Updated Funeral Potatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is funeral potatoes a Mormon thing? ›

Commonly served after LDS funerals, this cheesy potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food. If you've ever encountered Mormon funeral potatoes, you can attest that the salty, crispy, cheesy casserole is one of the most oddly satisfying creations that exists in America — nay, the world.

Funeral potatoes (also great potatoes, cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, cheesy hash browns, those potatoes, or party potatoes) is a traditional potato hotdish or casserole that is popular in the American Intermountain West and Midwest.

Where did funeral potatoes come from? If conventional wisdom holds true and the Relief Society invented funeral potatoes, this dish was invented in Utah. It's also possible that funeral potatoes were invented in the Midwest. Until March 2023, funeral potatoes are part of a museum exhibit in Iowa per the Deseret News.

Why are they called funeral potatoes? Funeral potatoes get their unique name from being a crowd-pleasing casserole served as a side dish at after-funeral luncheons (particularly in the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).

What should I wear to a Mormon funeral? It's appropriate to dress in formal attire at a Mormon funeral. For men, this usually means a suit and tie, and for women, a conservative dress, skirt and blouse, or suit and trousers. Women should make sure to cover their knees and shoulders.

In many communities, close family members and friends gather at the church after the funeral to share a meal prepared by the women's Relief Society. Ham or turkey is served with potatoes, salad, and rolls, followed by dessert.

While no one is sure where exactly funeral potatoes originated, most sources attribute their spread to the Relief Society, a women's organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One responsibility of society members was attending to the needs of the bereaved, including meals.

Think of funeral potatoes like an everyman's au gratin or scalloped potatoes. Cheese, cornflakes (or something else carb-filled and crumbly), potatoes, sour cream and condensed soup comprise this delectable dish. It's a casserole dish that can feed a crowd.

It's a cheesy potato casserole native to Midwest culture—something you might bring over to a neighbor in a time of need. That homey, neighborly, homecooked goodness is the whole vibe, and that's why they've aptly named themselves Funeral Potatoes.

And if you happen to be planning your whole meal around comfort foods, may I suggest some of our other favorite dishes? Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken, Lasagna Soup and Chicken Crescent Roll Ups all pair perfectly with these cheesy and delicious potatoes.

Why are funeral potatoes popular in Utah? ›

In an interview with NPR, Jacqueline Thursby described how Latter-day Saints had big families and even bigger congregations to feed. The Latter-day Saint life is filled with endless potlucks, giving food to the sick, funerals, weddings, activities and births. Funeral potatoes provided a thrifty solution, she explained.

Idaho also cultivates other types of potatoes, including reds, yellows, and specialty varieties such as fingerlings and heirlooms. Idaho consistently ranks as one of the top potato-producing states in the United States. It often competes for the number one spot with states like Washington and North Dakota.

Edward, the waiter, bruising the leathery jacket of the potato dexterously in his napkin, tumbles out the hot flour. Potato (cooked in jacket). From there, it's easy to see how it became a "jacket potato", since it's a potato that's baked with its skin (the "jacket") on.

The Olivette Potato has a diameter of 0.8 inch and a length of 1.2 inches. The Mascotte Potato has a diameter of 0.8 inch and a length of 3.2 inches.

Au Gratin potatoes contain cheese, whereas Scalloped Potatoes do not. Scalloped potatoes typically contain cream but can also contain flavorful stock instead of dairy. Try our Classic Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe or Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

While no one is sure where exactly funeral potatoes originated, most sources attribute their spread to the Relief Society, a women's organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One responsibility of society members was attending to the needs of the bereaved, including meals.

The service may include prayers and songs. Friends and family may share memories of the deceased—even if they aren't members of the faith. The service may be personalized to reflect the life and beliefs of the loved one being honored. Service leaders often share scripture and church teachings during the service.

Over time, a traditional menu has evolved—ham, potatoes au gratin, green beans, rolls, salad, and dessert. There is nothing in Mormon theology that requires this menu, but it has become the standard funeral luncheon, to the point that au gratin potatoes have been dubbed “funeral potatoes” by people of the region.