Contents
- 1 A Dish With a Funny Name
- 2 Why This Recipe Matters
- 3 The Magic of the Onions
- 4 A Little Story From My Kitchen
- 5 Let’s Talk About the Crispy Topping
- 6 Making It Your Own
- 7 Ingredients:
- 8 A Cozy Dish for a Crowd
- 9 Make It Your Own
- 10 The Perfect Plate
- 11 Keeping Your Casserole Cozy
- 12 Simple Fixes for Common Troubles
- 13 Your Casserole Questions Answered
- 14 From My Kitchen to Yours
- 15 French Onion Funeral Potatoes
A Dish With a Funny Name
This casserole has a strange name. We call it Funeral Potatoes. I know, it sounds a bit sad. But the story is not sad at all.
It got its name because people often make it for big gatherings. These gatherings can be after a funeral. It is a warm, comforting dish that feeds many. I still laugh at the name. It is a dish full of love and care.
Why This Recipe Matters
Food is more than just something to eat. It is a warm hug on a cold day. This casserole is one of those hugs. It brings people together around the table.
Sharing a meal like this creates memories. It reminds us that we are not alone. That is why these simple recipes matter so much. They are the glue that holds our stories together.
The Magic of the Onions
This recipe has two kinds of onions. You cook some until they are soft and sweet. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Then you fry the others until they are crispy and golden.
The soft onions make the sauce rich. The crispy onions on top give a wonderful crunch. This mix of soft and crunchy is pure magic. It makes the dish so special.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
I once made this for my grandson. He saw the big bowl of potatoes and cheese. His eyes got so wide. He said, “Grandma, that looks like a cloud of happiness.”
I think about that every time I make it now. It really is a cloud of happiness. A simple dish can bring so much joy. What is a food that always makes you happy?
Let’s Talk About the Crispy Topping
Making the fried onions is the fun part. You have to be careful with the hot oil. But it is worth it. That salty, crispy crunch is the best part of the dish.
Fun fact: Frying the onions quickly makes them crispy, not greasy. The high heat seals the outside. Do you prefer a soft or a crunchy topping on your casseroles?
Making It Your Own
The best thing about cooking is making a recipe yours. You can add a little more cheese if you like. Or use a different kind of potato. It is your kitchen.
This dish is very forgiving. It does not have to be perfect. It just has to be made with love. That is the most important ingredient. What is your favorite ingredient to add for extra comfort?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen cubed hash browns | 32 ounces | thawed |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57 g) | |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups (226 g) | shredded |
| Sour cream | 1 1/2 cups (345 g) | |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57 g) | |
| Yellow onion | 1 small | diced |
| Garlic | 2 teaspoons | minced |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup (31 g) | |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Dried mustard | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup (120 g) | room temperature |
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup (122.5 g) | room temperature |
| Yellow onions | 2 large | thinly sliced, layers separated |
| Vegetable oil | 4 cups (32 ounces) | for frying |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | for fried onions |
A Cozy Dish for a Crowd
Hello, my dear. Come sit a while. Let’s talk about a cozy dish. This casserole is pure comfort. I call it my hug-in-a-bowl. It’s perfect for feeding a big family.
It combines two wonderful things. You have the creamy, cheesy potatoes. Then you get those crispy, golden onions on top. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? The smell alone will bring everyone to the table. I still laugh at how quickly it disappears.
- Step 1: First, let’s get our potatoes ready. Put them in a big bowl. Add the melted butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix it all together with a big spoon. It will look so creamy already. Set this bowl aside for now.
- Step 2: Now, we make the magic sauce. Melt butter in a pan. Add your diced onion and cook until soft. Then stir in the garlic. Oh, that smell is just amazing. It makes the whole kitchen feel warm.
- Step 3: Sprinkle in the flour and all the spices. Cook this for one minute. This step is important for a thick sauce. (My hard-learned tip: Don’t walk away now! The flour can burn so easily.) Just keep stirring.
