The Best Places to Eat 'Mormon Funeral Potatoes,' One of the Greatest American Triumphs (2024)

FAQs

Where did the Mormon funeral potatoes come from? ›

While no one is sure where exactly funeral potatoes originated, most sources attribute their spread to the Relief Society, a women's organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One responsibility of society members was attending to the needs of the bereaved, including meals.

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.

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).

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.

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.

In 1947 mission president Cornelius Zappey and other local Church leaders organized a welfare project to address food shortages and to restore goodwill among Church members. The Dutch Saints acquired seed potatoes and planted them in patches of dormant land.

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.

Greek yogurt is one of the best swaps for sour cream that you can find. (Just be sure to look for plain Greek yogurt, not the flavored variety.) It has a similar creamy texture and that characteristic tang; plus, it's a healthy ingredient that'll add protein to your dish.

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.

Officially, Idaho is known as the Gem State, but it's the potato that most Americans identify Idaho with. Americans love their spuds and Idaho's rich, volcanic soil and mild climate make it the ideal place to grow the perfect potato.

Where did the Mormon golden plates come from? ›

The angel Moroni showed Joseph Smith where to find the golden plates. They were buried in the Hill Cumorah. Four years later, Joseph and his wife, Emma, went in a wagon to get the plates.

Description. Dutch Church members after World War II planted potatoes together to help heal spiritual wounds and restore unity. The project took on new meaning when they were asked to send their harvest to Germany.

Additionally, it provides a sense of community and comfort for those grieving. The term "repast" has Latin roots, it means "to eat" and originally referred to any mealtime. However, it has become synonymous with a meal eaten after a funeral over the years.