Funeral potatoes are a traditional potato casserole dish that is commonly served at gatherings and events in the Western United States, especially in Mormon communities. The dish is made from hashed and cubed potatoes, cheese, sour cream, butter, and various seasonings that are combined and baked into a creamy, cheesy potato casserole. Funeral potatoes get their name from the tradition of serving them as a side dish or appetizer at Mormon funeral receptions and post-funeral gatherings.
What are funeral potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are made from basic ingredients that most people have on hand. The primary ingredients are:
- Potatoes – Russet or other starchy baking potatoes work best. The potatoes are peeled, cubed and boiled until fork tender.
- Cheese – Shredded cheddar, colby, monterey jack, or a cheese blend is commonly used. The cheese gives the casserole its creamy texture.
- Sour cream or cream cheese – Sour cream is most traditional but cream cheese adds extra richness.
- Butter – Butter helps create the creamy texture.
- Onion – Diced onion provides flavor.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder add extra flavor.
The boiled, cubed potatoes and shredded cheese form the base of the dish. The sour cream or cream cheese and melted butter create a creamy sauce that coats each bite. Onions and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor. The potato-cheese mixture is assembled in a baking dish, topped with crushed corn flakes or potato chips for crunch, and baked until heated through and bubbly.
Why are they called funeral potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are thought to have originated with Mormon communities in the state of Utah in the United States. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormon church) has a strong cultural tradition of providing and serving food at funerals.
After a Mormon funeral service, it is customary for the family of the deceased to host a funeral reception or luncheon at the church or a community center. Close family members and friends provide the food, often in the form of a potluck-style buffet or assortment of dishes. The reception allows the family to spend time with loved ones while sharing food and fond memories of the deceased.
Funeral potatoes became a popular dish to serve at these gatherings due to the inexpensive, convenient ingredients. The potatoes provide comfort food and the rich, creamy flavor pairs well with ham or funeral meats. The name “funeral potatoes” arose from the frequent appearance of this cheesy potato dish at Mormon funeral receptions.
Are funeral potatoes uniquely Mormon?
While funeral potatoes originated with Mormon communities in Utah, they have become more widely popular outside of the Mormon faith and region. However, funeral potatoes are still particularly associated with Mormons and Mormon culture.
There are a few reasons why funeral potatoes remain an enduring Mormon cultural food:
- Church Connection – Funeral potatoes are forever linked to their role in funeral receptions and supporting grieving families through the LDS church community.
- Utah/Idaho Ties – Funeral potatoes originated in this region and remain extremely popular in Utah and Idaho where there are high Mormon populations.
- Mormon Potluck – Mormon church activities, events, and potlucks frequently have funeral potatoes.
- Nostalgia – For Mormons, the taste and smell of funeral potatoes are nostalgically tied to church and family.
However, funeral potatoes have expanded beyond the Mormon faith as more people discover the delicious combination of potatoes, cheese, and cream. The popularity of funeral potatoes has grown thanks to recipes being shared online and their nostalgic comfort food appeal.
How did funeral potatoes become popular?
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where funeral potatoes originated, but most signs point to Mormon communities in Utah in the 1950s – 1970s. Some key events that led to the spread and popularity of funeral potatoes include:
- Church Funeral Traditions – Mormon churches established the tradition of bereavement meals to care for grieving families. Food gifts like funeral potatoes became expected at these events.
- Inexpensive Ingredients – Potatoes, cheese, cream, and butter were affordable, accessible ingredients for church members to make and contribute.
- Comfort Food Appeal – The combination of carbs, protein, and creamy flavors made funeral potatoes a comforting, satisfying dish.
- Potluck Shareability – Funeral potatoes kept and reheated well, making them an ideal potluck contribution. Recipes spread between church communities.
- Internet Sharing – Mormon mommy blogs, cooking sites, and Reddit threads have spread funeral potato recipes all over the internet.
- Pop Culture – Funeral potatoes have been featured on TV shows and ads as a humorous cultural stereotype.
While the dish maintains its Mormon cultural roots, funeral potatoes now transcend religion, region, and occasion. The popularity shows no signs of waning as people continue sharing recipes, memories, and their love of this classic comfort food casserole.
How do Mormons view funeral potatoes?
Within Mormon communities, funeral potatoes carry a deep cultural meaning and nostalgia. For Mormons, funeral potatoes represent:
- Community – Preparing and sharing funeral potatoes is an act of service, empathy, and connection in difficult times.
- Heritage – Recipes passed down for generations create a sense of ancestry, tradition, and belonging.
- Comfort – The taste and scent recall fond memories of family and church community.
- Caregiving – Bringing funeral potatoes provides a tangible way to support and mourn with others.
- Remembrance – Eating funeral potatoes is a reminder of those who came before and a hope in eternal families reuniting.
