What Exactly Are Funeral Potatoes And What's With The Morbid Name?

Funeral potatoes are a comforting, cheesy potato casserole commonly associated with gatherings in the American West, particularly within Mormon communities. Despite their morbid name, these dishes are not exclusive to funerals; they are a staple at various communal events like potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings. The name "funeral potatoes" likely stems from their frequent appearance at post-funeral luncheons, where they offer solace and sustenance to grieving families and friends. The dish typically consists of hash browns or cubed potatoes combined with creamy ingredients such as sour cream and condensed soup, then topped with a crunchy layer of cornflakes or breadcrumbs. Often, cheese and onions are added for extra flavor. The casserole is baked until it is golden and bubbly, providing a warm and hearty meal that is easy to prepare and serve to large groups. Funeral potatoes are cherished for their simplicity and the comforting, homey feeling they evoke. They reflect a tradition of community support and togetherness during times of need, transcending their somber name to become a beloved comfort food in many households.
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What's the history behind funeral potatoes' name?

Although the name suggests that funeral potatoes were traditionally served to those in mourning, it is less widely known that this custom originated within the Latter-day Saints community. In fact, the dish is sometimes referred to as "Mormon funeral potatoes." The exact timeline of when funeral potatoes became a common feature at large gatherings in the Mormon community is unclear, but early cookbooks published by the Relief Society, an LDS organization established in 1842, include recipes for this dish.

Funeral potatoes have transcended the LDS faith, becoming a beloved dish throughout Utah and other regions of the Intermountain West. The dish is so deeply embedded in Utah culture that a souvenir pin shaped like a casserole filled with funeral potatoes was created for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games held in Salt Lake City. While the name may deter those unfamiliar with the dish, those who have tried it appreciate its widespread appeal.

How do you make funeral potatoes?

There are numerous variations of this cherished tradition, allowing you to get inventive with your funeral potatoes. Each element of the dish offers room for substitutions. For instance, you might choose to use instant potatoes or prepare them from scratch. Alternatively, you could opt for frozen hash browns or tater tots. You'll also need cheese, cream soup, a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs or chips, onion, butter, and sour cream. This dish is designed to be quick and easy, so feel free to use canned cream of mushroom soup instead of making your own, or substitute onion powder for fresh onion.

While there are countless funeral potato recipes available, the fundamental process is quite straightforward. Simply combine all the ingredients in a single casserole dish and pop it in the oven. Once you give this uniquely named potato side dish a try, you'll see why it has become a favorite at luncheons, gatherings, and yes, even funerals.

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