Norwegian Potato Lefse

Here’s the perfect recipe for easy Norwegian Potato Lefse. Next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, set them aside to make up a batch of lefse.

Soft and satisfying, try these out as an alternative to tortillas.

Potato lefse are like a soft flatbread and are an authentic Norwegian recipe. 

They are loaded with wholesome potatoes, they are super easy to make and a great alternative to wraps and tortillas.

Why you’ll love these Norwegian potato lefse recipe

• Delicious flavor: Norwegian potato lefse is made with potatoes, flour, and butter, which give it a delicious, savory flavor that pairs well with many different toppings.
• Soft texture: The potato in the lefse dough gives it a soft, pliable texture that is easy to roll up and eat.
• Versatility: Norwegian potato lefse can be used as a wrap for a variety of fillings, such as vegan cheese, and vegetables. It can also be used as a bread substitute for sandwiches or as a side dish with soups or stews.
• Cultural significance: Norwegian potato lefse is a traditional Norwegian food that has been enjoyed for generations. 
• Simple ingredients: Norwegian potato lefse is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
• Easy to make: While making lefse requires some time and effort, it is not difficult to make at home with a few basic kitchen tools.
• Can be frozen: Lefse can be made in large batches and frozen for later use, making it a convenient and time-saving food option

Looking for more recipes? Here are some of my favorites:

• Homemade Whole Grain Bread
• Norwegian Flatbrød (Flatbread)
• Vegan Cornbread
• Vegan Banana Bread
• Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Dutch Oven Bread

Ingredients and substitution notes 

• Potatoes. The main ingredient in Norwegian potato lefse is potatoes. Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work well for this recipe.
• Flour. All-purpose flour is commonly used for making Norwegian potato lefse. Some recipes call for a combination of all-purpose and potato flour to add more potato flavor to the lefse.
• Salt. Salt is added to the dough for flavor.

Substitutions

• Gluten-free flour: If you need to make gluten-free Norwegian potato lefse, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different from the traditional lefse made with wheat flour.
• Sweet potatoes: If you want to add more sweetness and color to the lefse, you can substitute some or all of the potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes.

Recipe variations and add-ins

Here are a couple of ideas on how to use this recipe as a base and add to it.

• Herbed Lefse: Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives to the dough for extra flavor.
• Cheese Lefse: Sprinkle vegan shredded cheese on the lefse before rolling it up.
• Garlic Lefse: Add minced garlic to the dough for a garlic-infused lefse.
• Spiced Lefse: Add spices such as cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced lefse.
• Sweet Lefse: Add sugar or agave nectar to the dough for a sweet lefse. You can also spread jam or your favorite sweet spread on the lefse before rolling it up.
• Vegetable Lefse: Add sautéed or roasted vegetables such as onions, peppers, or zucchini to the lefse before rolling it up.
• Breakfast Lefse: Spread butter and jam on the lefse and serve it with scrambled tofu.
• Dessert Lefse: Spread peanut butter or your favorite sweet spread on the lefse and top with sliced bananas or strawberries. You can also sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top.

Top tips for Making Norwegian Potato Lefse

Here are some tips to getting the best potato lefse possible:

• Use the right type of potatoes: Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for making Norwegian potato lefse because they have a dry, starchy texture that results in a smooth dough.
• Mash the potatoes well: Make sure to mash the boiled potatoes until they are completely smooth to avoid lumps in the dough.
• Let the dough rest: After making the dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the moisture and make the dough easier to roll out.
• Keep the dough soft and pliable: Norwegian potato lefse should be soft and pliable, so avoid over-kneading the dough or adding too much flour.
• Flip the lefse once: Flip the lefse once while cooking to ensure that both sides are evenly cooked.
• Keep the lefse warm: To keep the lefse warm while cooking the rest, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or foil.
• Freeze the lefse: Potato lefse can be frozen and reheated in the oven or microwave, making it a convenient and time-saving food option

Make ahead of instructions and storage

You can make the dough for Norwegian potato lefse a day or two ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll it out and cook the lefse.

You can also roll out the lefse and store them in a stack separated by wax paper or parchment paper. Wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.

Once cooked, Norwegian potato lefse can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To freeze, wrap the lefse tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Serving suggestions for Norwegian Potato Lefse

• Serve with butter and vegan cheese: Norwegian potato lefse is often served warm with a generous pat of butter and a sprinkling of vegan shredded cheese.
• Spread with jam or your favorite sweet spread: For a sweet treat, spread some jam or other sweet spread on the lefse.
• Fill with savory ingredients: Potato lefse can be filled with savory ingredients such as vegan cream cheese, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
• Make a wrap: Use the lefse as a wrap and fill it with your favorite vegetables and spreads for a tasty and convenient meal.
• Pair with hot drinks: Enjoy your Norwegian potato lefse with a cup of hot lemonade or tea.
• Serve as a side dish: Norwegian potato lefse can be served as a side dish with soups, stews, or other main courses.
• Use as a bread substitute: Use the lefse as a substitute for bread in sandwiches, burgers, or other meals.
• Make a breakfast burrito: Fill the lefse with scrambled tofu, vegan cheese, and other breakfast ingredients for a hearty breakfast burrito.

FAQs

Can I make Norwegian potato lefse without a special griddle? 

Yes, you can make Norwegian potato lefse without a special griddle. A cast iron skillet or a non-stick frying pan can be used instead. The important thing is to make sure that the surface is hot and lightly greased with oil or butter before cooking the lefse.

Can I use gluten-free flour to make Norwegian potato lefse? 

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make potato lefse. However, it may affect the texture and pliability of the lefse. 

Gluten-free flour tends to be more fragile than regular flour. So you may need to adjust the amount of flour or add a binding agent such as xanthan gum to the dough.

Wrapping it up

Try these pillowy soft Norwegian potato lefses next time you’re looking for a way to use up your mashed potatoes. They are filling and super satisfying and you’ll love them!

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