Can You Freeze Lefse? Yes, Here's How!

Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread that is made from potatoes and flour. It’s a popular treat during the holiday season and is often served with butter and sugar or other sweet or savory toppings. However, sometimes you may have more lefse than you can eat or need to prepare it ahead of time. In these cases, freezing lefse is an excellent option to preserve its freshness and flavor.

Here are the steps how to freeze lefse:

Step 1: Prepare the lefse

Step 2: Cool the lefse
Step 3: Cut the lefse
Step 4: Wrap the lefse

Step 5: Label and Freeze

Step 1: Prepare the lefse

First, you need to prepare the lefse according to your recipe. Once the dough is ready, roll it out into thin rounds using a rolling pin or a lefse rolling pin. Cook the lefse on a griddle or a special lefse griddle until lightly browned on both sides. You can add a little butter or oil to the griddle if you like.

Here are the steps involved in preparing lefse before cooling:

Mix the lefse dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually add warm water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.
Divide the dough: Divide the dough into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball. Cover the dough balls with a damp towel and let them rest for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough: Flatten each dough ball with a rolling pin until it’s thin and circular, about 1/8 inch thick. If the dough is sticking, sprinkle some flour on it.

Cook the lefse: Heat a griddle or a large frying pan over medium heat. Place the rolled-out lefse on the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface, and the bottom turns golden brown. Flip the lefse and cook the other side until golden brown. Transfer the cooked lefse to a wire rack to cool.
Repeat the process: Roll out and cook the remaining lefse dough balls until you have cooked all the lefse.
Let the lefse cool: Allow the lefse to cool completely on the wire rack before stacking or wrapping it.

By following these steps, you can prepare lefse that is delicious, soft, and perfect for freezing or serving.

Step 2: Cool the lefse

After cooking, let the lefse cool completely on a wire rack. It is essential to cool the lefse before freezing it to prevent it from getting soggy or sticking together.Here is how to cool the lefse:

After cooking the lefse, remove it from the heat source and transfer it to a wire rack.

Allow the lefse to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Avoid stacking the lefse while it is still warm as this can cause it to become damp and sticky.
Make sure that the lefse is completely cool before wrapping it for freezing.

You can test the lefse by touching it lightly with your finger. If it is still warm, allow it to cool further before wrapping it.

By cooling the lefse properly, you can ensure that it freezes well and stays fresh for a longer period.

Step 3: Cut the lefse

Once the lefse has cooled, you can cut it into the desired size and shape. You can use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter to cut the lefse into circles, squares, or strips, depending on how you plan to use them.

Cutting lefse into the desired shape and size is an essential step before wrapping it for freezing or serving it. Here are the steps to follow when cutting lefse:

Place the cooked and cooled lefse on a flat surface like a cutting board.
Use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or a cookie cutter to cut the lefse into the desired size and shape. You can cut it into circles, squares, or triangles depending on your preference.

If you want to make smaller pieces of lefse, you can cut it into strips.
Use a ruler or a measuring tape to ensure that the lefse pieces are of the same size.
Once you have cut the lefse into the desired size and shape, you can proceed to wrap it for freezing or serve it.

Remember to handle the lefse carefully while cutting to prevent it from tearing or sticking together. By following these simple steps, you can cut your lefse into the desired size and shape for freezing or serving.

Step 4: Wrap the lefse

Next, wrap the lefse tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Be sure to wrap each piece individually to prevent them from sticking together. You can also place a layer of parchment paper between the lefse to make them easier to separate

Here are the steps to follow when wrapping lefse:

Cut the lefse into the desired size and shape.
Place a piece of plastic wrap or aluminum foil on a flat surface, with the shiny side facing dow
Place one piece of lefse on the plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Wrap the lefse tightly, making sure that there are no air pockets.
Twist the ends of the plastic wrap or aluminum foil tightly to seal the lefse.
Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining pieces of lefse.

If you’re planning to freeze the lefse, place the wrapped lefse in a freezer-safe container or a plastic bag.
Label the container or bag with the date and type of bread, and store it in the freezer.

By wrapping the lefse properly, you can prevent it from getting freezer burn and maintain its freshness for an extended period. When serving the lefse, you can also use the same wrapping technique to keep it fresh until you’re ready to eat it.

Step 5: Label and Freeze

Finally, label the wrapped lefse with the date and type of bread and place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Be sure to remove any excess air from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Place the container in the freezer and store the lefse for up to three months.

How long can lefse last in the freezer?

Lefse can last for up to 8 months in the freezer if stored properly. It’s important to wrap the lefse tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date of freezing to keep track of the lefse’s freshness.

How long does homemade lefse last in the fridge?

Homemade lefse can last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if stored properly. To store lefse in the fridge, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or plastic bag. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

It’s important to note that the texture of lefse may change slightly after being refrigerated. It may become slightly drier or more brittle. To make it soft and pliable again, you can microwave it for a few seconds or heat it up on a griddle.

How to thaw lefse?

Remove the lefse from the freezer: Take the lefse out of the freezer and leave it in its wrapping to thaw.
Choose a thawing method: You can thaw the lefse in the refrigerator, at room temperature, or using a microwave.

Thawing in the refrigerator: Place the wrapped lefse in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight until it’s thawed.
Thawing at room temperature: Place the wrapped lefse on a plate or a baking sheet and leave it at room temperature for several hours until it’s thawed.
Thawing in the microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave to thaw the lefse. Remove the wrapping from the lefse and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the lefse on low power for 15 to 30 seconds, depending on the size of the lefse. Flip the lefse over and repeat the process until it’s thawed.

Check the lefse for dryness: Once the lefse is thawed, check it for any dryness or toughness. If it’s dry, you can sprinkle a little bit of water on the surface or wrap it in a damp paper towel and heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to add moisture.

By following these simple steps, you can thaw your lefse properly and enjoy it fresh and soft, just like it was when you first made it.

Can you freeze uncooked lefse?

Prepare the lefse dough: Follow the recipe to prepare the lefse dough as usual.

Divide the dough: Divide the dough into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball.
Wrap the dough: Wrap each dough ball in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to seal it tightly.
Store in the freezer: Place the wrapped dough balls in a freezer-safe container or a plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and type of bread, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw the dough: When you’re ready to use the lefse dough, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Roll out and cook the lefse: Once the dough has thawed, roll it out into thin circles and cook them on a griddle or a large frying pan, following the same steps as cooking fresh lefse.

By freezing uncooked lefse, you can have fresh, homemade lefse anytime you want, without the need to prepare the dough from scratch every time. Just make sure to store the dough properly to prevent freezer burn and maintain its freshness.

What are the best ways to store lefse?

There are several ways to store lefse, depending on how long you want to keep it fresh. Here are the best ways to store lefse:

Room temperature:

If you’re planning to eat the lefse within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Refrigerator:

If you want to store the lefse for a longer period, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap the lefse in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. Lefse can last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezer:

Lefse can be frozen for up to 8 months. Wrap the lefse tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date of freezing and store it in the freezer.