The Mormon Tradition of Making Funeral Potatoes

Wondering what to serve at a funeral reception? Funeral potatoes are a fitting way to feed your guests—for more reasons than just the name. 

WHAT ARE FUNERAL POTATOES? 

Funeral potatoes are a cheesy potato casserole dish. This tasty side goes with almost any accoutrement of appies or mains to mourners attending a funeral. It's a very popular side dish to serve at a funeral repast or reception.  

Funeral potatoes are: 

• Simple to make 
• Made in large portions 
• Inexpensive 
• Easy to transport 
• Comfort food 

Funeral potatoes are commonly served as a side dish at Mormon funerals. This tradition of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints keeps mourners fed and comfortable as they honor their dead.  

Folks of many faiths have adopted this potato casserole as the go-to side dish for funeral receptions. If you're thinking of incorporating funeral potatoes into a funeral reception, read on! 

HOW TO MAKE FUNERAL POTATOES 

COOKING TIME 

Approximately 90 minutes 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 

• Oven, preheated to 350℉ 
• Medium-sized skillet 
• Large mixing bowl 
• Measuring cups and spoons 
• 9 x 13" baking pan 

INGREDIENTS 

• 6 tbsp butter (divided) 
• 1 cup onion, diced 
• 5 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup  
• 1 cup sour cream 
• ½ cup grated parmesan 
• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded or cubed hash brown potatoes, thawed 
• 2 tsp salt 
• ½ tsp freshly ground pepper 
• 2 cups extra old cheddar, grated (divided) 
• 1 ½ cup panko bread crumbs 

DIRECTIONS 

1. In a skillet, saute onion over medium-high heat in 2 tbsp of butter until onions are translucent, then add garlic. Saute an additional 5 minutes, and set mixture aside.  

2. In the mixing bowl, combine the onion and garlic mixture with sour cream, soup, parmesan, hash browns, salt, pepper, and 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese. Stir until mixture is consistent.  

3. Evenly spread mixture into the baking pan, sprinkling the ½ cup of remaining extra old cheddar on top.  

4. Melt the remaining butter. Combine butter and panko bread crumbs in a bowl. Mix well. Spread the mixture over the top of the casserole evenly. 

5. Bake for 50 – 60 minutes, til golden brown on top and cooked throughout.  

SERVE! 

Funeral potatoes are a popular side dish for serving guests at a funeral. This hearty, rich, cheesy casserole can be made in large quantities for larger receptions or saved for just the closest friends and family in a more intimate gathering later. In spite of the mournful name of this dish, it is a delicious and heartening addition to any funeral reception.