Both North Dakota and South Dakota have implemented the classic Norweigan flatbread dish into their culinary cultures, but South Dakota is taking the crown as its state's go-to dish. With potato crops being prevalent in the region, Norweigan immigrants would make mass amounts of the lefse as a reminder of their home country. The famous flatbread became widely popular with the native South Dakotans and different variations of the flatbread were born throughout the state.
Lefse is made using potatoes as a base, flour, butter, and milk/cream and cooked on a large griddle. Specific tools like large wooden turning sticks and rolling pin with deep grooves are essential to perfecting the bread that is often rolled up and served as is. While lefse is often served during the holiday season, it also is eaten during every meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Scandinavian elders have single-handedly provided the state of South Dakota with a dish that is now apart of its own culture.