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Gotta tell you about my twist on comfort food! These French Onion Funeral Potatoes have turned into my family gathering staple. I whipped them up for a Sunday meal last winter, and would you believe my mom called the very next day asking how to make them? That never happens! Those crunchy fried onions on 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
This ain't your regular potato bake! I've updated those classic funeral potatoes we all knew growing up with a French onion spin. The sauce turns out ultra creamy, and when you bite into it with those crunchy onions mixed in, it's something else entirely. Even my picky nephew, who usually just pushes food around his plate, wanted more last Christmas!
Stuff You'll Need
- Hash Browns: Go for frozen cubed ones as they don't turn mushy in the dish.
- Cheese: Get sharp cheddar for that extra flavor kick!
- Sour Cream: Don't skimp with low-fat it needs that richness.
- Sauce Stuff: You'll create something wonderful with butter, onions, garlic, flour, broth, and milk.
- For The Crunchy Topping: Pick up yellow onions and cut them really thin.
- Flavor Boosters: Don't forget salt, pepper, a tiny bit of cayenne for heat, and dry mustard each one counts!
Cooking Steps
- Mix Your Base
- Start by combining those hash browns with melted butter, cheese, and sour cream. I grab my largest bowl cause cleaning up messes isn't fun!
- Create The Sauce
- Here comes the fun part. Cook your onions till they're tender and sweet, toss in garlic (always a good idea), then whip up your sauce. Once it's thick and bubbling, dump it all over your potato mix.
- Baking Time
- Put everything in your baking dish I use my trusty 9x13 that's been through countless family feasts. Stick it in the oven and let it work its magic.
- Fix The Onions
- While that's cooking, get those amazing crispy onions ready! Watch them carefully they'll burn in a flash. I usually make more than needed cause they're so snackable.
- Finishing Touch
- Crown your hot casserole with those crunchy onions and watch your family come running!
Make It Earlier
When things get crazy, here's a trick: make it beforehand! I often put it together the night before big events. Just wait to add those crispy onions until you're ready to eat. You can even stick it in the freezer for up to three months, which works great for unexpected company or when you're craving something warm and filling.
Try These Changes
Sometimes I get creative and mix in Gruyère with the cheddar it's unbelievable! My sister throws in some bacon pieces (cause everything's better with bacon), and my buddy Lisa adds diced red peppers for a pop of color. And when you're rushed, those store-bought fried onions work just fine nobody will judge!
Smart Cooking Advice
After making this loads of times, I've picked up some handy tricks! Make sure to drain those hash browns really well wet casseroles aren't great. Warm up your milk and broth a bit for a better sauce texture. And definitely keep an eye on your oil when frying onions. I've triggered the smoke alarm a couple times learning that lesson!
Why Everyone Loves It
There's just something special about how those smooth, cheesy potatoes work with the crunchy onion bits. It's like getting two comfort foods in one amazing dish. Whenever I bring this to gatherings, folks hang around it and the container always comes back empty!
Foods That Go Well With It
This casserole needs friends! It sits perfectly next to holiday turkey or a weekend roast. I always add something green on the plate to balance all that wonderful richness. Last Thanksgiving, it actually got more praise than the turkey my brother-in-law said so himself!
Common Questions
People always want to know: Can you use shredded hash browns? You can, but cubed ones stay firmer. Is it okay to use store-bought fried onions? Absolutely on busy days! How long do leftovers last? They'll stay good up to 4 days if they don't vanish from your fridge first!
Why I Keep Making It
You know what really matters about this dish? How it pulls everyone together. Whether we're celebrating a holiday or just having Sunday dinner, folks gather when this comes out of the oven. Something about that golden top and those crispy onions just makes everyone smile. And isn't that why we cook in the first place?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap in premade crispy onions?
- Absolutely, store-bought crispy onions like French's are a handy time-saver, though homemade ones will give a fresher taste.
- → Is it okay to prep this ahead?
- Yes, prepare the base but leave off the crispy onions until serving to keep them crunchy. Store covered in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
- → Why are they called funeral potatoes?
- The name comes from their common presence at Midwest and Mormon funeral gatherings. They’re simple and feed a crowd easily.
- → Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen ones?
- Sure, but frozen ones are faster. If you go fresh, shred them, cook lightly, and ensure they’re dried before blending with your mix.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
- Put them in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain some crispness, though the onions will soften.