Grandma's Potato Lefse

Lefse, a Norwegian flatbread hug! This simple recipe brings Grandma's kitchen to you. Potato-y goodness ready for butter, cinnamon, or more! Get the recipe!

June 5, 2025
By Kendra Thompson .

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Okay, let's dive into some proper comfort food!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what a culinary hug feels like? This Grandma's Potato Lefse recipe is just that! Think soft, slightly sweet, and utterly moreish. And honestly? It's way easier than you think.

Brief Overview

Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread. It's basically a potato-based hug. This recipe is medium difficulty. Total time is under 2 hours. It makes around 10-12 lefse. These Italian Recipes are delicious!

Main Benefits

Potatoes do have some vitamins, you know? This is also perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast. What makes this recipe special? It's my grandma's – and she made the BEST lefse, ever!

Okay, so let's get to it.

Grandma's Potato Lefse Recipe Card

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Preparation time:90 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:10-12 lefse

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds / 900g Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 teaspoon / 5g salt, plus more for seasoning water
• 1/2 cup / 115g unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup / 120ml heavy cream
• 1 cup / 120g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon / 2.5g salt
• Unsalted butter, for greasing (optional)

Instructions:

• Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender. Drain well.
• While still hot, rice the potatoes using a potato ricer or food mill into a large bowl. Avoid overworking.
• Allow the riced potatoes to cool slightly until they are no longer steaming but are still warm.
• Gently mix in the cold butter until incorporated, then add the heavy cream and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
• Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
• Divide the chilled dough into 10-12 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a thin circle (about 6-8 inches in diameter). Aim for a tortilla-like thinness. Use plenty of flour to prevent sticking. Use lefse stick or flexible spatula to help with the transfer.
• Heat a large, ungreased griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Carefully place one lefse on the hot surface.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and slightly puffed. Be careful not to burn them.
• Stack cooked lefse on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and pliable.
• Serve warm with butter, cinnamon sugar, or your favorite fillings.

What You Need To Make This Potato Dream Happen

Alright, side dishes easy incoming! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of my Grandma's famous lefse.

The Potato Powerhouse

You’ll need 2 pounds of russet potatoes. Peel and quarter them. Also, grab a teaspoon of salt. This is for the potato water.

The Doughy Goodness

Half a cup of cold, cubed butter is essential. heavy cream, half a cup again, gives it that richness. a cup of all-purpose flour is next.

Add half a teaspoon of salt too. flour is really important.

For Cooking

Optional unsalted butter for greasing your griddle.

Ready To Get Cooking?

This idee pasto sano is a simple thing. Trust me, it's much easier to make than it sounds.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for amazing lefse!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's break down what you need to whip up grandma's potato lefse. we'll keep it simple. these aren't exactly mushroom recipes , but they are side dishes easy to love, especially if you are hunting for idee pasto sano .

Think of these as italian recipes northern cousins.

Main Ingredients

These are the stars of our show.

• 2 pounds / 900g Russet potatoes, peeled. Quarter them. Look for firm potatoes. No sprouts, please.
• 1 teaspoon / 5g salt, plus extra. We need this for the water bath!
• 1/2 cup / 115g unsalted butter, super cold. Cut into cubes. High-quality butter makes a difference.
• 1/2 cup / 120ml heavy cream. This gives it richness.
• 1 cup / 120g all-purpose flour, plus more. Keep it handy for dusting. Trust me on this.
• 1/2 teaspoon / 2.5g salt for our dough to taste.

Seasoning Notes

Simple seasonings are the key. No need to overcomplicate things.

• Salt is essential. It enhances the potato flavor. Adjust to your taste.
• No essential spice combos here. It is a blank canvas!
• Consider a touch of nutmeg. A tiny pinch adds warmth.
• Substitutions? Eh, not really. Stick to the basics.

Equipment Needed

Essentials to make this happen. You can find alternatives if needed.

• Large pot is needed to boil potatoes. Anything works.
• Potato ricer or food mill. This is crucial . Trust me.
• Large mixing bowl for our dough.
• Plastic wrap is need to chill dough.
• Rolling pin! This is self explanatory.
• Lefse stick is optional. But highly recommended.
• Large, flat griddle or cast-iron skillet. This is required to cook the lefse.
• Clean kitchen towels to keep the lefse warm.

You know, my grandma swore by her cast-iron skillet for risotto recipes easy too! it seems everything tastes better when cooked in it.

Honestly, the lefse stick is a game-changer. if you plan to make these often, invest in one. don't skip the chilling.

This step gives the dough a rest and makes it easier to roll out thinly. plus, who does not love mushroom risotto recipes ? however this risotto recipes are also amazing, but for another day.

I always think of how simple these side dish recipes can be when you just focus on the basics. it is definitely not one of the pasta dishes family recipes, so get ready to make something special today!

Alright, let's dive into making some Grandma's Potato Lefse ! It's Scandinavian comfort food at its finest. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug.

Grandma's Potato Lefse: A Simple Guide to Scandinavian Comfort Food

Lefse, a norwegian flatbread, is basically potato magic. it's made with potatoes, flour, butter, and cream. the taste is pure comfort.

