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I've got to tell you about my special comfort food upgrade! These French Onion Funeral Potatoes have become what I always bring to family get-togethers. When I first whipped them up for a Sunday meal last winter, something amazing happened - my mom called me the very next day wanting to know how to make them! That never happens! The crunchy fried onions on the top transform this dish completely, and that cheesy potato mixture underneath? It's comfort you can taste in every single forkful.
What Makes This Dish Special
Forget basic potato casseroles! I've taken those classic funeral potatoes everyone remembers from childhood and given them a French onion spin. The sauce turns out incredibly smooth and rich, and when you bite through those crunchy onions on top, it's simply wonderful. Even my picky-eater nephew shocked everyone by requesting more during our Christmas dinner!
Stuff You'll Need
- Hash Browns: Go for frozen cubed ones because they don't turn mushy in the casserole.
- Cheese: I pick sharp cheddar every time for that extra flavor kick!
- Sour Cream: Don't skimp with low-fat varieties the full-fat kind makes everything better.
- Sauce Ingredients: We'll create something wonderful using butter, onions, garlic, flour, broth, and milk.
- For Those Crunchy Onions: Yellow onions work best just slice them really thin.
- Seasonings: You'll need salt, pepper, a tiny bit of cayenne for heat, and dry mustard each one counts!
Cooking Steps
- The Potato Mix
- Start by combining your hash browns with melted butter, cheese, and sour cream. I grab my largest mixing bowl because cleaning up overflow is such a pain!
- Creating The Sauce
- Now for the fun part. Soften those onions until they're sweet and tender, throw in some garlic (because everything's better with it), then prepare your sauce. Once it thickens up nicely, pour it all over your potato mixture.
- Baking Time
- Transfer everything to your baking dish I always use my trusty 9x13 that's seen countless family feasts. Stick it in the oven and let it work its magic.
- Crispy Topping
- While that's cooking, get those amazing crispy onions ready! Watch them carefully they can go from golden to burnt in a flash. I usually make more than needed because they're so snackable.
- Finishing Touch
- Top your hot bubbling casserole with those crispy onions and watch how quickly everyone comes running!
Make It Early
When things get crazy, here's a handy trick: you can fix this ahead! I often put it together the night before big events. Just wait to add those crispy onions until you're ready to serve. You can even stick it in the freezer for a couple months, which works perfectly when unexpected guests show up or when you just want some comfort food right away.
Switch Things Up
Sometimes I get creative and mix in some Gruyère with the cheddar and wow, it's incredible! My sister throws in some bacon bits (because everything tastes better with bacon), and my friend Lisa adds chopped red peppers for a pop of color. And when I'm running short on time, those pre-made crispy onions from the store work fine too I won't tell anyone!
Helpful Tricks
After making this tons of times, I've picked up some useful tips! Make sure to really dry those hash browns nobody wants a soggy casserole. Warm up your milk and broth a bit it helps your sauce come together better. And please keep an eye on that oil when you're frying onions. I've accidentally triggered the smoke alarm once or twice while figuring that out!
The Magic Combination
There's something truly special about how the smooth, cheesy potatoes work with those crunchy onions. It's like getting two comfort foods in one amazing dish. Whenever I take this to a gathering, people hang around it constantly and I always bring home an empty dish!
Foods To Pair With It
This casserole needs friends on the plate! It sits beautifully next to holiday turkey or a nice Sunday pot roast. I always add something green on the side to balance all that wonderful richness. Last Thanksgiving, my brother-in-law actually said it was better than the turkey!
Common Questions
People always ask me: Can you use shredded hash browns instead? Yes, but cubed ones keep their texture better. Can you use store-bought crispy onions? Absolutely on busy days! How long do leftovers stay good? They're tasty for up to 4 days if they somehow last that long at your house!
Why I Love It
You know what makes this dish so great? It brings everyone together. Whether we're having a big holiday meal or just dinner on Sunday, people gather around when this comes out hot from the oven. Something about that golden-brown topping and those crispy onions just puts smiles on faces. And isn't that why we cook in the first place?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to use store-bought onion toppings?
- Sure, grabbing French's or similar pre-made crispy onions works in a pinch. They'll save you time, but making your own gives you better crunch and fresher taste.
- → Can I prep this beforehand?
- You can mix the potatoes and sauce a day early, but don't add those crispy onions until right before you pop it in the oven. The whole thing keeps well in the fridge for up to a day.
- → Where did the unusual name come from?
- These potatoes got their nickname because they're commonly served after memorial services, especially in Midwestern states and Mormon communities. They're easy to make for large groups when comfort food is needed.
- → Could I swap in fresh potatoes?
- You can, but the frozen hash browns work better and save tons of effort. If you go with fresh ones, you'll need to grate them, partially cook them, and dry them really well first.
- → What's the best way to keep leftovers?
- Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep them in your fridge for up to 3 days. Just know the onions won't stay as crunchy. For best results, warm it back up in the oven, not the microwave.