Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Casserole Master

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ Comfort Food Specialist

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe was born when I was asked to bring funeral potatoes to a church potluck but wanted to elevate the classic. Inspired by French onion soup, I spent hours caramelizing onions and was amazed how it transformed the humble casserole into something truly special."

Jake specializes in elevating classic American comfort foods with sophisticated techniques and flavor combinations. His approach maintains the soul of traditional dishes while adding gourmet touches that make them memorable.

View All Sarah Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown French onion funeral potatoes casserole with bubbling Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, and a crispy breadcrumb topping in a white baking dish

The Art of Caramelized Onions

The secret to exceptional French onion funeral potatoes lies in properly caramelized onions. This process cannot be rushed - low, slow cooking for 45-50 minutes transforms sharp onions into sweet, jammy perfection. The natural sugars develop deep, complex flavors that permeate the entire casserole.

Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Start with medium-low heat and resist the urge to turn it up. The onions will release moisture, then gradually brown. Adding a splash of sherry at the end enhances the French onion soup essence and adds subtle depth.

💡 Professional Tip

Slice onions uniformly and cook them low and slow. If they start browning too quickly, lower the heat. Properly caramelized onions should be deep golden brown and jammy in texture, not burnt or crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This actually makes assembly day much easier since it's the most time-consuming step.

Swiss cheese is the closest substitute, though it's milder. Comté or Emmental also work well. For budget-friendly options, use a mix of sharp white cheddar and mozzarella.

Yes, but you'll need to parboil them first. Peel and dice 2 lbs potatoes, boil for 8-10 minutes until tender but firm, then drain and cool before using.

Make sure frozen hash browns are completely thawed and drained. Press them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Also, ensure onions are properly caramelized to remove their water content.

Absolutely! Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth or mushroom broth for even more umami flavor. The dish will be just as delicious and comforting.

The entire casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

This pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a holiday spread. It's rich enough to be a vegetarian main course with a simple green salad.

Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For individual portions, microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method maintains better texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Watery Casserole

Problem: Finished casserole is too liquidy

Solution: Ensure hash browns are well-drained, onions fully caramelized, and bake uncovered longer to evaporate excess moisture. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

✅

Burnt Top

Problem: Breadcrumb topping burns before casserole is done

Solution: Cover with foil and reduce temperature to 325°F. The cheese should be bubbly and potatoes tender before removing foil for final browning.

✅

Bland Flavor

Problem: Casserole lacks the French onion flavor

Prevention: Ensure onions are deeply caramelized (not just softened), use quality beef broth, and don't skip the sherry. Season each component adequately.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Some areas cook faster than others

Recovery: Use a metal baking dish for even heat distribution, spread ingredients evenly, and rotate the dish halfway through baking.

✅

Dry Texture

Problem: Potatoes turn out dry instead of creamy

Prevention: Ensure adequate cream mixture coverage, don't overbake, and check that hash browns weren't over-dried before assembly.

✅

Texture Issues

Too Sweet: Add more black pepper or a pinch of cayenne

Too Salty: Balance with a touch more cream or serve with acidic sides

Bland: Increase garlic powder, add more fresh thyme, or finish with fresh herbs

Ingredients for French onion funeral potatoes including sliced onions, hash browns, Gruyère cheese, heavy cream, and fresh herbs arranged on a marble counter

Choosing Premium Ingredients

The quality of ingredients makes a significant difference in this elevated comfort food. Use large yellow onions for the best caramelization - they have the right balance of sweetness and structure. Quality Gruyère cheese provides nutty, complex flavors that define the French onion character.

Heavy cream and good beef broth create the luxurious base that transforms simple hash browns into something special. Don't skimp on the cream - it's what makes the casserole rich and indulgent, worthy of special occasions while still being approachable comfort food.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Onion Selection: Choose large, firm yellow onions without soft spots. Sweet onions can work but may caramelize too quickly. Uniform slicing ensures even cooking.
  • Cheese Quality: Invest in good Gruyère - it's the star flavor. Grate it yourself for better melting. Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect texture.
  • Hash Brown Prep: Thaw frozen hash browns completely and squeeze out excess moisture. This prevents a watery casserole and ensures proper texture.
French onion funeral potatoes baking in the oven with golden-brown bubbling cheese and crispy breadcrumb topping

Mastering the Layering Technique

Proper layering is crucial for even cooking and flavor distribution. The bottom layer of hash browns creates the foundation, while the middle layer of cheese melts into the cream mixture. The top layer gets beautifully golden while protecting the interior from drying out.

The cream mixture should coat everything evenly - use a spatula to gently press down and ensure no dry spots. The breadcrumb topping adds textural contrast and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish that makes this casserole irresistible.

Perfect Assembly

Layer methodically: hash browns, cheese, cream mixture, more hash browns, remaining cheeses, then breadcrumbs. Press gently to eliminate air pockets and ensure even coverage.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Prep 30 min
Cook 55 min
Serves 12 servings
Level Intermediate

📋 Ingredients

For the Base

  • 480ml heavy cream
    Creates rich, creamy base
  • 240ml beef broth
    Adds French onion soup flavor
  • 30ml dry sherry
    Enhances the onion flavor
  • 15ml fresh thyme leaves
    Classic French herb pairing
  • 100g panko breadcrumbs
    Creates golden crispy top
  • 60ml melted butter
    For golden breadcrumb topping
  • Fresh chives for garnish
    Adds color and fresh flavor

For the Topping

  • 900g frozen hash browns, thawed
    Base of the casserole
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
    Star ingredient for caramelization
  • 300g Gruyère cheese, grated
    Provides authentic French onion flavor
  • 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
    Adds sharpness and helps browning
  • 120g butter
    For caramelizing onions and richness
  • 60ml olive oil
    Helps prevent burning during caramelization
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
    Enhances savory flavor profile

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions

    Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 45-50 minutes until deep golden brown and caramelized. Add sherry in last 5 minutes.

  2. Prepare Cream Mixture

    In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, beef broth, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the caramelized onions and mix well.

  3. Assemble Casserole

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half the hash browns, half the Gruyère, all the cream mixture, remaining hash browns, and top with remaining Gruyère and all Parmesan.

  4. Add Crispy Topping

    Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15-20 minutes more until golden and bubbly.

  5. Rest and Serve

    Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives. The casserole should be golden brown on top with bubbling edges.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole can be fully assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. The flavors actually improve overnight. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect alongside roasted meats, holiday ham, or grilled chicken. Rich enough to serve as a vegetarian main course with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep for up to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat covered in a 325°F oven for best results. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months - thaw overnight before reheating.