French Onion Funeral Potatoes Comfort Food Delight

Welcome to the world of comfort food with my French Onion Funeral Potatoes! This dish brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With creamy, cheesy goodness and a crunchy onion topping, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again. Let’s dive into the ingredients, simple steps, and tasty tips that will make your potatoes a hit. Get ready to savor every bite of this delightful dish!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for French Onion Funeral Potatoes

- 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns, thoroughly thawed

- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of onion soup

- 1 cup sour cream

- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

- 1 cup French fried onions, crushed (plus extra for topping)

- 1/2 cup green onions, finely diced

- 1 tablespoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

The main ingredients form a creamy, cheesy base. The hash browns give a nice texture. The cream of onion soup adds rich flavor. Sour cream makes it creamy and smooth. Sharp cheddar brings a bold taste. French fried onions add crunch. Green onions add freshness. Garlic powder and smoked paprika enhance the flavor. Salt and pepper season it perfectly. Fresh parsley is the final touch.

Optional Ingredients for Additional Flavor

- Cooked bacon bits

- Diced jalapeños

- Cream cheese for extra creaminess

- Other cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack

These optional ingredients can spice up your dish. Cooked bacon adds a savory crunch. Diced jalapeños bring heat. Cream cheese makes it even creamier. Try different cheeses for unique flavors.

Recommended Brands for Best Results

- Ore-Ida for frozen hash browns

- Campbell's for cream of onion soup

- Daisy for sour cream

- Kraft for shredded cheddar cheese

- French's for French fried onions

Choosing these brands can improve your dish. They have quality ingredients. You get consistent taste and texture with these options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients. You will need:

- 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns, thoroughly thawed

- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of onion soup

- 1 cup sour cream

- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

- 1 cup French fried onions, crushed (plus extra for topping)

- 1/2 cup green onions, finely diced

- 1 tablespoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed. This helps with even cooking.

Assembling the Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, first add the thawed hash browns. Next, pour in the cream of onion soup and sour cream. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed French fried onions. Mix in the diced green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until every ingredient is mixed well. This step is key for flavor.

Baking and Achieving Perfect Texture

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the potato mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes. Look for golden edges and bubbling in the middle. After 45 minutes, take the dish out and add more crushed French fried onions on top. Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. This gives you a crunchy, golden topping.

Once done, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Enjoy this comforting dish!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Texture of Funeral Potatoes

For the best texture, use thawed hash browns. Frozen hash browns can turn mushy. Mix the potatoes well with the cream of onion soup and sour cream. This keeps everything creamy and smooth. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. This helps it cook evenly. Bake until the edges are golden brown. This gives a nice crispy finish.

Making Ahead and Reheating

You can prepare funeral potatoes a day before. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold. To reheat, cover the dish with foil. Heat it in the oven at 350°F until warm. This keeps the potatoes moist.

Enhancing Flavor with Seasoning

Seasoning is key to making your dish pop. Add garlic powder for a savory taste. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. This can really make your funeral potatoes stand out.

Variations

Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions

If you have dietary needs, you can change a few ingredients. Use gluten-free hash browns for a gluten-free dish. Swap cream of onion soup with a dairy-free version if you're lactose intolerant. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.

Adding Protein to the Dish

Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein! Cooked chicken or diced ham works great. You can also use crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor. Just mix the protein into the potato mixture before baking.

Creative Twists for Unique Flavors

Looking to jazz things up? Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost. A dash of hot sauce can give it a spicy kick. You could even use different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a new taste. Experiment and find your favorite twist!

Storage Info

Proper Cooling and Preservation Techniques

Once your French Onion Funeral Potatoes cool, it's key to store them right. Let them cool to room temp first. This step prevents moisture build-up, which can make them soggy. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, follow the next steps.

Refrigerating Leftovers

You can refrigerate your leftovers for up to five days. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps the potatoes from drying out and absorbing other fridge odors. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or broth for moisture. It helps to keep the dish creamy and tasty.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

If you want to store your Funeral Potatoes for a longer time, freezing is an option. Cut them into serving sizes before freezing. This makes it easier to reheat later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in foil. This double wrapping prevents freezer burn. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

FAQs

What are funeral potatoes?

Funeral potatoes are a warm, cheesy potato dish. They often show up at gatherings. The name comes from their common use at funerals and potlucks. The dish combines creamy potatoes with crispy toppings. Many enjoy this comfort food for its rich flavors.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. However, you need to cook and shred them first. This adds an extra step to your prep. Frozen hash browns save time and offer a nice texture. They also mix easily with the other ingredients.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To make this dish vegetarian, use a vegetarian cream soup. You can find many brands that offer this option. Ensure your cheese is also vegetarian-friendly. This way, you keep all the creamy goodness without meat.

Why are French fried onions used in this recipe?

French fried onions add a tasty crunch. They provide a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes. Their flavor enhances the dish overall. Plus, they make a great topping that looks appealing.

French onion funeral potatoes are comforting and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients and many tips to perfect this dish. From choosing the right potatoes to adjusting flavors, you can create a tasty side that fits your needs. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With all the variations and methods provided, you can make this recipe your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing this warm dish with family and friends!