8 Worst Rated Northern European Casseroles

This traditional Finnish casserole is characterized by its long cooking time and a subtle sweetness. It is prepared with a combination of mashed potatoes and wheat flour that is stored in a warm place for hours, allowing the starch to break down and provide the natural sweetness. The dish is sometimes additionally sweetened and seasoned with nutmeg before it is baked until a golden-brown, crispy crust forms on top. Traditionally associated with Christmastime, this creamy, starchy casserole is usually enjoyed as a side dish.Expand

This classic casserole is one of the most popular Swedish dishes, which is often served for Christmas. It consists of potatoes and sprat fillets—do not mistake these with anchovies as it is suggested in many recipes—which are layered with onions and then doused in cream. The top of the casserole is occasionally basted in butter and sprinkled with breadcrumbs before it is baked until golden. Although it is believed that this Swedish casserole appeared earlier, the first written recipe under the catching name of Janssons frestelse, translated as Jansson's temptation, appeared in 1940. Allegedly, the name was inspired by Pelle Janzon, a popular Swedish opera singer. There's also Hansson's temptation, a vegetarian version without the sprats, loved by children, and Karlsson's temptation, in which the sprats are replaced with sautéed ground beef.Expand

Traditionally prepared for Christmastime, this Finnish casserole consists of mashed rutabaga, also known as yellow turnip, blended with eggs, breadcrumbs, butter, or cream. Generously seasoned with a variety of spices such as nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, the casserole is oven-baked until crispy on the exterior. The dish is traditionally served alongside various main courses, and due to its rich, earthy flavors, lanttulaatikko is the perfect addition to any holiday meal.Expand

Porkkanalaatikko is a Finnish casserole made with a combination of grated carrots, rice, eggs, cream, butter, and breadcrumbs. The mixture is poured into a casserole dish, topped with breadcrumbs, and it is then baked until the crumbs become golden brown. This simple dish is typically prepared during winter and it is served as a side dish to various meat dishes. It should always be served hot and fresh, because reheating makes porkkanalaatikko too dry.Expand

Kaalilaatikko is a traditional Finish casserole consisting of ground beef or pork, cabbage, and precooked rice. Usually seasoned with dark molasses syrup and a variety of herbs such as marjoram and thyme, this nutritious casserole is baked in the oven until the top becomes golden-brown and crispy. In Finland, kaalilaatikko represents a true comfort food staple and is traditionally served with lingonberry or cranberry sauce on the side.Expand

Initially prepared as a Christmastime dish, this rich Finnish casserole is nowadays enjoyed throughout the year. It consists of rice, ground liver, eggs, sautéed onions, and, occasionally–crisped bacon and raisins, seasoned and baked in the oven until crispy. This unusual combination results in a hearty, luscious dish that is usually accompanied with a flavorful and tart lingonberry jam.Expand

Flygande Jakob or flying Jacob is a Swedish casserole made with a combination of chicken, chili sauce, bananas, bacon, cream, and roasted peanuts. The dish is baked in an oven, then served with rice and a green salad on the side. This unusual dish was invented by Ove Jakobsson, a man who worked in the air freight industry, hence the name of the dish. His original recipe was first published in 1976 in a Swedish cooking magazine called Allt om mat, and back then, unlike today, the chicken was supposed to be seasoned with Italian salad seasoning. Nowadays, the dish is popular in the country because it is quick and easy to make.Expand

This Danish classic employs pork tenderloin that is coupled with hefty amounts of onions, all doused in a creamy sauce. The dish is usually baked as a casserole and is often complemented with mushrooms or crispy bacon bits. It is typically enjoyed as a hearty home-cooked meal and mainly comes served alongside potatoes, rice, and pickles.Expand