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Have you ever heard of Funeral Potatoes?
If you’ve been to a funeral luncheon at a Mormon Church, chances are you’ve been served Funeral Potatoes. Shredded potatoes, mixed with cheese, sour cream, butter, cream of chicken soup and topped with crispy corn flakes. Sounds pretty yummy, doesn’t it?
They are a standard for funeral luncheons because they are so easy to make, are an economical way to feed a crowd, and they taste so good and comforting. Comfort is what people like to have around at funerals, you know.
Comforting food, beautiful flowers, dear friends and sweet family members. All key ingredients to successful funeral, wouldn’t you say? I actually had the pleasure of attending my dear Grandmother’s funeral just yesterday. She was the kind of Grandmother every girl should get to have. More on this subject to be shared, along with one of her best recipes coming up on Monday.
PS…I think there were 12 pans of Funeral Potatoes all lined up for my family and I after the funeral today. (We have a big family, 150 were there for lunch.) The good women who prepared the meal also served ham, jello salad, green salad, rolls, cake and cookies. These are the components of the standard Mormon Funeral Luncheon.
PPS…The Funeral Potatoes were good. If you were one of the kind gals who made them for our family luncheon, thank you very much. They hit the spot. 🙂
PPPS…I made the Funeral Potatoes pictured here a couple of weeks ago, because I thought you might like to make them with your Easter Ham, or something like that. I’m pretty sure there is no law written saying they have to be made only for funeral. Just wanted to clarify. They work well for Pot Lucks and BBQ’s. They also make a great side dish when preparing a Take In Meal.
Enjoy!
We call these Texas Tom Taters. One of my favorite dishes!!
God bless you!
The Mormons don't have exclusive rights to these for funeral dinners. They also appear on United Methodist funeral dinner spreads, and they are a go-to side dish for company with ham, BBQ meatballs and other meals. In fact, they are on my menu for Easter Sunday. I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother. Isn't a funeral dinner really a blessing? It gives families a time to gather together and remember. Praying that you and your family were surrounded by wonderful memories yesterday and in the days to come.
Could these be made with shredded fresh potatoes or must you use the frozen ones?
You can use fresh potatoes for this recipe, but they need to be cooked first. Bake them in the oven or microwave, allow them to cool and then shred them and add to the casserole. Good luck!
~Jamie
how long should you bake/microwave/boil? wont they get too soft to shred? Really want to make from scratch!
I use shredded fresh potatoes for this recipe and it turns out just as tasty….We have it quite often with many meals….
did you bake/boil the potatoes before shredding them?
That looks delicious! I have a similar recipe but it uses a lot more butter so I am going to try yours. I also plan on adding shredded chicken breast to the dish so it's all in one meal!
Oh Jamie – I'm so sorry you lost your grandmother, but I'm sure you feel blessed to have had her in your life all these years. I look forward to seeing her recipe on Monday. PS – this sounds exactly like the potato casserole my daughter keeps telling me about (someone where she works brings it in frequently and my daughter loves it).
I am so very sorry for your loss. Funeral dinners are such a blessing. A time to gather with loved ones and remember those who have gone before us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I like a little onion in mine.
I am so sorry for your loss, may all the happy memories wrap you in your time of grieving. I do have to say not only did you describe the meal plan for a Mormon service, but Catholic as well!My grandmother has been planning funeral lunches at her church for the past 25 years… Same recipe every single time and prepared by the same ladies every time, but its the comfort food that is loved by all!
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandmother. Awesome Grannies are the best and will be carried in your heart forever.
Would cream of mushroom soup work as well? I don't eat meat.
Yes, Cream of Mushroom would work just fine. Good luck!
~Jamie
OMG!! You serious!!! Yippie!!!!!!! can’t wait to see all papres. Did I ever tell I love Paper? 🙂 :)On another note, I know today will be one of the hardest days for Tim’s family, but I wish them comfort knowing that she is in a better place. Hugs to all of you and his family.
I would have to say that my Chinese noodle salad is my “to go” food simply because it's quick, easy, and GOOD!