Juustukanas

Juustukanas is a traditional dish in a Finnic-influenced culinary tradition. The name appears to derive from words for cheese and chicken in Finnic languages, reflecting the dish’s core ingredients.

Typical ingredients include chicken, grated cheese, onions, potatoes, cream or milk, and butter, with herbs such as dill or parsley. Variations may incorporate mushrooms, sour cream, or yogurt to alter texture and richness, and cheese choices range from mild to sharp depending on local availability.

Preparation usually involves sautéing onion and chicken in butter, layering with thin potato slices and generous cheese, and then baking in the oven until the top is browned and the filling is tender. Some home cooks finish the dish under a broiler to create a crisp cheese crust.

Variations exist across households and small eateries in regions with Finnish and Baltic influence. Regional versions may substitute potatoes with cabbage or include other root vegetables; dairy components can be adjusted for lighter or richer outcomes.

Juustukanas is typically served as a main course, paired with a light salad, rye bread, or pickled vegetables. It is commonly prepared in home kitchens for family meals and has appeared in casual regional menus where hearty, cheese-forward poultry dishes are popular. See also: cheese casserole, baked chicken dishes, pan-fried chicken with cheese.