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Fried Mormon Funeral Potatoes: A Deliciously Unexpected Culinary Creation

My first encounter with anything resembling these Fried Funeral Potatoes wasn’t at a funeral, thankfully. It was at a quirky food truck rally, where the aromas of global street food mingled with the Utah-tinged scent of… well, something creamy, cheesy, and vaguely potato-y, being deep-fried. The sign simply read, “Mormon Funeral Potatoes, Fried.” Intrigued and hungry, I ordered a basket, and the rest, as they say, is history. The crispy exterior, the creamy, savory interior with its hints of bacon and cheese – it was an instant addiction. I knew I had to recreate these delightful balls of comfort food, and now, I’m sharing the recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yields: 16 Potato Balls
Serves: 4
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free, Not Vegetarian

Ingredients

8 ounces bacon, chopped, cooked and drained
4 ounces cream cheese
½ cup chopped onion
1-2 jalapeño chiles, minced (adjust to your spice preference)
1 bunch green onion, chopped
¼ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups defrosted frozen shredded hash browns
1 cup coarsely shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 large eggs
4 cups finely ground corn flakes, divided
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ranch dressing, for dipping

Equipment Needed

Food processor
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Medium pot (for frying)
Deep-fry thermometer
Slotted spoon
Paper towels

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the cooked and drained bacon, cream cheese, onion, jalapeños, green onion, and sour cream. Pulse until the mixture is relatively smooth, about 1 minute. Don’t over-process; you want a little bit of texture.
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
Add the defrosted shredded hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, eggs, and 3 tablespoons of the ground corn flakes to the bowl. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. At this stage, assess the consistency. If the mixture seems too wet to form balls, add a little more flour or cornstarch, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. The mixture should hold its shape when scooped.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the potato balls from sticking while they chill.
Using a scant ¼ cup measuring spoon or scoop, portion the potato mixture. Gently roll each portion into a ball.
Pour the remaining 3 ¾ cups of ground corn flakes into a separate bowl. Drop each potato ball into the bowl of corn flakes and roll it around to ensure it’s completely coated. The corn flakes provide a crucial crispy texture when fried. The mixture will firm up once coated, making it easier to handle.
Place the coated potato balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill the potato balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. Chilling is important because it allows the balls to firm up and hold their shape better during frying.
Pour vegetable oil into a medium pot until it reaches a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on a deep-fry thermometer. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is essential for even cooking and crispy results. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked through. If it’s too cold, the potato balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Carefully add the potato balls to the hot oil, a few at a time (about 3-4), being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy potato balls.
Fry the potato balls for about 5 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Turn them occasionally with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried potato balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Sprinkle the fried potato balls with chopped parsley (if using) for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping. Other dipping sauces, like fry sauce or even a spicy aioli, would also be delicious.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the potato balls is crucial for preventing them from falling apart during frying.
Control the oil temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C).
Don’t overcrowd the pot: Fry the potato balls in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Spice it up: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture.
Make Ahead: The potato mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Form the balls and coat them just before frying.
Crispy Cornflakes: Lightly crush the cornflakes just before coating the potato balls. This helps them adhere better and creates a more even crust.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Fried Funeral Potatoes immediately while they are hot and crispy. They make a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a fun snack. A dollop of ranch dressing is the classic accompaniment, but feel free to experiment with other dipping sauces like fry sauce (a Utah staple!), honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a similar effect. Reheating in a microwave is not recommended as they will become soggy. Freezing is not recommended as the texture will change significantly.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	748 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	51 g	77%
Saturated Fat	23 g	112%
Cholesterol	200 mg	66%
Sodium	2175 mg	90%
Total Carbohydrate	52 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	3 g	12%
Sugars	6 g	N/A
Protein	23 g	46%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: While the original recipe is not gluten-free due to the flour and corn flakes, you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free corn flakes (or crushed potato chips for the coating!).
Vegetarian: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. Consider adding extra chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor.
Herbaceous: Add fresh herbs like chives, dill, or thyme to the potato mixture for a brighter flavor profile.
Spicy: For extra heat, use hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or roasted red peppers in the mixture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why are they called “Funeral Potatoes”?
A: This dish is a staple at potlucks and gatherings following funerals in Mormon culture, where providing comfort food is a common practice.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to cook and shred them first. Make sure to drain them well to remove excess moisture.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake them, but the texture will be different. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.

Q: What can I use instead of sour cream?
A: Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream, providing a similar tang and creaminess.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A: While not ideal, you can freeze the un-fried potato balls. Thaw completely before frying. Be aware that the texture may change slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Fried Mormon Funeral Potatoes are more than just a recipe; they’re a culinary adventure that celebrates comfort, community, and a touch of unexpected deliciousness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and make them your own. Whether you’re serving them at a potluck, a party, or simply enjoying them as a satisfying snack, these crispy, creamy, and cheesy potato balls are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and get ready to experience a truly unique and unforgettable culinary creation. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Fried Mormon Funeral Potatoes Recipe