Lanttulaatikko (Finnish Swede Casserole)
In short: Mashed swede mixed with cream, breadcrumbs, syrup and nutmeg, baked until set with a browned top. A staple of the Finnish Christmas table. It takes about 1 h 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 25 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 1 h 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 255 kcal
Lanttulaatikko is a fixture of the Finnish Christmas table, one of several baked laatikko casseroles that sit next to the ham. Mashed swede is mixed with a little cream, breadcrumbs, syrup and nutmeg, then baked until it sets into a soft, slightly sweet block with a browned top. It is simple, gently spiced and easy to make a day ahead.
Instructions
- Boil the swede in salted water for 20 to 25 minutes, until very soft. Drain well, then mash until smooth.
- Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and butter a 1.5 liter (1.5 quart) baking dish.
- Stir the 50 g breadcrumbs into the milk and cream and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Mix the soaked breadcrumbs, mashed swede, egg, syrup, nutmeg, pepper and salt until blended. Spoon the mixture into the dish and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with the 3 tbsp breadcrumbs and dot with the butter. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until set and browned on top.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving alongside ham, meatballs or roast pork.
Tips
- Drain the boiled swede well and let it steam dry for a minute before mashing. Extra water makes the casserole loose and bland.
- Honey or maple syrup can replace the dark syrup. Use a little less, since they are sweeter and milder.
Questions and answers
What is swede called in the US?
Rutabaga. It is a yellow-fleshed root vegetable, larger and sweeter than a turnip, and common in Nordic cooking.
Can I make lanttulaatikko ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to a day ahead and bake it straight from the fridge, adding 10 minutes. It also reheats well after baking.
What do you serve with lanttulaatikko?
It is part of the Christmas table with ham, other casseroles such as carrot, and pickled beetroot. It also goes well with roast pork and sausages.
How long does it take to make Lanttulaatikko (Finnish Swede Casserole)?
About 1 h 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Lanttulaatikko (Finnish Swede Casserole)?
About 255 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 255 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