- Step 4: Slowly pour in the milk and broth. Keep whisking as you pour. You will see it get thick and smooth. This is the glue for our casserole. Pour this warm sauce into the potato bowl.
- Step 5: Mix everything together really well. Then pour it into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now it’s ready for the oven. It will bake until it’s all bubbly and happy. What’s your favorite cozy smell from the kitchen? Share below!
- Step 6: While that bakes, we make the crunchy topping. This is the best part! Thinly slice two onions. Heat oil in a big pot. Carefully fry the onions in batches until golden. They will sizzle and dance.
- Step 7: Take the onions out and let them drain on paper towels. Sprinkle them with a little salt. When your casserole is done, cover the top with these crispy onions. They add such a wonderful crunch.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Side Dish
Make It Your Own
This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change with you. Feel free to play around. Here are a few fun twists I’ve tried over the years.
- The Veggie Lover: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It’s just as tasty. Everyone can enjoy it then.
- The Little Spice: Add a diced jalapeño to the sauce. It gives a nice, warm kick. My grandson loves it this way.
- The Holiday Twist: Mix in a cup of leftover diced ham. It turns this side into a full meal. Perfect for after a big holiday.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
The Perfect Plate
This casserole is a star at any table. It goes with so many things. I love to serve it with a simple green salad. The fresh crunch is a nice contrast. It’s also wonderful next to a roasted chicken.
For a drink, you have lovely choices. A cold glass of apple cider is so refreshing. For the grown-ups, a pale ale pairs beautifully. It cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Casserole Cozy
This casserole keeps well in the fridge. Just cover it tightly for up to four days. You can also freeze it before baking for a future meal. This is a great batch-cooking trick.
I once made a double batch for my grandson. He was so happy to have a ready-made dinner. To reheat, just warm it in the oven. This keeps the fried onions nice and crispy.
Having a meal ready in the freezer matters. It turns a busy day into a calm one. It feels like a warm hug waiting for you. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Troubles
Sometimes the sauce can get lumpy. Just keep whisking as you add the milk. A smooth sauce makes your casserole creamy and delicious. I remember my first lumpy sauce well.
Your fried onions might burn if the oil is too hot. Use a thermometer to be sure. Getting this right builds your cooking confidence. It also gives you that perfect, crispy crunch.
The casserole may look watery before baking. Do not worry. The flour needs heat to thicken everything up. This matters for the perfect final texture. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Casserole Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Q: How far ahead can I make it? A: Assemble it a day before. Keep it covered in the fridge.
Q: What cheese can I swap for cheddar? A: Gruyère or Monterey Jack are both lovely choices.
Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Absolutely. Just halve all the ingredients in the recipe.
Q: Any optional add-in ideas? A: Try adding some cooked, chopped ham for a heartier dish. *Fun fact: This dish is a staple in the American Midwest.* Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this recipe brings comfort to your table. It is a dish made for sharing with loved ones. I would love to see your beautiful creations.
Your stories and photos make my day. They fill my virtual kitchen with so much joy. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Description
A rich and comforting potato casserole topped with crispy homemade fried onions, combining the classic flavors of French onion soup in a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
Sauce
Fried Onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, butter, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
- Sauce: In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add onions and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Add flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard. Cook another minute.
- Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking until well combined. Continue to cook, whisking until thickened.
- Pour the sauce into the potato mixture. Mix well. Then, pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- While the casserole is baking, prepare the fried onions.
- Fried Onions: Line a large baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Set aside.
- To a large saucepan over high heat, add oil. Heat to 350°F.
- Working in batches, add about 1 cup of onions to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until onions turn pale golden brown, about 2-5 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried onions from the hot oil. Place them in an even layer onto the lined baking sheet. Set aside and repeat with the remaining onions. (Make sure the oil is at 350°F before frying each batch.)
- Sprinkle fried onions with salt, tossing to coat.
- After the casserole has baked for 45-50 minutes, remove from the oven. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top of the hot casserole.
- Serve.
Notes
- For a quicker version, you can substitute 2 cups of store-bought French fried onions for the homemade fried onions.