Potato Lefse(Makes 15 Large Rounds)

Serves: 15 Cuisine: Norwegian

Potato Lefse offers a soft, tender Scandinavian flatbread with a rich, buttery potato flavor, perfect for breakfast or snacks, suitable for family gatherings or festive occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups bread flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 1/2 cups Idaho Spuds potato flakes
  • 1/2 cup half and half cream

Instructions

  1. Bring water, margarine, sugar, and salt to a boil in a 3-quart saucepan.
  2. Remove from heat and add milk and potato flakes; mix well.
  3. If the mixture is too soupy, add an additional 1/4 cup of potato flakes.
  4. Add half and half cream and mix thoroughly.
  5. Cool the mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
  6. Cover the potatoes with a paper towel to absorb moisture, then cover and refrigerate.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure the potato mixture is completely cool before refrigerating overnight. If you want a lighter texture, consider substituting part of the bread flour with a gluten-free blend. If you don't have half and half, you can use a mix of equal parts milk and cream as a great alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve potato lefse warm, spread with butter or your favorite jam for a delightful snack. They pair beautifully with Yogurt Pop for a refreshing beverage. For a full meal, consider serving alongside savory dishes like grilled meats or roasted vegetables, or even as a side to French Breakfast Puffs(Doughnuts).

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover potato lefse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or use a microwave for about 15-20 seconds until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Potato Lefse(Makes 15 Large Rounds) contains roughly 523 calories, with 8g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 768mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

523 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.8g 16% DV
Total Fat 34.8g 45% DV
Carbs 45.3g 16% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 9.8g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 767.7mg 33% DV
Potassium 183.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 20.6mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 85.3mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 5.9mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 135.6mg 10% DV
Iron 2.8mg 16% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 potato lefse ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and refrigerate it overnight, which enhances the flavors. You can also make the lefse ahead of time and freeze them. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

What can I use instead of potato flakes?

If you don't have potato flakes, you can use freshly mashed potatoes; however, you'll need to adjust the liquid in the recipe. Start with about 2 cups of mashed potatoes and reduce the milk slightly to achieve the right consistency.

How do I know when the lefse is cooked properly?

The lefse should be lightly browned and cooked through when they bubble up on the skillet. They should have a soft yet firm texture. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them tough.

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).

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