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.
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
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ 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
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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 🐟
🧊 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!