why are cheesy potatoes called funeral potatoes

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).
why are cheesy potatoes called funeral potatoes

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.

The origins of this superstar dish remain obscure, but the Relief Society was likely involved in its creation

why are cheesy potatoes called funeral potatoes

Cheese. Potatoes. Cornflakes. Or potato chips? It depends. Either way, when Latter-day Saints think about cheesy potato goodness, they are thinking about funeral potatoes. And rightly so, funeral potatoes can be considered “an essential fast food for hard times” like one NPR article said.

There seems to be no right way to make them except the way that your family does. Every Utahn is a self-proclaimed funeral potatoes connoisseur, but what’s the history of this delectable dish?Related

You have questions. We have answers.

What are FUNERAL POTATOES? & How do you make Funeral Potatoes?

FAQ

Why are funeral potatoes called that?

Widely associated with funerals, funeral potatoes are a potato-based dish in casserole form—the ultimate comfort food—that is usually served hot at potlucks. It’s a widespread tradition to serve them at gatherings held after funerals, hence the name.

Are 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.

What state is known for funeral potatoes?

What state is known for funeral potatoes? The Beehive State is known for funeral potatoes. Like green jell-o and ambrosia salad, funeral potatoes are a beloved food among Utahns. There was even a pin illustrating funeral potatoes that circulated when Salt Lake City hosted the Olympic Games in 2002.

Are scalloped potatoes and funeral potatoes the same thing?

Both dishes are associated with special occasions such as holidays, celebrations, and even funerals. A scalloped potato casserole topped with cheese is also known as ‘funeral potatoes’ in parts of North America.

What is a funeral potato?

(January 2024) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) 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.

Are funeral potatoes a casserole?

While funeral potatoes are a casserole associated with funeral meals, you can make them anytime and dress them up or down according to your tastes. Bring your casserole to a potluck or serve it at a large holiday meal. Feel free to call your recipe by another common name, like hash brown casserole or cheesy potato casserole.

Why are funeral potatoes so popular?

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). As sad as that might sound, it shows how comforting and delicious this dish is to have become such a STAPLE.

Can you eat potato chips at a funeral?

If that’s the case, combining potatoes, cheese, and, in some cases, potato chips into one casserole is a surefire way to make a Mormon-friendly guilty pleasure. That may help explain the dish’s broader popularity outside of the dish’s namesake occasion, because as it turns out, funeral potatoes aren’t exclusive to funerals.

Leave a Comment