North Dakota

Lefse Wrap

A celebration of North Dakota's Scandinavian heritage. Traditional Norwegian potato flatbread (lefse) transformed into a savory wrap with turkey, cheese, and fresh vegetables.

Total 2hrs 🍴 Serves 6 🏙 Norwegian Heritage 🥔 Potato-based

Equipment Needed

🥕 Rolling Pin (grooved)
🍳 Lefse Griddle
🥚 Lefse Stick
🥜 Potato Ricer

Instructions

1

Cook the potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes. Boil in salted water until very tender, about 20 minutes. Drain extremely well - this is crucial for good lefse.

Tip: Let potatoes steam dry in the colander for 5 minutes, shaking occasionally.
2

Rice the potatoes: Pass hot potatoes through a potato ricer into a large bowl. This creates the smooth, lump-free texture essential for lefse. Add butter, cream, salt, and sugar while still hot. Mix well.

3

Chill the mixture: Cover and refrigerate the potato mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight. Cold potatoes are much easier to work with.

4

Add flour: When ready to roll, add flour to the chilled potatoes and mix until just combined. Don't overwork - add just enough flour to create a workable dough.

5

Heat the griddle: Preheat a lefse griddle or large flat griddle to 400-450F. You don't need oil - lefse cooks dry.

6

Roll the lefse: Divide dough into golf ball-sized portions. On a well-floured surface (or pastry cloth), roll each ball into a very thin circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Use a grooved rolling pin if you have one.

Tip: Roll from center outward, rotating the dough frequently. Thinner is better!
7

Cook the lefse: Using a lefse stick, transfer the thin round to the hot griddle. Cook until brown spots appear on the bottom, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side. Stack between clean towels to stay soft.

8

Make the spread: Mix softened cream cheese with dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

9

Assemble wraps: Spread dill cream cheese on a lefse round. Layer turkey, Havarti cheese, spinach, and cucumber. Add a drizzle of lingonberry jam for authentic Scandinavian flavor.

10

Roll and serve: Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito. Cut in half diagonally. Serve immediately, or wrap in foil and refrigerate for later. Lefse wraps make excellent packed lunches!

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • Traditional sweet version: Spread with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, roll up and enjoy as a dessert or snack.
  • Instant potato shortcut: In a pinch, use instant potato flakes. Not traditional, but works when you're short on time.
  • Freeze extras: Cooked lefse freezes beautifully. Stack between wax paper and freeze in zip-top bags.
  • Scandinavian protein: Try smoked salmon instead of turkey with cream cheese, dill, and capers.
  • Lutefisk wrap: For the adventurous, wrap traditional lutefisk with butter and salt - a true Norwegian delicacy.
  • Holiday tradition: In North Dakota, lefse making is often a family event, especially around Christmas.