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. The likelihood you've eaten them, however, is slim, as funeral potatoes are mostly an Intermountain West thing. But we believe that the dish should be a staple at every family and holiday gathering.
I was introduced to the dish by my then-husband, who grew up in Salt Lake City eating it at large family gatherings — he prepares it a few times a year when a carbs splurge is in order. My initial reaction was likely the same as yours: What the hell are funeral potatoes? Are they only served at funerals? Why such a morbid name? In a nutshell, funeral potatoes are a cheesy potato casserole made with frozen hash browns (sometimes fresh ones, if you're fancy like that), cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, lots of cheese, lots of butter, lots of sour cream and then cornflakes sprinkled on top for a nice crunch.
"Try it before you diet," chef Tyson Peterson, originally from Salt Lake City, says of the dish that's most commonly served after LDS funerals or at family events. "Even if you're not from that faith, in Utah they're still called 'Mormon Funeral Potatoes' and have only positive connotation. They are perfect for any get-together, as they're customizable and feed many people easily." Others believe the dish was also served in earlier times to people who were close to death. "Either way, the origin sounds a little morbid, but I assure you, if you have not had the pleasure of pairing a chargrilled cut of beef with a hearty portion of funeral potatoes, you are missing out," says Leah Rose, owner of Hoof & Vine.
While traditionally served at family gatherings, chefs are getting creative with the dish around the country. Here are a few places to find them out West:
Simply called "funeral potatoes," Salt Lake City's Hoof & Vine serves a version that consists of shredded potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bread crumbs mixed together and topped off with more cheddar cheese and crumbled cheesy crackers — and then baked to "ooey gooey cheesy goodness perfection," says Rose. "The decision to add funeral potatoes to our menu was a no-brainer for us," she adds. "One, it's a dish that people who visit our restaurant already know and love, or it creates a fun conversation at the table (usually from out-of-town guests). And two, why wouldn't we want to feature something so decadent, loaded with creamy cheese and potatoes? When you think steak, you think potatoes, and we wanted to stray away from the traditional steak house baked potato and give our guests something a little more fun and inherently Utahan."
Fat Jack's Burger Emporium
The Mormon Burger at Salt Lake City's Fat Jack's Burger Emporium has been a huge hit, and it's just what you're imagining: funeral potatoes piled atop a juicy burger. "When we were opening Fat Jack's, we wanted to incorporate some of the 'pop' culture," says chef/owner Brittni Bonomini. "The secret to our funeral potatoes is bacon grease from our all-natural Applewood smoked peppered bacon," she adds, along with local Utah sour cream, scallions, and garlic.
Garage on Beck
Salt Lake City's Garage on Beck, a hip dive bar and watering hole, serves three types of funeral potatoes: classic, fiery ("baptized" in hot oil), and veggie, all made with Idaho russet potatoes. Served alongside Utah ranch (and a local beer), there's no denying the deliciousness of deep-fried potato casserole balls.
It was even more perfect for the Relief Society, the Mormon female auxiliary organization involved in ministering to the sick, poor and otherwise afflicted, who needed quick meals for the endless births, weddings, and deaths they attended. Funeral potatoes became a staple — an essential fast food for hard times.
The dish is prominent in the predominantly Mormon-populated areas of Utah and Idaho, and may have originated in that region of the United States. Funeral potatoes may be known by other names, such as potato casserole, and is served at other potluck dinners, such as family and church gatherings.
It is called "funeral" potatoes because it is commonly served as a side dish during traditional after-funeral dinners, but it is also served at potlucks, and other social gatherings, sometimes with different names.
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.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism)
Like Catholics, Latter-day Saints have a high regard for the resurrection and believe the body and spirit have an eternal connection. Because of this, Latter-day Saints are advised against cremation unless the local law requires it.
It's best to wear a solid color (no patterns or prints), but it's not required to wear black. Modesty is key, so it's important to avoid wearing elaborate jewelry. Also, if you usually wear a cross or crucifix, remove it or cover it up during the funeral out of respect for the Mormon attendees.
There is usually a community visitation or viewing, followed by a private prayer with just close friends and family. Funeral ceremonies feature hymns, readings, and eulogies, and are never held on a Sunday. In many Mormon communities a burial is followed by a meal prepared by the women's Relief Society.
In the United States, hash browns strictly refer to shredded or riced pan-fried potatoes, while diced and pan-fried potatoes are called country fried potatoes or home fries. Some recipes add diced or chopped onions.
The gathering after the funeral usually has food known as a repast. Repast food is a type of food that is often served at funerals. It is typically light and simple, such as sandwiches and finger foods.
The Deseret News is a subsidiary of the Deseret Management Corporation, which is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News retains and reaffirms its commitment to being a standard-bearer of journalistic integrity and principled reporting.
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.
The newspaper was named the Deseret News after the State of Deseret, which was a provisional territory proposed by settlers but never recognized by the United States. The word “deseret” comes from the word for “honeybee” in The Book of Mormon.
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.
Yes, Mormons eat french fries and bonbons.) From the beginning, we're immersed in a somewhat insulated, Christianese-y, lemonade-drinking, 1980s LDS world.
As Mormons believe in life after death, funeral services are generally serious but celebratory events. The service will often contain songs, hymns, prayers, tributes to the person who died, and a sermon. While family members have the option of speaking at the funeral, they are not required to do so.
They are more common at Mormon funerals than non-religious ones. Family members will have a private viewing of the casket to say their goodbyes. Other guests can then view the casket before the pallbearers (the people carrying the casket) close it for the ceremony.
Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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