French Onion Funeral Potatoes take a classic comfort dish and give it a flavorful twist. This recipe blends the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional funeral potatoes with the rich, savory taste of French onion soup. It’s a warm, hearty side that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you need a little extra comfort.
With simple ingredients like hash browns, cheese, and a touch of onion magic, this dish comes together easily. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both familiar and fresh. Let’s explore why this recipe has won so many hearts and how you can make it at home.
Why People Love This French Onion Funeral Potatoes Recipe
There’s a reason funeral potatoes are a staple at gatherings—they’re pure comfort in every bite. Adding French onion flavor makes them even more irresistible. The caramelized onion vibe pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy potatoes.
People adore the crispy topping that contrasts with the soft, gooey center. It’s like a hug on a plate, blending nostalgia with a little sophistication. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, which keeps it a go-to for busy days.
This dish also travels well, making it ideal for sharing. Whether it’s a somber occasion or a casual get-together, it brings warmth and satisfaction. That combo of simplicity and big flavor keeps folks coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish shine. Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to grab. Here’s what you’ll use.
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 ounce) French onion soup mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- ¼ cup butter, melted (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thawed hash browns save time, but you can shred fresh potatoes if you prefer. The French onion soup mix is the secret weapon here—it packs a punch of flavor.
Kitchen Tools for the Job
This recipe keeps things simple with basic kitchen gear. You likely have everything you need already. Here’s the lineup.
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
A whisk can help blend the creamy mixture, but a spoon works fine too. Nothing complicated—just good, old-fashioned cooking tools.
How to Prepare French Onion Funeral Potatoes
This dish comes together in about an hour, with most of that being baking time. Follow these steps for a pan of cheesy, oniony goodness. Let’s get cooking.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This keeps the potatoes from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden—about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally for even browning.
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and French onion soup mix. Stir in the thawed hash browns, cooked onions, and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese. Add the ½ cup melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out. It’ll look creamy and packed with flavor already.
Step 5: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the ¼ cup melted butter. Sprinkle this over the potato mixture, then top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese. The crunch and cheese combo is key.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly when it’s done. Check at 45 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 7: Let It Cool
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up for easier scooping. The smell will make waiting tough, but it’s worth it.
Tips for the Best French Onion Funeral Potatoes
A few simple tweaks can make this dish even better. Here are some ideas to try.
- Sauté the onions low and slow for deeper flavor—don’t rush them.
- Swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers if you want a buttery twist.
- Add a handful of chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color.
- Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese taste.
These little adjustments let you customize it to your liking. It’s a forgiving recipe, so have fun with it.
Serving Suggestions
This dish fits right into any meal, especially comfort-food spreads. Here’s how to enjoy it.
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or ham for a hearty dinner.
- Pair with a green salad to balance the richness.
- Offer it at a potluck—it’s easy to transport and always a hit.
- Reheat leftovers with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
It’s versatile enough for holidays or weeknights. Everyone will find a reason to dig in.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a look at the nutrition for one serving, based on 12 servings total. It’s a rich dish, so it’s best as a treat.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Total Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 12g |
Cholesterol | 55mg |
Sodium | 680mg |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugars | 2g |
Protein | 7g |
Values can shift depending on your cheese or soup brands. It’s indulgent, so savor it as part of a balanced meal.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are a gift with this recipe. Here’s how to keep them tasty.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze it for up to 2 months—wrap it well in foil and plastic. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
The topping might soften, but the flavor stays delicious. Add a fresh sprinkle of cornflakes before reheating if you want that crunch back.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
French Onion Funeral Potatoes combine two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable dish. The French onion twist elevates the classic cheesy potato casserole without making it complicated. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
The crispy topping and creamy base create a texture that’s hard to beat. It’s a recipe that feels like home but with a little extra flair. That’s why it’s a standout at any table.
Summary
This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe is a delicious mashup of creamy potatoes, tangy cheese, and savory onion flavor. It’s simple to make, with a prep time of just 15 minutes and a bake time of under an hour. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear at your next gathering.
It’s comfort food with a twist that keeps things interesting. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish delivers every time.
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, shred about 6 medium potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
What if I don’t have French onion soup mix?
Sauté extra onions with a teaspoon of beef bouillon and a pinch of sugar instead.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready—just add the topping right before baking.
How do I keep the topping crispy?
Bake uncovered and avoid adding extra liquid on top before baking.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely, try Swiss or Gruyère for a French onion soup vibe.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 30-ounce bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet 1 ounce French onion soup mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cups cornflakes crushed
- ¼ cup butter melted (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This keeps the potatoes from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden—about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally for even browning.
Step 3: Mix the Base
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and French onion soup mix. Stir in the thawed hash browns, cooked onions, and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese. Add the ½ cup melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish
- Spread the potato mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out. It’ll look creamy and packed with flavor already.
Step 5: Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the ¼ cup melted butter. Sprinkle this over the potato mixture, then top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese. The crunch and cheese combo is key.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly when it’s done. Check at 45 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 7: Let It Cool
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up for easier scooping. The smell will make waiting tough, but it’s worth it.