From dirty sodas to fry sauce, Salt Lake’s food scene is full of homespun favorites that thrive at 4,000 feet. Yes, even your boxed cake mix will need altitude instructions here. Locals turn simple ingredients into cult classics, like Jell-O salad with carrots (seriously) and a cheesy casserole with a name straight out of a funeral program. This is Utah food: familiar, fun, and surprisingly unforgettable.
Among the various Utah foods listed on your search bar, you may come across the dramatically named “Funeral Potatoes”. But don’t worry, no mourning required here! The only correlation with “funeral” and “potato” is that the dish typically appears at local funeral receptions, though it also makes appearances at local parties. Funeral potatoes are a casserole that typically consists of potatoes (naturally), cheese, sour cream, and a personal choice of canned soup, topped off with good old-fashioned cornflakes. Each Utah household claims to have the perfect recipe, but honestly? They’re all pretty great.
Visiting Salt Lake and dying (ha) to try these potatoes?Good news: no funeral required. Local Salt Lake restaurants have crafted their unique spin on this party-packed dish, so you can enjoy this local favorite. Nestled among the surrounding mountains, these restaurants have captured the playful and nostalgic spirit of this endearingly morbid-sounding dish. Some keep it classic, others get fancy, but all of them serve up that nostalgic, Utah-style comfort. Whether you’re grabbing a bite after a hike or kicking off a night out, this is one dish that’ll have you eating like a local in no time.
You came for the potatoes, so let’s get to it.
Note: Some of these restaurants operate on rotating menus, so it’s a good idea to glance at their menu ahead of time to check if they still have this delicious dish.
Here are the restaurants doing this Utah classic right
335 West 1830 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 | Served anytime 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Mon-Sat)
If you want a taste of a real Utah party, look no further than Huckleberry Grill. Chef Eric brings the nostalgia and comfort of local gatherings straight to your plate. Get the funeral potatoes here and it’s like stepping into a warm, slightly chaotic family gathering—loaded with comfort food, friendly small talk, and that one aunt who loves to say “you’ve grown so much." Luckily, you’re just here for the good part.
Pair with: Huckleberry Pork Tenderloin, perfect to satisfy your sweet and savory needs.
Looking for something a little more refined? Mar Muntanya has elevated this local dish to the next level—literally—on their rooftop patio. With a twist of scallion aioli and a dash of Spanish charm, Chef Tyson Peterson has ensured this party plate will knock your socks off. You’ll find their version labeled “Funeral Croquetas”, which not only highlights the fusion of Utah and Spanish delicacies but also adds a touch of fanciness for your special date night. Located in the middle of Downtown, it’s a perfect way to explore the bustling nightlife of Salt Lake while still enjoying this delicious dish.
Pair with: Grandma’s Bread Pudding – Continue the fusion of comfort food and fancy delicacies with this mouthwatering dessert!
Roux
Roux
515 E 300 SLC, UT 84102 | Served @ Dinner time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Tues-Sat)
Let’s face it, when you’re on vacation, it can be hard to decide between comfort food and an elegant dish crafted to perfection. Luckily, in Salt Lake, you don’t have to compromise to get the best of both worlds. Take Roux for example: found inside a charming home front, Roux offers a contemporary, yet casual atmosphere paired with stunning dishes. Their take on funeral potatoes may look a little different from the classic, but one bite and you’ll get it. Creamy, crispy, totally craveable—this is comfort food with serious flair.
Pair with: Brown Buttered Rainbow Trout – Blending a local favorite with classy fish.
Kenny J's BBQ
Kenny J’s BBQ
11610 District Main Dr. South Jordan, UT 84095 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
Want to explore Utah’s food scene beyond downtown? Head to South Jordan, where Kenny J’s is serving up smoky barbecue and a killer side of funeral potatoes. What started in Chef Kenny Jackson’s backyard has grown into a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s quick, casual, and packed with flavor. Their funeral potatoes are rich, crispy, and totally gluten-friendly—so yes, you can dive in without hesitation.
7680 S. Union Park Avenue Midvale, Utah 84047 | Opens at 5:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
Craving a comforting casserole with a serious protein upgrade? Hoof and Vine has got you covered! Another location outside of Downtown, Hoof and Vine is a classy gem in this historic corner of Salt Lake. Served as a side to any cut of meat, you are sure to leave with your stomach full and your heart happy. After dinner, check out Midvale’s historic Main Street, just a few minutes away, to see some fun nightlife and incredible murals.
Pair with: Any cut of meat is served with a side of these potatoes, so feel free to venture out and try their house specialty of New Zealand Elk!
Corner Brew Pub
Corner Brew Pub
2110 S. Highland Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84106 | Served at breakfast hours | 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Mon-Thur), 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Fri), 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Sat), & 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Sun)
Looking for a local breakfast food that pairs well with a crafted beer? Corner Brew Pub has got you covered. Located at the picturesque Sugarhouse hub, you’ll find their breakfast funeral potatoes served just in time for your adventure throughout Salt Lake. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and these funeral potatoes will give you the energy boost you need to conquer any mountain on your Salt Lake vacation – both literally and figuratively.
Pair with: If you want to start the day with an energy boost, pair your potatoes with any of their three omelets!
Why are they called ‘funeral potatoes’?
These potatoes typically make appearances at funerals, and they have since been associated with that kind of gathering due to their name. But you can bring them to just about any party, and people will flock right to them!
What’s the story behind funeral potatoes?
Members of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sought a dish that could feed large groups coming to local services. As the ingredients were relatively cheap, women across Utah began crafting their casseroles to be the talk of the reception.
What ingredients are in funeral potatoes?
The star of the show is the potatoes, as the name suggests. The variety of potatoes depends on the vision of the chef. Combined with these spuds are cheese, sour cream, and canned soup (usually cream of chicken, but it’s a personal choice depending on the desired flavor), and topped with cornflakes for that delicious crunch. If you wanted to add more flavor, you could add a hint of onion, mushroom, or pepper.
Are funeral potatoes a breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal?
This dish can enhance any meal you like! Start the morning right by pairing it with your favorite breakfast meat. Finish the day celebrating with friends over this creamy local delicacy. You honestly can’t go wrong with the time of day you have them! As far as restaurants go, they may serve these potatoes in the morning or at night. Check out the list above to make sure you get there at the right time to have this party dish!
Looking for more unique Salt Lake restaurants? Check out more on our Restaurant page to find the perfect places to eat during your visit to Salt Lake. Bon appétit!
