Jansson's Temptation Swedish Potato and Anchovy Casserole

Warm, comforting, and undeniably rich, Jansson’s Temptation is a classic Swedish potato and anchovy casserole that’s perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. This traditional dish layers thinly sliced waxy potatoes, sautéed onions, and savory anchovies in a creamy sauce, all topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. The combination of the briny anchovies and the luscious, buttery cream creates a uniquely indulgent flavor that’s both hearty and refined. Simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, it bakes to perfection with just the right balance of crispiness and tenderness. Serve this Scandinavian favorite as a stand-alone dish or pair it with a crisp green salad or tangy pickled vegetables to enhance its robust flavors. Perfect for fans of traditional comfort food or those exploring Nordic cuisine, Jansson’s Temptation is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 900 grams Potatoes (waxy variety, such as Yukon Gold)
• 2 medium Yellow onion
• 125 grams Anchovy fillets (or Swedish sprats in brine, drained)
• 300 milliliters Heavy cream
• 100 milliliters Milk (whole)
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons Breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper (freshly ground)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin strips (around 5-7 mm thick), similar to matchsticks. Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Step 3

Peel and thinly slice the onions.

Step 4

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

Grease a 2-liter (approximately 8x8 inch) casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.

Step 6

Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 7

Begin layering the casserole: Start with a layer of potatoes at the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of sautéed onions. Arrange a few anchovy fillets on top, spacing them out evenly. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.

Step 8

In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered potatoes.

Step 9

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.

Step 10

Dot the surface with small pieces of the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil midway through baking.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly.

Step 13

Serve warm as a main dish or a hearty side. It pairs well with a crisp salad or pickled vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1720.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2465.3

Total Fat 142.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 438.4mg	0%
Sodium 7874.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 214.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 24.5g
Protein 60.7g	0%

Vitamin D 306.9IU	0%
Calcium 408.0mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 4651.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.8%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 36.0%