Alyssa'S Norwegian Lefse
Alyssa's Norwegian Lefse is a traditional soft potato flatbread with a delicate texture, perfect for spreading with butter and sugar—an authentic Scandinavian treat suited for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and boil the potatoes.
- Mash the hot potatoes and add salt, butter, and milk or cream.
- Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly.
- Add sugar and gradually incorporate enough flour to form a dough that can be easily rolled out.
- Flour a surface and roll out a spoonful of dough as thin as possible, thinner than a pie crust.
- Cut the rolled dough into 6 to 8-inch circles.
- Cook each circle on an ungreased griddle over medium heat until lightly browned on both sides.
- Keep the lefse soft by stacking between dampened towels until ready to serve.
- Spread with butter and sprinkle with brown or white sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffy texture. If you want to lighten the dough, you can substitute some of the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Ensure the dough is not too sticky by adding flour gradually. If the dough is hard to roll, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lefse warm as a side to your favorite dishes or as a dessert with a spread of butter and a sprinkle of sugar. It pairs beautifully with German Potato Salad With Sour Cream for a hearty meal. Lefse can also be enjoyed rolled up with sweet fillings like jam or Nutella for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lefse in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the lefse by placing parchment paper between each piece and sealing in a freezer bag. To reheat, place on a hot griddle for a few seconds on each side until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alyssa'S Norwegian Lefse contains roughly 147 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 926mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lefse ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare lefse ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. If you want to prepare them further in advance, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate each piece with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What type of flour should I use?
Typically, all-purpose flour is used for lefse, but you can experiment with different types. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend can work well. Just remember to adjust the amount of flour as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
How can I tell when the lefse is cooked?
Lefse is done when it has light brown spots on both sides and feels slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them dry. The key is to cook them quickly over medium heat to keep them soft and pliable.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).