How One Small Minnesota Town Made The World's Largest Lefse!

This small town in Minnesota has one BIG claim to fame: making the world’s largest lefse! It’s a mouth-watering marvel you won’t believe! 😲 #News #Minnesota #WorldRecord

Celebrate Norwegian Heritage in Minnesota!

STARBUCK, MN – Every town has its claim to fame, but Starbuck, Minnesota, has something truly extraordinary: the world’s largest lefse! This giant, delicious Norwegian flatbread, crafted in 1983, has become a legendary part of the town’s history.

Imagine a community coming together, fueled by excitement and pride, to create a 9-foot, 8-inch masterpiece. This culinary marvel didn’t just break records; it brought the town closer and etched Starbuck into the annals of quirky world records.

Today the story is preserved by a plaque at the the Starbuck Depot Museum. This museum preserves the memories of the town’s early days and the important railway that once ran through it. Visitors can step back in time and experience the charm of a bygone era. So how exactly did this large lefse come to be? Well, hold on to your lutefisk because we’ve got the story for ‘ya!

The Lefse Legacy: A Record-Breaking Feat

In 1983, the people of Starbuck witnessed an extraordinary event. The Starbuck Lions and baker Larry Kittelson teamed up to create the world’s largest lefse. This ambitious project drew a large crowd eager to see if they could pull it off.

The bakers carefully rolled out a massive piece of lefse, measuring 9 feet, 8 inches, and managed to cook it on a giant griddle. The event was a resounding success, and the accomplishment was recorded in Norway’s “Schibsted Book of Records.”

Annual Lefse Dagen: A Festive Tradition

Every May, Starbuck celebrates this record-setting lefse with Lefse Dagen, or Lefse Days. This event is a joyous occasion where people gather to learn how to make lefse, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate Norwegian culture.

The museum buildings open for tours, offering a glimpse into the past, while visitors can savor a variety of Norwegian specialties, including the beloved lefse. Entertainment and festivities make this a memorable event for all.

Making the world's largest lefse in Starbuck, Minnesota.

History of the World’s Largest Lefse: How It Happened

On July 1, 1983, the world’s largest lefse was crafted in Starbuck, Minnesota. The townspeople gathered to witness this incredible achievement and were rewarded with a taste of the giant lefse. Measuring an impressive 9 feet, 8 inches in diameter, this culinary marvel earned its place in Norway’s Schibsted Book of Records.

Crafting the Giant Lefse: A Step-by-Step Journey

The journey to creating the world’s largest lefse began with a “secret” recipe. Chief Baker Larry Kittelson and his team prepared the dough and, under the watchful eyes of Maurice Amundson and Earl Larson, rolled it out using a specially-constructed rolling pin. The rolled-out lefse was then ingeniously transferred from a hayrack bed to a hot griddle, a crucial step in the process.

Ingenious Techniques and Tools

The bakers used a “Swedish” contraption to move the lefse and a special non-stick spray to ensure it didn’t stick to the griddle. As the lefse cooked, the team patiently waited before flipping it using the Swedish invention. The record was authenticated by a carpenter and a notary public, ensuring its place in history.

A Community Celebration

Once the cooking was completed, the lefse was cut into smaller pieces and served to the eagerly waiting crowd. Decorated with butter and sugar, the lefse was enjoyed by everyone. Even the governor of Minnesota, Rudy Perpich, received a piece to enjoy while playing bocci ball.

Governor Declares Lefse Dagen

In recognition of this remarkable achievement, Governor Rudy Perpich declared April 21, 1987, as Lefse Dagen in Starbuck, Minnesota.

Bringing you the BEST of the Midwest - travel guidebooks by Jack and Kitty

He encouraged citizens to celebrate the legacy of the record-setting lefse by consuming ample quantities and exploring various ways to serve this Norwegian delicacy. Since then, May 16 has been a day of festivity and pride for the people of Starbuck, honoring their unique culinary heritage.

Visit the Starbuck Depot Museum Today!

The Starbuck Depot Museum is not just a repository of the past but a lively center where the community’s rich history is celebrated. Check out their website here.

Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of Norwegian culture, a visit to the museum during Lefse Days offers a delightful experience. Join the festivities, learn about the town’s heritage, and savor the flavors of Norway right in Starbuck, Minnesota. Happy travels!

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!