Perunalaatikko

Perunalaatikko, literally "potato casserole," is a traditional Finnish oven-baked dish made primarily from potatoes, milk or cream, and butter. It is a staple side dish in Finnish homes, especially during Christmas, though it is prepared for other festive meals and occasionally as an everyday accompaniment.

Typical preparations use either raw grated potatoes or cooked, mashed potatoes folded into a batter of milk or cream, eggs, and a small amount of flour or potato flour as a thickener. The mixture is seasoned with salt and white pepper; some recipes add a pinch of grated nutmeg or allspice. A little sautéed onion is common in many homes. The batter is poured into a greased baking dish and baked slowly until it is set and the top turns light golden.

Perunalaatikko is usually served as a side dish to roasted or salted meats, notably Christmas ham (joulukinkku), but it also accompanies fish and other roasts. It is commonly served with lingonberry or cranberry sauce and pickled cucumber. It belongs to the Finnish family of laatikot, baked casseroles that are traditional during the holiday season.

Regional or family variations exist. Some cooks use only raw potatoes, others combine both raw and partially cooked potatoes. Some add bacon or onion for extra flavor, and some use breadcrumbs on top or different flours as thickeners.