Our recent loss had me reminding my hubby to eat, drink water, rest,etc. Grief and stress have a way of taking away the daily needs our bodies require. It started me thinking about the pot luck style luncheons that often occur between the church service and the grave side service. Or after the service has ended, at the wake and or at the home of a loved one. Many bring foods to comfort and to aid those in mourning . This helps to nudge those in mourning to eat ” a little something” and it is often all that a friend can do to feel helpful. Here in Utah we make funeral potatoes. I’m not sure if this is the “norm” where you live, but here it is staple.
What are funeral potatoes? That is debatable, I’ve always considered them to be cheesy potatoes ( like au graten) but with a twist. The twist is where everyone makes funeral potatoes their own. You can eat this comforting potato dish whenever the mood strikes. It’s a nice addition to your menu and great for pot luck dinners too. The fun thing about this recipe is that the main ingredients for this cheesy potato casserole ( aka funeral potatoes) dish are all mostly the same, the difference comes in the twist which is the crust. I’ve made this dish with crushed plain potato chips, club crackers, cornflake crumbs and crushed corn flakes cereal.
What you Need
1 Stick butter room temp (divided)
1/2 Cup white onion (shredded)
2 Lbs. Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced or shredded) or 1 (32-oz) package of frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
2 Cups cheddar cheese, medium or sharp, or combine the two (shredded)
1 10 1/2-oz. can cream of celery soup
2 Cups sour cream
1 tsp. Salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. White pepper
1 Cup crackers, chips, crumbs, etc. (crushed or coarsely broken, please see suggestions in photo)
Nonstick cooking spray
9 x 13 baking dish ( with cover or use foil)
Medium microwave safe bowl
Nonstick fry pan
Large bowl
Before You Start
Preheat oven to 375 ° F. Spray inside bottom and sides of baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Add half stick of butter to microwave bowl , melt ( use 20 second intervals) and set aside
Let’s Make It!
In the fry pan add ½ stick of butter and onion, sauté over medium heat until soft ( about 5 minutes) In a large bowl, combine potatoes, cheese, soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and onion; mix well. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Add your preferred crust (chips, crackers, etc.) to melted butter and stir. Spread crust mixture on top of potatoes.
Cover baking dish and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake 10 to 15 additional minutes ( or until golden brown and heated through).
Serves 6
Katies Tid Bits* If you are feeling adventurous try adding two crusts one, one on each half of the potatoes. Hmmm I wonder which of these six will be your favorite.
Have you ever had /made funeral potatoes?
I hope to see you all back here tomorrow for TFT
As I am writing this there has been another senseless shooting, this time in Virginia and targeting congressman as they practice for their annual charity baseball game. It is far to soon for me to ask you to join me again in prayer, must yes I must please join me and send love strength and healing to all who are affected xo.
Never heard of funeral potatoes. Going to try these.
they are very popular in Utah, I hope you will enjoy making them. Hugs
Katherine, we make a similar recipe here in Oklahoma. Except, we use frozen obrien hashbrown potatoes. Your recipe looks most delicious! I hope you are having a wonderful week!!!
thank you Shannon, I make it with frozen shredded hash browns too. Which crust do you use? My two favorites are Lays potato chips and Cornflakes crumbs. xo
Hi Katherine! Here in the south, it is mandatory to take a covered dish to a bereaved family, but I have never heard of funeral potatoes.
🙂 gwingal
Oh I do hope you will try them. Remember the rule though, don’t cook a recipe for someone else until you have made it for yourself first ( wink) I hope you will share which version of the recipe you will make . Big Hugs!
Oh boy, have I made funeral potatoes! This is a little different twist on my standard. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Susan, I know we all put our own signature on them. Would love to try your recipe too. Hugs
I have never made these. I have 2 potato casserole recipes that are my go to recipes when I need something like this. Now I have a third, so thanks!
Hi Pinky! So happy to see your comment today. You will love these xo
Katherine, I first had this at the home of a family friend many years ago, but it wasn’t called Funeral Potatoes. I only learned that name for it in recent years and always in connection with Utah! By whatever name, it’s a wonderful comfort food dish.
I hope you associate this yummy recipe with some happy memories. Hugs
Oh , these look so good and easy to fix , i will make them soon and tysm for the post.Keep them coming and have a wonderful and blessed day.
Hi Dianne, I hope you will add them to your menu planning. I think they are a great lunch dish too. hugs!
I would be most appreciative of everything! My favorite is the Picnic Recipe Book. Always trying to think of easy traveling recipes.
Being that I love potatoes seriously any which way I can get them, I am trying these here funeral or not! Thanks Katie for sharing and hope you are having a great Wednesday so far xoxo <3
I like to use the frozen shredded potatoes when I’m in a pinch for time. Let me know which way you prepare them I do hope you enjoy them. xo
Hi Katie, I have had and made these potatoes many times while living in Utah, Delicious and never any leftover!!!
Thank you for sharing on Oh My Heartsie Girl WW this week!
Have a wonderful week!
Hugs
Karren
Karren it was my pleasure. I enjoy participating in your party xo