The Swedish Flying Jacob casserole serves 6, with 20 min prep, 35 min baking, 55 min total. A layered dish of chicken, bacon, bananas, cream, chili sauce, and peanuts. Sweet, savory, creamy, crunchy. A comforting bake, playful twist, crowd-pleasing family favorite, golden top, rich sauce, unforgettable flavor.
Traditional Swedish Flying Jacob Casserole Experience
A comforting family favorite with a playful twist
The Swedish Flying Jacob casserole combines rich, creamy textures with surprising layers of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that make it one of Sweden’s most beloved comfort foods. At its heart, this dish brings together tender chicken, smoky bacon, cream, and bananas in an irresistible baked casserole topped with peanuts. The combination may sound unusual at first, but once baked together, it transforms into a perfectly balanced meal that has earned cult status across Scandinavian households.
Origins of Flying Jacob
Flying Jacob, or Flygande Jacob in Swedish, was created in the 1970s by Ove Jacobsson, a man who worked in the air freight industry—hence the playful name. The dish quickly spread through Swedish home kitchens thanks to its simplicity, affordability, and comforting taste. It became especially popular at gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, where its generous portions and satisfying flavors brought people together. Today, it remains a classic recipe often passed down through generations, with variations appearing in modern cookbooks and food blogs.
Flavor profile and ingredients that define the dish
- Chicken: Provides a tender, protein-rich base that absorbs the cream and spices.
- Bacon: Adds smoky, salty depth, balancing the sweetness of the bananas.
- Bananas: The signature twist, lending a soft, sweet contrast that makes the dish memorable.
- Cream and chili sauce: Create the creamy, slightly tangy sauce that binds all components together.
- Peanuts: Sprinkled on top for crunch and a nutty finish that enhances every bite.
This casserole is baked until bubbling and golden, producing an aroma that fills the kitchen with anticipation. The different textures—creamy sauce, tender chicken, crisp bacon, and crunchy peanuts—make it not only a dish to eat but also an experience.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfect for a family dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable.
- A unique casserole that stands out from ordinary chicken bakes.
- Brings together sweet and savory flavors in a way that surprises and delights.
- Simple to prepare in advance, making it ideal for weeknight meals or gatherings.
- A comfort food classic with a story, giving it character beyond taste.
Storage and make-ahead
- Room temperature: up to 2 days, covered.
- Freezing: up to 2 months in an airtight container.
- Reheating: 150 °C (300 °F) for 8–10 minutes until heated through.
The cultural relevance of Flying Jacob
More than just a casserole, the Flying Jacob reflects the Swedish love of practicality and creativity in cooking. It merges accessible pantry ingredients with a touch of playfulness, resulting in a dish that feels both familiar and adventurous. Over the decades, it has become a symbol of Swedish comfort food, appearing on festive tables as well as in everyday kitchens. Its playful combination of ingredients continues to intrigue new generations, keeping it alive as a timeless favorite.
Chef’s insight into preparation and serving
Flying Jacob works wonderfully as a one-dish meal. It is traditionally served with a crisp green salad to balance the richness and sometimes with rice on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. The casserole itself requires little garnish because the topping of bacon and peanuts already provides texture and visual appeal. However, a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving adds color and freshness.
Variations and modern takes
While the original remains iconic, modern cooks experiment with lighter creams, turkey or vegetarian substitutes, or different nut toppings. Despite these variations, the essence of Flying Jacob remains unchanged: a creamy, comforting bake with a sweet-savory twist that makes it unforgettable.
Flying Jacob as a family tradition
In Swedish households, Flying Jacob often becomes part of family traditions—served on weekends, holidays, or casual gatherings. Its crowd-pleasing nature and easy preparation make it a dish that encourages togetherness. For many, the casserole represents not only a flavorful meal but also the warmth of shared moments around the table.
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- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 9x13 inch / 33x23 cm).
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil (15 ml) in a skillet over medium heat. Season 1.5 lbs chicken breast (680 g) with 1 tsp salt (6 g) and ½ tsp black pepper (2 g). Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside and no longer pink inside. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Fry the bacon: Place 6 slices bacon (150 g) in the same skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
- Slice the bananas: Peel and slice 2 bananas (200 g) into thin, even rounds about 0.5 cm thick.
- Assemble the casserole: Place the cubed chicken evenly in the baking dish. Layer banana slices on top of the chicken. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the bananas.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream (200 ml) and ½ cup chili sauce (120 ml) until smooth and combined.
- Pour and bake: Pour the sauce evenly over the casserole layers. Bake in the oven at 375 °F (190 °C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden on top.
