Utah Funeral Potatoes - The Stay At Home Chef

Utah’s iconic funeral potatoes are the epitome of comforting cuisine, elevated to new heights when crafted entirely from scratch. We eschew store-bought canned soups in favor of a rich, creamy homemade sauce, which we pour over tender, freshly shredded Russet potatoes. You haven’t truly experienced life until you’ve savored the rich flavors and comforting warmth of a perfectly prepared dish of funeral potatoes. This classic dish is surprisingly versatile, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of celebrations, from casual get-togethers to milestone events.

Contents

Why Our Recipe Ingredient Notes The Name and Origins Doubling and Tripling This Recipe Make-Ahead Instructions Storage and Reheating Instructions

Why Our Recipe

Crafted from scratch with the finest Russet potatoes and a rich, homemade sauce that elevates every bite. No cream of anything here!
Adorned with a golden-brown crown of melted cheddar cheese and a satisfying crunch from the crushed cornflakes, this dish is elevated to new heights.
Double the recipe by simply multiplying all ingredients by two; adjust cooking time as needed considering larger quantities of food. For make-ahead convenience, prepare components separately: cook pasta and vegetables a day in advance, refrigerate overnight then reheat when needed. Make sauce just before serving to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

In the Midwest, these dishes have earned a special place as beloved comfort foods, largely due to the irresistible combination of rich, creamy, and delightfully cheesy potatoes that make them so alluring. To ensure a satisfying experience, it’s crucial to prepare an abundance that can accommodate multiple helpings. Richly endowed with a medley of delectable elements. There’s little denying the allure of potatoes smothered in a rich, velvety mixture of cream and melted cheese. We certainly can’t! In fact, assembling this recipe is an absolute breeze.

Ingredient Notes

An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make funeral potatoes.

Either a white or yellow onion works well in this recipe. To ensure a seamless integration of the vegetable into the potato dish, we suggest finely chopping or mincing it to allow for a harmonious blend.
Stock or canned broth can be used in a pinch. If you’re without chicken broth, consider substituting with vegetable broth instead.
This is strongly preferred. You can substitute heavy cream for half-and-half to achieve a creamier texture, although the result will still be slightly less rich.
The addition of this tangy element injects a burst of flavor and amplifies the creaminess of the sauce.
While freshness is ideal, a suitable alternative is to use 1 teaspoon of high-quality dried herbs.
Bring on the blazing heat! For adding depth to your dish, a richly concentrated vinegar-based hot sauce like Tabasco is an excellent choice. While it may not generate warmth, it certainly infuses a rich and savory taste.
To prepare this dish, you’ll need to carefully remove the potato skins and shred the flesh into fine gratings. Without the need to prep fresh potatoes, consider purchasing frozen shredded potatoes, commonly referred to as hashbrowns.
Keep it sizzling with an added kick!
Ensures a satisfyingly crispy texture as the ultimate finishing touch. Crushed biscuits, such as Ritz crackers, or bread crumbs serve as suitable substitutes.

The Name and Origins

In the Mountain West, particularly Utah, a distinct dish has gained cultural significance – funeral potatoes. While each household may put its unique twist on this culinary classic. Given the unique characteristics of Utah’s cuisine and culture, we’re excited to share our take on this classic recipe. Regardless of what you refer to them as – whether it’s funeral potatoes or some other moniker – these comforting casseroles never fail to satisfy.

In the local custom, the grieving family receives support in the form of a meal, courtesy of their neighborhood network and the close-knit church community, typically following a funeral service. This classic hot dish casserole has earned its place as a beloved staple due to its effortless ability to nourish and satisfy a gathering of people, all while offering the warm, comforting familiarity that never goes out of style? It’s not simply confined to funerals alone. This classic dish is a staple at countless family gatherings, festive holiday feasts, and casual potluck events across America.

A white plate with a serving of funeral potatoes on it. A fork is resting on the plate as if a bite has just been taken from it.

Doubling and Tripling This Recipe

At social events, this dish consistently proves to be a crowd-pleaser. To scale up this recipe for a bigger production run, simply multiply the ingredients by two or three to create several pans of the same delicious dish.

Doubling the recipe is as simple as multiplying each ingredient by two. Prepare the sauce and potato mixture according to the directions, and then portion it evenly between two 9×13-inch baking dishes or a single large roasting pan, provided your oven has sufficient space to accommodate the latter.

When scaling up a recipe to triple its original size, utilizing three separate 9×13-inch pans allows for uniform baking and effortless handling. When employing a thicker or more substantial dish for your potato bake, be mindful of the potential need to prolong the cooking time by approximately 10-15 minutes to guarantee the tubers’ tenderization. As you bake with multiple pans, carefully inspect each one for doneness, acknowledging that the varying positions within the oven can result in distinct cooking times and rates.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Can be served straight from the oven, yet still accommodating to prep in advance – simply bake just prior to serving. Prior to assembly, thoroughly prepare the potato mixture and sauce according to the instructions, then carefully pour them into the designated baking dish. Add the initial layer of cheese, but delay adding the cornflake topping and melted butter for now. Store the dish securely under a layer of plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a duration of up to 24 hours. To finish your baked goods, simply sprinkle the cornflake topping over the top, followed by a drizzle of melted butter, then bake according to the recipe’s instructions.