Fluffy Finnish Mashed Potato Casserole (Perunasoselaatikko)

Fluffy Finnish mashed potato casserole with golden breadcrumb topping served in a white ceramic dish, styled with rustic Nordic kitchen decor.

 

A traditional Finnish side dish, this mashed potato casserole—known as Perunasoselaatikko—is buttery, creamy, and perfectly fluffy with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It's the ultimate comfort food to serve with meatloaf, turkey, or baked fish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Finnish
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork
  • Buttered casserole dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • cup heavy cream
  • cup whole milk (or 1 cup half-and-half)
  • Fine sea salt, to taste (start with 2 tsp)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • Peel and quarter potatoes. Place in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
  • While potatoes boil, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a casserole dish.
  • Drain cooked potatoes and return to the pot. Add 4 Tbsp butter and mash until smooth and fluffy. Salt to taste.
  • Beat eggs, cream, and milk together. Stir into mashed potatoes until well blended.
  • Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Dot with remaining 2 Tbsp butter, or mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown. Serve hot.

Notes

Step-by-step photos showing how to make Finnish mashed potato casserole (Perunasoselaatikko), from boiling and mashing potatoes to baking with a breadcrumb topping.
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🥔 Fluffy Finnish Mashed Potato Casserole (Perunasoselaatikko)

Looking for the ultimate comfort food side dish to round out your cold-weather meals? Meet Perunasoselaatikko – the classic Finnish mashed potato casserole that’s fluffy, buttery, and irresistibly creamy. With a golden breadcrumb topping that adds just the right amount of crunch, this traditional Finnish dish is a staple at holiday tables and cozy Sunday dinners alike.
Whether served alongside roast turkey, meatloaf, or baked fish, this baked mashed potato casserole is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and customize to your taste.

🧂 Why You’ll Love This Finnish Mashed Potato Casserole

  • Ultra-light and creamy texture
  • Rich flavor from cream, butter, and eggs
  • A crispy, golden topping for contrast
  • Simple ingredients, big comfort
  • Easy to prep in advance for gatherings and holidays

🛠️ Tools & Equipment

To make this traditional Finnish side dish, you'll need:
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher (or ricer for extra fluffiness)
  • Colander
  • Casserole or baking dish
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork

📝 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy casserole:
  • 🥔 2.5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 🥚 2 eggs, beaten
  • 🥛 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 🥛 2/3 cup whole milk – Feel free to adjust the ratio or use 1 cup of half and half instead
  • 🧂 Fine sea salt, to taste (start with 2 teaspoons)
  • 🧈 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 🍞 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Optional: Add a finely minced onion for extra depth of flavor—this variation is beloved in some Finnish homes!

👩‍🍳 How to Make Finnish Mashed Potato Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Place peeled and quartered potatoes into a large pot. Cover with water and generously salt the water – most of it will be drained, so don’t be shy! Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a casserole dish and set it aside.

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

Drain the cooked potatoes well. Return them to the pot or transfer to a mixing bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and mash until smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 4: Add Milk, Cream & Eggs

In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, cream, and eggs. Add this mixture to the mashed potatoes and stir or mash until well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon the mashed potato mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
For the topping, you can:
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumbs directly on top and dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter (cut into small pieces), or
  • Mix melted butter and breadcrumbs together in a bowl and spread the mixture evenly over the surface.

Step 6: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and crisp. Serve hot and enjoy! 😋

🥄 How to Serve Finnish Mashed Potato Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with:
  • Pork & apple meatloaf 🍖🍎
  • Roast turkey or chicken 🦃
  • Finnish meatballs (lihapullat)
  • Salmon or other baked fish 🐟
It’s also hearty enough to stand on its own with a fresh green salad.

🧊 Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot all the way through.

🔁 Variations & FAQs

Can I Skip the Casserole and Just Make Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! If you want to enjoy plain Finnish mashed potatoes, simply mash the boiled potatoes with the butter, cream, milk, and salt – no baking needed. Serve warm and creamy, straight from the pot.

Can I Add Onions?

Yes! Finely minced onion is a popular addition in some Finnish households. Sauté it lightly before mixing it into the mash for extra flavor.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes, this dish can be assembled in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Just bake before serving – you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s going in cold.

🇫🇮 A Taste of Finland

Perunasoselaatikko is more than just mashed potatoes – it’s a beloved tradition in Finnish kitchens, especially around the holidays. With simple ingredients and a warm, homey taste, this casserole brings people together around the table.
✨ Try it this season and experience a bit of Nordic comfort in your own kitchen!

Keyword creamy mashed potatoes, Finnish comfort food, Finnish mashed potato casserole, holiday side dish, mashed potato bake, Nordic recipes, Perunasoselaatikko
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View Comments (1)
  1. kate.smith.

    OMG, this looks amazing! My mouth is watering just reading the ingredients. Definitely making this for Thanksgiving – ditching the usual mashed potatoes for this Finnish fancy version! Fingers crossed it turns out as fluffy as it looks!

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