- Add peanuts and finish baking: Remove the dish, sprinkle ½ cup roasted peanuts (75 g) on top, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until peanuts are slightly toasted.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
FAQ questionCan I substitute the bananas in Flying Jacob?
Yes, you can substitute the bananas with sliced plantains or omit them entirely if you prefer a less sweet casserole. However, the classic recipe includes bananas, and leaving them out changes the unique flavor balance that makes the dish special.
FAQ questionWhat allergens are in Swedish Flying Jacob casserole?
The casserole contains peanuts, cream, and bacon (pork). It is naturally gluten-free. To adapt, use lactose-free cream for dairy sensitivity, swap peanuts for sunflower seeds for nut-free, and replace bacon with turkey or omit for pork-free diets.
FAQ questionWhy is my Flying Jacob sauce too thin?
The sauce may be too thin if the cream was not whipped slightly or if too much liquid from the chicken remained. To fix, ensure the chicken is cooked and drained well before layering, and use heavy cream with sufficient fat content to thicken during baking.
FAQ questionCan I freeze Flying Jacob casserole?
Yes, Flying Jacob can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the baked casserole cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat at 300 °F (150 °C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid freezing with fresh parsley garnish; add it after reheating.
FAQ questionHow should Flying Jacob be served?
Flying Jacob is best served hot, directly from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad for balance, and add rice or potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness before bringing it to the table.
FAQ questionIs Flying Jacob casserole gluten-free or lactose-free?
The original recipe is naturally gluten-free. For lactose-free, replace cream with oat or lactose-free cream. Vegan versions are difficult since chicken and bacon are essential; no suitable substitution captures the traditional flavor.
FAQ questionHow do I prevent the peanuts from burning?
To avoid burnt peanuts, add them only in the final 5 minutes of baking. This gives a toasted crunch without overcooking, keeping their flavor nutty and pleasant instead of bitter.
We tested and refined this casserole many times, adjusting layers and sauce balance to achieve the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Our professional practice ensures the Flying Jacob turns out authentic every time.
PEKIS – professional chef and recipe developer with over 25 years of experience, specialized in European and international cuisine.
Flavor and texture of Swedish Flying Jacob casserole
The Swedish Flying Jacob casserole combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, sweet bananas, creamy sauce, and crunchy peanuts into a single dish that feels both comforting and surprising. The flavor balance is unique: salty and sweet, rich and light, all held together in a baked casserole that turns golden and bubbling in under an hour. Each bite delivers creamy depth with crisp textures, making it a dish that stands apart from ordinary chicken bakes.
Easy preparation and timing
With only 20 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of baking, this casserole is straightforward for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings. The steps are simple, using accessible ingredients layered in a baking dish. The quick cooking time makes it possible to enjoy a warm, homemade meal without long hours in the kitchen.
Dietary flexibility and substitutions
Flying Jacob is naturally gluten-free, which makes it suitable for many guests without modifications. For those avoiding dairy, the cream can be replaced with oat or lactose-free cream, while nuts can be swapped for sunflower seeds to create a nut-free version. Although the classic recipe relies on chicken and bacon, lighter variations using turkey or plant-based cream adapt the dish while keeping its essence intact.
Best occasions to serve
The Swedish Flying Jacob casserole works equally well as a weeknight dinner, a family weekend meal, or a potluck dish to share. Its creamy layers and playful mix of flavors make it especially suitable for gatherings, where the unusual combination always sparks conversation. With its balance of sweet and savory, quick preparation, and flexible adaptations, this casserole remains a standout in both tradition and taste.
The reason Flying Jacob is special lies in its character: a dish that blends unexpected ingredients into a harmonious whole, offering warmth, comfort, and surprise—perfect for family tables, festive occasions, or whenever a truly memorable meal is needed.
Allergens
- Contains peanuts, milk (cream), and pork (bacon).
- Gluten-free.
Substitution tips
- Replace peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds for nut-free version.
- Replace cream with lactose-free cream or oat-based cream alternative.
- Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit for pork-free version.
- Gluten-free: already suitable.
Vitamins & minerals (per serving)
- Vitamin A: 220 µg – supports vision and immune health.
- Vitamin C: 9 mg – strengthens immune system.
- Vitamin B6: 0.6 mg – aids metabolism and brain function.
- Potassium: 720 mg – regulates fluid balance and muscle function.
- Magnesium: 55 mg – supports energy and bone health.
- Iron: 2.4 mg – essential for red blood cell production.
- Calcium: 85 mg – important for strong bones and teeth.
Antioxidants (per serving)
- Vitamin E: 3 mg – protects cells from oxidative stress.
- Selenium: 16 µg – supports thyroid function and immunity.
- Beta-carotene: 180 µg – promotes skin and eye health.
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