for extra savory flavor.
Spicy Version
Increase cayenne pepper or add jalapeños.
Gruyère Funeral Potatoes
Swap cheddar for Gruyère for stronger French onion flavor.
Mushroom French Onion Potatoes
Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought fried onions?
Yes! They work perfectly if you want a quicker version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, though the onion topping is best added fresh after reheating.
What potatoes work best?
Frozen cubed hash browns are easiest and hold texture beautifully.