When it comes to comforting side dishes, two potato-based favorites often come to mind: funeral potatoes and scalloped potatoes. But are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes? At first glance, they may seem similar, but there are key differences that set these two delicious dishes apart. In this article, we’ll dive deep into their origins, ingredients, preparation methods, and much more to help you understand why they’re not exactly interchangeable.
What Are Funeral Potatoes?
To answer the question, “Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes?” we first need to understand what funeral potatoes are. Funeral potatoes are a beloved comfort food, particularly popular in the Western United States, especially in Utah. They earned their unusual name from being a traditional dish served at funerals, particularly within the Latter-day Saint (LDS) community. But their appeal goes far beyond funerals. Funeral potatoes are a go-to side dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and holidays.
Common Ingredients in Funeral Potatoes
Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy casserole dish made with cubed or shredded potatoes, sour cream, condensed cream soup (usually cream of chicken), cheddar cheese, and a crunchy topping of either cornflakes or potato chips. The combination of creamy and crunchy textures makes this dish a standout, especially when you need something hearty and satisfying.
Regional Popularity of Funeral Potatoes
While funeral potatoes originated in the West, their appeal has spread across the United States, particularly in the Midwest and South. Their simplicity, affordability, and ability to feed a crowd make them perfect for large gatherings. Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes? Not exactly, but both have a special place in American cuisine.
What Are Scalloped Potatoes?
Now that we’ve covered funeral potatoes, let’s explore scalloped potatoes to further answer, “Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes?” Scalloped potatoes are a classic dish made by layering thin slices of potatoes with a creamy sauce. Unlike funeral potatoes, scalloped potatoes typically do not include cheese or a crunchy topping.
Classic Ingredients in Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are all about simplicity. The main ingredients are thinly sliced potatoes, milk or cream, butter, and seasonings like salt and pepper. In some variations, a bit of cheese might be added, but it’s not the star of the dish as it is in funeral potatoes. The focus here is on the creamy, tender layers of potatoes.
Traditional Preparation and Serving of Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are usually baked in a casserole dish until the potatoes are soft and the top is lightly browned. This dish is often served at more formal occasions like holiday dinners or alongside roasted meats. Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes? Well, scalloped potatoes are more elegant and understated, while funeral potatoes are a bit more indulgent and casual.
Key Differences Between Funeral Potatoes and Scalloped Potatoes
Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes? While both are made with potatoes and served in a casserole dish, there are some significant differences in how they’re prepared and the ingredients used.
Preparation Style
Funeral potatoes are typically made as a casserole, with cubed or shredded potatoes mixed with cheese and other ingredients, then baked with a crunchy topping. Scalloped potatoes, on the other hand, are made by layering thin slices of potatoes with a creamy sauce. The texture of funeral potatoes is more varied, with crunchy, creamy, and soft elements, while scalloped potatoes are uniformly soft and creamy.
Main Ingredients
In funeral potatoes, cheese plays a starring role. The creamy mixture of potatoes, sour cream, and condensed soup is rich and cheesy, while scalloped potatoes often skip the cheese altogether, focusing instead on the creamy sauce made with milk or cream. So, are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes when it comes to ingredients? Definitely not—the presence (or absence) of cheese is one of the biggest differences.
Toppings
A defining feature of funeral potatoes is their topping, usually made from crushed cornflakes or potato chips, which adds a satisfying crunch. Scalloped potatoes, in contrast, typically don’t have a crunchy topping, though some recipes may include a light dusting of breadcrumbs.
Cultural and Historical Background of Funeral Potatoes
When discussing “Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes?” it’s essential to look at the cultural context. Funeral potatoes are deeply rooted in the traditions of the LDS Church, where they are often served at post-funeral luncheons. However, their popularity quickly spread beyond this context, as they became a staple at potlucks and family gatherings.
Why Are They Called Funeral Potatoes?
The name “funeral potatoes” comes from their frequent appearance at funeral gatherings, where food is often served to comfort grieving families. Their ease of preparation and ability to feed a large crowd made them a go-to choice for such occasions. Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes in terms of cultural significance? Scalloped potatoes, while popular, don’t have the same specific cultural ties.
Midcentury Rise of Convenience Foods
Funeral potatoes became particularly popular in the mid-20th century, a time when convenience foods like canned soup and pre-shredded cheese were on the rise. The dish embodies the practicality of this era—quick to prepare, inexpensive, and filling.
The Simplicity of Scalloped Potatoes
On the other hand, scalloped potatoes have a longer history, with roots in European cuisine. They are often seen as a more refined dish, served at formal meals. When answering “Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes?” it’s clear that scalloped potatoes carry a sense of tradition and simplicity, whereas funeral potatoes are more tied to American convenience cooking.
European Influence
The technique of layering sliced potatoes with cream has European origins, where it was seen as an elegant way to serve potatoes. While funeral potatoes have a very modern, casual vibe, scalloped potatoes have an air of sophistication.
Elegant Simplicity
The absence of cheese and heavy toppings in scalloped potatoes allows the natural flavors of the potatoes and cream to shine through, making this dish perfect for more formal occasions.
The Role of Cheese in Funeral Potatoes vs. Scalloped Potatoes
A major point when asking, “Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes?” is the role of cheese. In funeral potatoes, cheese is one of the primary ingredients, making the dish rich and indulgent. In contrast, scalloped potatoes may include cheese in some recipes, but it’s not a standard component.
Cheese as a Star Ingredient
Funeral potatoes wouldn’t be the same without cheese—usually cheddar—which gives the dish its gooey, creamy texture. For those who love cheesy dishes, funeral potatoes are a dream come true.
Minimal or No Cheese in Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes, by contrast, are more about the potatoes and the creamy sauce, with any cheese playing a supporting role, if it’s included at all. This gives S-P a lighter, more subtle flavor compared to the bolder, cheesier funeral potatoes.
