Funeral potatoes
Potato dish
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Funeral potatoes is a potato-based hotdish or casserole, similar to au gratin potatoes, popular in the American Intermountain West and Midwest. It is a common side dish during traditional after-funeral dinners, but it is also served at potlucks and other social gatherings, sometimes under different names.
| |
| Type | Hotdish or casserole |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Intermountain West, Midwest |
| Main ingredients | Hash browns or cubed potatoes, cheese (cheddar or Parmesan), onions, cream soup (chicken, mushroom, or celery) or cream sauce, sour cream, butter, corn flakes or crushed potato chips |
The dish has been associated with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) because of its popularity among members of the church.
History
According to Epicurious, the dish "emerged in Utah’s Mormon community during the late 19th century".[1] According to NPR, the LDS Relief Society served the dish for organization functions, and it spread within the community.[2] Recipes can be found in multiple Relief Society cookbooks dating to the early 20th century.[3] By the mid-20th century recipes called for convenience foods.[4]
Because of its reliance on calorie-laden inexpensive convenience foods often stored by members of the church, the dish could be produced quickly, cheaply, and in large amounts, making it a common choice for occasions where large numbers were expected.[2][5] It is common for families to store a casserole dish of funeral potatoes in order to have it on hand if needed.[6]
Ingredients
The dish is similar to potatoes gratin or au gratin potatoes.[7]
The dish usually consists of hash browns or cubed potatoes, cheese (cheddar or Parmesan), onions, cream soup (chicken, mushroom, or celery) or a cream sauce, sour cream, and a topping of butter with corn flakes or crushed crackers or potato chips.[8][9] Ingredients in some variations include cubed baked ham, frozen peas, or broccoli florets.[citation needed]
Popularity
The dish is commonly served at social occasions and potlucks and in certain areas is an expected inclusion at funeral receptions in the Jell-O Belt.[6][9][10][7] It is also popular as a side dish at other holiday gatherings in certain areas.[10] The dish is most commonly known in the American Intermountain West and Midwest.[11] A similar dish is known in the American South.[3]
The dish has sometimes been associated with the LDS Church, and with the state of Utah in general, because of its popularity among members of the church.[12][8][10][11] During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, one of the souvenir collector pins featured a depiction of funeral potatoes.[13][14][2]
