gratin on falu sausage, pasta

Falun Sausage and Pasta Gratin (Creamy & Comforting)

Falun sausage and pasta gratin is a hearty oven-baked dish popular in Scandinavian home cooking. Smoky Falun sausage is combined with tender pasta and a rich, creamy sauce, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

This gratin is filling, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—add vegetables, extra cheese, or herbs to suit your taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky, savory Falun sausage flavor

• Creamy sauce with melted cheese

• Simple ingredients and easy preparation

• Perfect make-ahead family meal

• Comfort food at its best

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Ingredients

• 400 g Falun sausage, sliced or cubed

• 300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp butter or oil

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooking cream or heavy cream

• 1 cup (100 g) grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swedish prästost)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Optional Add-ins

• Peas, bell peppers, or broccoli

• Dijon mustard (1 tsp) for depth

• Breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

2. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add Falun sausage and cook until lightly browned.

3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.

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Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Reduce heat to low.

2. Stir in cream, black pepper, paprika, and salt.

3. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.

4. Add half of the grated cheese and stir until melted.

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Step 4: Assemble the Gratin

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Combine pasta and sausage sauce.

3. Transfer to a greased baking dish.

4. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top.

5. Optional: add breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

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Step 5: Bake

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

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Step 6: Serve

• Garnish with parsley or chives.

• Serve hot with a fresh green salad or pickled vegetables.

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Tips for the Best Gratin

• Don’t overcook pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven

• Use smoked cheese for extra depth

• Add vegetables for balance and nutrition

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving

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Variations

• Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot paprika

• Cheesy: Mix in Gruyère or Emmental

• Light Version: Use half cream, half milk

• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or zucchini

• Mustard Twist: Stir in Dijon mustard

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers for 3 days

• Reheat in oven or microwave

• Freeze unbaked gratin up to 2 months

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Serving Suggestions

• Simple cucumber salad

• Steamed green beans

• Pickled beets or gherkins

• Crusty bread

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Final Thoughts

Falun sausage and pasta gratin is a cozy, satisfying dish that brings smoky flavor and creamy comfort together in one easy bake. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.