Lefse with Brunost Recipe
This lefse with brunost recipe transforms traditional Norwegian potato flatbread into a decadent dessert layered with caramelized cheese and raspberry ganache. Featured on CombiNation, this dish combines soft, pillowy lefse with rich chocolate and tart berries for a unique sweet-savory experience perfect for entertaining.
The Inspiration
Rooted in Norwegian culinary tradition, lefse is a beloved soft flatbread often enjoyed with butter and sugar. In this creative take, host Bianca Osbourne elevates the classic by pairing it with brunost—a distinctive caramelized whey cheese—and a vibrant raspberry ganache. The result is a fusion of rustic comfort and refined dessert plating, blending Scandinavian heritage with modern indulgence. This dish captures the spirit of CombiNation by merging tradition with innovation, offering a fresh way to experience Nordic flavors.
Ingredients
Lefse
- 1 pound (454 g) russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sea salt
- 1 ½ (7.5 ml) teaspoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon (.75 ml) baking powder
- 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- Oil, for frying
Raspberry Ganache
- 8 ounces (227 g) dark chocolate
- 8 ounces (227 g) semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 2 cups (470 ml) raspberries
To Serve
- Lefse
- Brunost (Ski Queen) cheese
- Raspberry Ganache
Method
For the Lefse
- Peel the potatoes, cut them into even chunks, and boil them in a large pot of water, until easily pierced with a fork. Drain well.
- Press through a ricer into a large bowl and then fold in the butter, heavy cream, salt, sugar, and baking powder, making sure you get rid of any lumps.
- Place a cloth over the mashed potatoes and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- When ready to cook, heat a dry, cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. In a separate pan, heat oil for frying to 350 F (175 C). Preheat an oven to 325 F (160 C).
- Mix the 3/4 cup (180 ml) flour into the cold potatoes to make a uniform dough. Lightly dust the work surface and roll the dough out with a rolling pin, then cut rounds with a 3 inch (7.5 cm) cookie cutter.
- Griddle the lefse in batches in the skillet, about one minute per side, until lightly browned and just cooked through. Transfer to the oil and fry in in batches for 1 minute until starting to crisp. Then transfer to the oven and bake 8 minutes until dry and firm.
For the Raspberry Ganache
- Melt chocolate in double boiler, add the milk and fold to incorporate over double boiler.
- Remove from heat, and let sit a few minutes. Pour out onto a lined baking sheet and spread to form a 1/16 inch (2-3 mm) layer.
- Place a 2 ½ inch (6.25 cm) cookie gently over the ganache and place raspberries inside pressing them into the chocolate gently, continue for remaining raspberries. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
To Serve
- Cut the brunost (Ski Queen) cheese ¼ inch (6 mm) thick, then use a 2 ½ inch (6.25 cm) cookie cutter to make neat circles. Use the 2 ½ inch (6.25 cm) cookie cutter cut the Raspberry Ganache into neat circles.
- Layer on a serving dish with 1 lefse, then the round of Ski Queen cheese, then ganache, and top with one final lefse.
Serving Suggestions
This lefse with brunost recipe is perfect as a refined dessert or sweet canapé for dinner parties and special occasions. Serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature to highlight the creamy ganache and caramel notes of the brunost. It pairs beautifully with coffee, espresso, or dessert wines, making it an excellent choice for after-dinner service. For an elevated presentation, plate individually with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of berry coulis, allowing the layered textures and flavors to shine as a sophisticated Nordic-inspired treat.
Final Thoughts
This lefse with brunost recipe is a celebration of Norwegian tradition reimagined through a modern, dessert-forward lens. The soft potato flatbread, rich caramelized cheese, and bright raspberry chocolate ganache create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors. Whether you’re exploring Scandinavian cuisine or looking to impress guests with something unexpected, this dish delivers elegance, creativity, and unforgettable taste in every bite.