Funeral potatoes, also known as Mormon potatoes or cheesy potatoes, are a beloved comfort food dish in the United States. They are typically served at potlucks, family gatherings, and funerals, hence the name “funeral potatoes.” This dish has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s.
The origin of funeral potatoes can be traced back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is also known as the Mormon Church. In the early 1900s, members of the church started gathering together for funeral meals after funerals. It was customary for the members to bring dishes to share, and one popular dish that emerged was the cheesy potato casserole. The dish was easy to prepare, could feed a large crowd, and was comforting to those who were grieving.
Over time, the popularity of funeral potatoes grew beyond just the Mormon Church. The dish became a staple at potlucks and family gatherings throughout the United States, and variations of the recipe started to emerge. Some people added bacon, ham, or other meats to the dish, while others added different types of cheese or spices.
Today, funeral potatoes remain a popular comfort food dish that can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. Here is a recipe for classic funeral potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Crush the cornflakes in a separate bowl and sprinkle them over the top of the potato mixture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
6. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
This recipe serves about 8-10 people and can be easily doubled for larger crowds. You can also add your own variations to the dish by adding meats or different types of cheese. Funeral potatoes may have originated as comfort food for those who were grieving, but they have become a staple comfort food for people of all backgrounds. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm, comforting dish with your loved ones.