Funeral Potatoes as a Comfort Food
Are funeral potatoes the same as S-P when it comes to being a comfort food? Both dishes can be comforting, but funeral potatoes have a special place in the realm of comfort food due to their rich, cheesy, and crunchy texture.
A Dish for Grieving and Gathering
Funeral potatoes have become a staple at funerals and other gatherings where comfort food is needed. Their rich, indulgent flavors provide solace during difficult times, making them a perfect dish for comforting large groups.
The Crowd-Pleasing Nature of Funeral Potatoes
The ability to make large quantities of funeral potatoes easily, combined with their crowd-pleasing flavors, makes them a go-to dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and, of course, funerals.
Texture and Flavor Profile Comparison
When asking, “Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes?” texture and flavor are key areas where the dishes differ. Funeral potatoes offer a mix of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures, while scalloped potatoes are softer and creamier, with no crunchy topping.
Funeral Potatoes: Creamy and Crunchy
The mixture of potatoes, cheese, and creamy soup in funeral potatoes creates a rich, indulgent dish, while the crunchy topping of cornflakes or chips adds an extra layer of texture.
Scalloped Potatoes: Soft and Creamy
In scalloped potatoes, the thinly sliced potatoes soak up the creamy sauce, resulting in a dish that is uniformly soft and smooth.
Nutritional Comparison
Another factor to consider when asking, “Are funeral potatoes the same as S-P?” is nutrition. Funeral potatoes, with their heavy use of cheese, sour cream, and soup, tend to be higher in calories and fat than the simpler S-P.
Calories and Fat in Funeral Potatoes
Funeral potatoes are undeniably rich, and while delicious, they’re not the lightest option. However, there are ways to make them healthier by using low-fat ingredients or adding vegetables.
Lighter Scalloped Potatoes
S-P are generally lighter since they don’t rely on cheese or other rich ingredients, making them a better option for those looking to enjoy a potato dish without the extra calories.
Regional Variations of Funeral Potatoes
Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes across different regions? While S-P remain fairly consistent, funeral potatoes vary depending on the region.
Shredded vs. Cubed Potatoes
One major variation is whether to use shredded or cubed potatoes. In some regions, shredded hash browns are used, while others prefer cubed potatoes.
Topping Debates: Cornflakes vs. Chips
Another regional difference lies in the topping—some prefer the traditional cornflake topping, while others swear by crushed potato chips. Regardless of the choice, the crunchy topping is a must.
Funeral Potatoes vs. Au Gratin Potatoes
For a more complete answer to “Are funeral potatoes the same as S-P?” it’s worth mentioning au gratin potatoes. While similar to scalloped potatoes, au gratin potatoes include cheese, making them closer to funeral potatoes in flavor.
Cheese and Breadcrumbs in Au Gratin Potatoes
Au gratin potatoes are made by layering sliced potatoes with cheese and a creamy sauce, similar to S-P but with the added richness of cheese. They often have a breadcrumb topping, adding a slight crunch.
Funeral Potatoes: A More Casual Dish
Compared to au gratin potatoes, funeral potatoes are more casual and rustic, with a less refined presentation but more indulgent flavors.
Popular Funeral Potatoes Recipes
To better understand “Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes?” it’s helpful to look at some popular funeral potato recipes.
All Recipes Funeral Potatoes
A classic recipe from All Recipes includes shredded potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a cornflake topping, making it a go-to for many home cooks.
Ree Drummond’s Funeral Potatoes
Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, offers a version of funeral potatoes with plenty of cheese and a crispy topping, perfect for gatherings.
Tasting Table’s Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Tasting Table’s recipe focuses on maximizing the cheesy, gooey texture of funeral potatoes, making it an indulgent option.
Popular Scalloped Potatoes Recipes
While funeral potatoes are a popular comfort food, scalloped potatoes also have their fair share of fans. Let’s explore some classic scalloped potato recipes to answer, “Are funeral potatoes the same as S-P?”
Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
A traditional S-P recipe calls for thinly sliced potatoes baked in a simple creamy sauce, with no cheese or heavy toppings.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Variation
For those who love cheese, some scalloped potato recipes include a modest amount of cheese, creating a dish that’s somewhere between scalloped and au gratin potatoes.
Herb-Infused Scalloped Potatoes
To add more flavor without overwhelming the dish, some recipes incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary, which pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
So, are funeral potatoes the same as S-P? While they may both be delicious potato-based dishes, the two are quite different. Funeral potatoes are a rich, cheesy casserole dish with a crunchy topping, perfect for casual gatherings and comforting meals. S-P, on the other hand, are a more refined dish, with thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy sauce. Each dish has its place, but they are not interchangeable. Whether you’re planning a potluck, a family dinner, or a holiday meal, understanding the differences between funeral potatoes and scalloped potatoes will help you choose the perfect dish for the occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are funeral potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes? No, funeral potatoes are a cheesy, creamy casserole, while scalloped potatoes are made with thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce, without cheese or a crunchy topping.
- Can you add cheese to S-P? While traditional scalloped potatoes don’t include cheese, some variations do. This creates a dish closer to au gratin potatoes.
- Which dish is healthier, funeral potatoes or scalloped potatoes? S-P are typically lighter, as they don’t include cheese or cream-based soups. Funeral potatoes are richer and higher in calories.
- Can funeral potatoes be made without soup? Yes, you can make funeral potatoes without condensed soup by using a homemade cream sauce as a substitute.
- What’s the best topping for funeral potatoes? The traditional topping for funeral potatoes is crushed cornflakes, but potato chips or breadcrumbs can also be used for a crunchy finish.