French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe

There’s something magical about comfort food, and these French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and savory side dish that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or simply craving something warm and indulgent, this recipe delivers layers of flavor with minimal effort.

The secret? We combine shredded hash brown potatoes with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, caramelized onions, and plenty of gooey cheese, then bake everything until it’s bubbly and golden. The French onion flavor takes this classic funeral potato casserole to the next level, making it rich and irresistibly delicious.

I grew up seeing these potatoes on almost every holiday table, but this version adds a slight twist that makes them unforgettable. They’re creamy inside, crunchy on top, and loaded with flavor in every bite.

This dish is also incredibly versatile—you can prep it ahead, freeze it for later, or swap out ingredients to suit your taste. If you’ve been searching for a no-fail cheesy potato casserole that makes everyone ask for seconds, you just found it.

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What Makes These French Onion Funeral Potatoes Special?

• Unbeatable Creaminess – A blend of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melty cheese creates the ultimate creamy texture.

• Loaded with French Onion Flavor – Caramelized onions add a rich, savory depth you won’t find in basic casseroles.

• Crispy, Golden Topping – A buttery crushed cornflake or panko topping provides the perfect crunch.

• Easy Make-Ahead Option – Assemble the casserole in advance and bake when ready.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, potlucks, Sunday dinners, or comforting weeknight meals.

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Ingredient Notes

• Frozen Hash Browns – Use shredded hash browns for the best texture. Thaw before mixing. Substitute with diced potatoes if preferred.

• French Onion Dip – Adds bold onion flavor and creaminess. You can swap with caramelized onions plus sour cream for a homemade touch.

• Cream of Chicken Soup – Brings richness and binds the ingredients. For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup instead.

• Shredded Cheese – Sharp cheddar works beautifully, but you can mix in Gruyère for extra French onion vibes.

• Sour Cream – Balances the richness and keeps the casserole creamy. Greek yogurt works if you want a lighter option.

• Butter – Helps create a golden, crunchy topping.

• Cornflakes or Panko Breadcrumbs – Both make a crisp, irresistible topping.

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How to Make French Onion Funeral Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Base
   In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, French onion dip, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, and caramelized onions. Stir until evenly coated.

3. Spread the Mixture
   Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top for even baking.

4. Add the Topping
   Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and toss it with 2 cups of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

5. Bake to Perfection
   Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.

6. Rest Before Serving
   Let it sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set slightly. This makes scooping easier and cleaner.

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Storage Options

• Room Temperature: Keep leftovers out no longer than 2 hours.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole at 325°F until heated through.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Loaded Funeral Potatoes – Add crumbled bacon and green onions on top.

• Spicy Kick – Mix in diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.

• Vegetarian Option – Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken and veggie stock-based dip.

• Healthier Swap – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.

• Holiday Twist – Add caramelized shallots or fresh thyme for festive flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these funeral potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely. Just peel, shred, and rinse them, then pat dry before mixing.

How do I keep the topping crispy?
Bake uncovered and avoid adding the topping too early if freezing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom and skip any meat-based toppings.

What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère adds a nutty richness that pairs perfectly with French onion flavors.

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Conclusion

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate cheesy comfort food. Perfectly creamy, loaded with onion flavor, and topped with a crispy golden crust, this casserole will steal the spotlight at any meal. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a comforting side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out!

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