But even as funeral potatoes carry this cultural symbolism, Mormons also enjoy poking fun at the stereotype. For example, some Mormons may jokingly threaten to bring funeral potatoes to non-funeral events. Self-deprecating jokes about always having extra funeral potatoes in the freezer are also common among Mormon women who frequently make and share the dish.
Are there variations of funeral potatoes?
There are many variations of funeral potatoes, with people putting their own spin on the classic recipe. Some common modifications include:
- Using hash browns or tater tots instead of cubed potatoes
- Mixing different types of shredded cheese like cheddar and jack
- Adding crispy fried onions or crushed potato chips for crunch
- Stirring in crumbled bacon, cooked ground beef, or ham
- Topping with bread crumbs or crushed crackers before baking
- Swapping cream cheese for all or part of the sour cream
- Seasoning with garlic, ranch seasoning, hot sauce, or other spices
The basic format of layered potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce remains consistent. But people customize funeral potatoes to suit regional tastes, ingredient availability, or family traditions. Common tweaks make the funeral potatoes recipe heartier, crunchy, spicy, or better accommodate ingredient restrictions.
What do funeral potatoes taste like?
The taste of funeral potatoes can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used, but overall they have a rich, creamy, comforting flavor. Here’s what you can expect from each element:
- Potatoes – Soft, warm chunks of potato provide a starchy, mild base.
- Cheese – Melty, gooey shredded cheese gives tang and binds the ingredients.
- Onions – Lightly cooked onions add a touch of sweetness.
- Sour cream – Cool and tangy sour cream makes a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Butter – Butter lends a rich depth.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic, etc accentuate the flavors.
- Crunchy topping – Crisp, buttery texture on top.
Taken together, the taste experience of funeral potatoes is indulgent, comforting, and satisfying. The potato chunks have a fluffy, soft texture surrounded by a blanket of creamy, cheese-enriched sauce. Slight onion and garlic seasoning gives the creaminess more depth and interest. Finally, the crunchy corn flake or potato chip topping provides irresistible contrasting texture against the smooth, rich interior.
Why do funeral potatoes taste so good?
A few key factors make funeral potatoes stand out and taste so delicious despite the simple ingredients:
- Layering – The casserole format allows flavors to mingle as the potato chunks soak up the cheese-cream sauce.
- Contrasting Textures – Smooth, creamy interior and crispy, crunchy topping.
- Comfort Foods – Potatoes, cheese, butter, cream – hard to go wrong!
- Nostalgia – Reminds people of family meals, celebrations, and community.
- Ease – Simple to make ahead in bulk. Reheats extremely well.
- Adaptability – Easy to modify with substitutions and add-ins.
The sensory experience and emotional associations make funeral potatoes a cherished comfort food. They strike a perfect balance between rich indulgence and homey simplicity. The potato casserole evokes nostalgia, brings people together, and provides a hearty, satisfying dish – that’s why funeral potatoes taste so good.
What drinks pair well with funeral potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are rich, creamy, and cheesy – they demand a drink that can stand up to their indulgent flavor. Here are some excellent drink pairings:
| Drink | Notes |
|---|---|
| Milk | Cuts through the richness, just like with mac and cheese. Whole milk is best. |
| Eggnog | Complementary richness and classic flavor pairing. |
| Hot chocolate | Warm, chocolatey flavor matches the comfort food vibe. |
| Coca-cola | Bubbly, sweet cola is the quintessential pairing. |
| Iced tea | Crisp, cool tea is cleansing with the cheesy casserole. |
| Beer | Light lagers like pilsner or blonde ale work well. |
Drinks like milk, hot chocolate, and cola are especially fitting since funeral potatoes are often thought of as nostalgic comfort food. Iced tea or beer can cut through and cleanse the palate between bites of the rich potatoes.
Do funeral potatoes freeze well?
Freezing funeral potatoes not only preserves them well but can actually enhance their taste and texture. Here are some tips for freezing funeral potatoes:
- Make the full recipe but only bake half. Chill the unbaked portion, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Let the unbaked funeral potatoes sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before putting them directly in the oven.
- Bake frozen funeral potatoes for 50-60 minutes at 350°F. Test center with a knife for doneness.
- The chilled potato chunks will bake up extra soft and creamy. The longer bake time helps the center heat through.
Freezing gives the diced potato pieces time to soak up moisture from the creamy cheese sauce. The extra soft, creamy potato texture is excellent after freezing. With just a bit of planning ahead, you can easily double a funeral potato recipe and freeze half for future meals.
Conclusion
Funeral potatoes originated as a comforting casserole dish to serve at Mormon funeral receptions. Thanks to their delicious combination of potatoes, cheese, and creamy sauce, funeral potatoes gained widespread popularity beyond just Mormon culture. While they retain nostalgic ties to community and tradition, funeral potatoes now transcend religion, region, and occasion. Their incredible taste and heartwarming backstory will likely continue making funeral potatoes a staple comfort food for generations to come.