It’s easy to adapt for different tastes. think butter, cinnamon sugar, savory fillings – you name it! it is a very idee pasto sano because it is light and delicious.

The difficulty? Medium. Rolling it thin takes practice. Don't worry about perfection, they'll still be devoured!

Prep It Like a Pro: Lefse Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised! think mise en place ! peel and quarter 2 pounds / 900g russet potatoes .

Get 1/2 cup / 115g cold, cubed butter , 1/2 cup / 120ml heavy cream , and 1 cup / 120g all-purpose flour ready.

Also you will need 1 teaspoon / 5g salt . trust me, being prepped saves loads of time. you can also make some butter spread ready.

Essential mise en place

• 2 pounds / 900g Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 teaspoon / 5g salt, plus more for seasoning water
• 1/2 cup / 115g unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup / 120ml heavy cream
• 1 cup / 120g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon / 2.5g salt

Lefse Step-by-Step

Okay, here’s how we turn potatoes into deliciousness.

1. Boil the Potatoes: Potatoes go in a pot. Cover with cold water and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook until soft. It will take some time.
2. Rice Time: While hot, rice the potatoes. A ricer is key! No lumps allowed.
3. Cool It: Let the riced potatoes cool slightly .
4. Dough Time: Gently mix in the cold butter. Then add the cream and salt. Add flour slowly. Do not overmix!
5. Chill Out: Wrap the dough and chill for at least 1 hour .
6. Roll it Thin: Divide the dough. Roll each piece into a thin circle. Use flour to prevent sticking. A lefse stick (or flexible spatula) helps immensely .
7. Cook Time: Heat a griddle over medium heat.
8. Flip and Cook: Cook each side for 1- 2 minutes , until lightly browned.

Keep the cooked lefse warm under a towel. This will prevent them from drying. Now you can enjoy this side dishes easy and side dish recipes with your family

Lefse Pro Tips

• Ricing is key! It gives you a smooth dough.
• Don't overmix.
• Hot griddle is essential!
• Practice makes perfect . Don’t stress about the first few!
• Lefse stick helps so much! It avoids breaking the thin pieces!

I remember my first time making lefse. Oh my gosh! The rolling was a disaster! But honestly, even the ugly ones tasted amazing.

Try this Italian recipes today! If you want to go with pasta, there are endless possibilities! Why not some Mushroom Recipes or Mushroom Risotto Recipes ?

Enjoy!

Alright, so you’ve conquered the lefse! time to think about serving it up just right. plus, how to keep those beauties fresh and what kinda crazy twists you can put on 'em.

And because we all care (at least a little bit) about what we're shoveling into our faces, let's peek at some basic nutrition, eh?

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Lefse's Time to Shine

Okay, so first things first. you’ve got your stack of almost grandma's potato lefse, warm and ready to go. presentation is key.

Picture this: a rustic wooden board, draped with a linen cloth, and a stack of warm lefse. honestly, that's proper hygge, innit?

Now, the fun part. Think of lefse like a blank canvas. Traditionally, it's all about butter and cinnamon sugar. But come on , let's live a little!

• Plating and Presentation: Roll 'em up neatly and fan 'em out on a plate. A sprinkle of sea salt can add a nice touch.
• Complementary Sides: A bowl of lingonberry jam is a must. Seriously. And a side of smoked salmon or some Jarlsberg cheese? Oh my gosh , that's some next-level Scandi snacking. And don't forget about Side Dishes Easy to prepare! Think about serving it with some of your favourite Side Dish Recipes .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you’ve made a massive batch (as one does). How do you stop your lefse from turning into cardboard? Simple.

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Let the lefse cool completely . Then, stack 'em with parchment paper between each one. Pop 'em in a zip-lock bag. They'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing Options: Yep, you can freeze 'em! Same deal – cool completely, parchment paper, zip-lock bag. They'll happily snooze in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Instructions: Easiest way? A quick zap in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel). Or, for a little extra crisp, heat 'em up in a dry skillet for a minute or two per side.

Variations: Lefse Remix

Fancy jazzing things up a bit? Of course, you do!

• Sweet Potato Swirl: For a vibrant twist, substitute half of the potatoes with sweet potatoes. Adds a subtle sweetness and a gorgeous color.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Use plant-based butter and cream. Easy peasy. Just be aware the flavour will be slighly different!

Try Mushroom Recipes on your lefse as a new take to it!

Nutrition Basics: Food for Thought (and Body)

Okay, so Idee Pasto Sano (Healthy meal ideas) might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of lefse, but let's be real. Everything in moderation, yeah?

• Simplified Nutrition: Each lefse is about 150-180 calories.
• Key Health Benefits: Potatoes provide some potassium and fibre. It's the perfect base if you are after new Pasta Dishes ideas, and a fresh take to classic Italian Recipes !

So, there you have it. lefse, demystified. now go forth and get rollin'! making risotto recipes easy is all the rage this season.

But if you prefer, you can also make some mushroom risotto recipes ! i know that you'll surely impress someone with these risotto recipes !