Recently, I was reminded of Hawaiian Haystacks (more on that below), a dish often found at Mormon potlucks. While you might not consider these foods the best, they’re nostalgic to me, gosh darnit! Here are the most infamous food items you’d find on the potluck table inside a church gym.
Snicker Salad
I think it’s fair to say that Mormon potlucks have some Midwest influence. Enter Snicker salad. This sweet concoction consists of, you guessed it, Snickers candy bars, diced granny smith apples, Cool Whip, and vanilla pudding.
Green Jell-O
I’ve come across a fair share of Jell-O abominations that I can’t, in good conscience, recommend (cottage cheese, crushed pineapple, and mayo??), but I have to admit I love the Jell-O of my youth. Every Sunday dinner included Jell-O, usually made with a can of fruit cocktail, in a glass mold that looked like grapes. My favorite was a sparkling version that was fizzy and such a treat.
Hawaiian Haystacks
You’ve got all your main food groups in Hawaiian Haystacks: rice, chicken, gravy, and a random assortment of toppings that could include pineapple, mandarin oranges, chow mein noodles, and peas. If you’re feeling really crazy you could add sliced almonds, raisins, or coconut.
Frog Eye Salad
Does anyone know why so many of these dishes include crushed pineapple and mandarin slices? The notorious frog eye salad includes these two staples plus acini de pepe (pearl-shaped pasta), marshmallows, and (of course) Cool Whip.
Funeral Potatoes
Arguably, everyone’s favorite Utah casserole is funeral potatoes. What’s not to like about creamy, cheesy, potatoes topped with crispy corn flakes. I sorely miss the funeral potatoes at Tradition (RIP), which were covered in bacon jam 🤤
