Utah Funeral Potatoes Bites – Utah | Potatoes, Cheese, Cornflakes, Sour Cream

I’m excited to share about Utah Funeral Potatoes Bites, a comforting tradition from mid-20th century Mormon communities in Utah. I mix shredded potatoes with gooey cheese, tangy sour cream, and crunchy cornflakes for irresistible bites that bring warmth and togetherness. These hearty treats bake up golden in just 25-30 minutes. If you’re curious about tips, variations, and tools, you’ll find plenty more ahead.

History

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Utah Funeral Potatoes, a beloved comfort dish originating in the mid-20th century among Mormon communities in Utah, reflects a cultural background rooted in practical, hearty family cooking influenced by Latter-day Saint traditions of community support and potlucks.

Regional variations across the American West, such as using different toppings like cornflakes or crushed crackers, highlight local resourcefulness and signify communal bonding and hospitality.

Traditionally served at funeral luncheons to provide solace, it also appears at family gatherings, holidays, and church events, symbolizing warmth and togetherness in times of celebration or mourning.

Ingredients

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• Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, melted – Butter makes everything better, doesn’t it? Picture it as the smooth operator that binds flavors and gives that crispy edge, all while keeping things from drying out—such a simple pleasure.
• Crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers, 2 cups for topping – Now, for that crunchy crown, choose your weapon; cornflakes bring a sweet crunch, while crackers add a salty bite, and isn’t it fun how these little variations keep things exciting, like a surprise at the end of every forkful?
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Basics, but oh so vital; a pinch here and there seasons the soul of the dish, making you pause and think, what would food be without that perfect balance of flavors?
• Optional garlic powder, 1 teaspoon – If you’re in the mood for a little extra kick, this sneaks in without overwhelming, because sometimes, you just want to amp up the coziness with a hint of something bold, right?
• Milk, 1/2 cup – To loosen things up and achieve that creamy texture, milk steps in as the quiet helper; it’s like that friend who makes sure everything flows smoothly, without stealing the show.

Cooking Steps

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Let’s jump into making these Utah Funeral Potatoes Bites, shall we?

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, because nothing sets the stage quite like a warm oven waiting to transform simple ingredients into something magical.

Once that’s going, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the melted unsalted butter (that’s 1/2 cup) with other key players like shredded potatoes, cheese, and sour cream—though we’ll get to those in a bit.

This step is all about creating that creamy base, where the butter acts as the glue holding everything together, making you wonder how something so straightforward can feel so satisfying.

Now, for the fun part, let’s build those bites step by step:

1. Mix the wet and dry ingredients: In your bowl, stir in the milk (1/2 cup) to loosen up the mixture, then add salt and black pepper to taste, along with that optional garlic powder (1 teaspoon if you’re feeling bold).

Think of this as the moment where flavors start chatting—pepper for a little kick, garlic for a cozy nudge, all blending into a hearty mash that might just make your kitchen smell like a hug.

2. Form the bites: Scoop the mixture into small balls or patties, placing them on a greased baking sheet.

This is where you get creative, deciding how bite-sized you want them—too big and they’re messy, too small and they’re gone in a flash, which is always a playful risk in cooking.

3. Add the topping and bake: Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers (2 cups total) over the top for that irresistible crunch, like giving your bites a crispy crown that begs for attention.

Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden and bubbling—keep an eye on them, as ovens can be finicky little beasts, turning a simple bake into a golden triumph if you’re patient.

Tips and Variations

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If you’re tweaking these Utah Funeral Potatoes Bites, you might consider swapping in sharp cheddar for the usual cheese to amp up that melty goodness, or toss in some finely chopped onions or bell peppers for a veggie boost that adds color and crunch without stealing the show—after all, who says comfort food can’t sneak in a little nutrition.

For a lighter twist, opt for reduced-fat sour cream or even Greek yogurt in the mix, because sometimes balancing flavor with a nod to healthier eating feels like outsmarting your own cravings, especially when the result is still irresistibly cozy.

And if you’re in a playful mood, experiment with panko breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes for the topping, turning what could be a simple side into a textural adventure that might’ve you second-guessing your usual routines, all while keeping things delightfully easy in the kitchen.

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