15 Swedish Recipes to Savor and Share

Swedish recipes offer a delightful taste of Scandinavian cuisine that is both rich and varied. Whether you are looking for comforting meatballs, sweet pastries, or hearty soups, Swedish cooking has something for everyone. These dishes often feature fresh ingredients and traditional flavors that can bring a warm, homey feel to your kitchen.

Trying your hand at these recipes is a great way to explore new flavors and cooking techniques. You might discover a new favorite dish that you want to share with family and friends. From iconic Swedish meatballs to delicious gingersnaps, each recipe tells a story of Swedish culture and tradition.

1) Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)

Swedish meatballs, or Köttbullar, are a beloved dish known for their savory flavor. They are usually made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned well, and shaped into small balls.

These meatballs are typically served with creamy gravy and often paired with lingonberry jam for a touch of sweetness. They make for a cozy meal that many enjoy year-round.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450 g) ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (60 g) bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Allspice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, sauté the chopped onion in butter until softened.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, pork, sautéed onion, egg, milk, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
4. Fry the meatballs in butter until browned.
5. Serve with gravy and lingonberry jam.

2) Räksmörgås (Swedish Shrimp Sandwich)

Räksmörgås is a classic Swedish dish that features shrimp on a slice of bread. This sandwich is not only delicious but also easy to make. Fresh ingredients make it stand out.

To prepare, you’ll need shrimp, mayonnaise, and a few fresh veggies. You can serve it on crusty bread, like rye or white, for added flavor. Adding dill for garnish enhances its taste.

This sandwich is often enjoyed with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of salt. It makes for a great lunch or snack that captures the essence of Swedish cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 200g shrimp (cooked and peeled)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 slices of bread (rye or white)
• Leafy lettuce
• Slices of cucumber and tomato
• Fresh dill
• Lemon wedges

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix the shrimp with mayonnaise in a bowl.
2. Place lettuce on each slice of bread.
3. Spread the shrimp mixture on the lettuce.
4. Top with cucumber and tomato slices.
5. Garnish with dill and serve with lemon wedges.

3) Jansson’s Temptation (Janssons frestelse)

Jansson’s Temptation is a beloved Swedish dish. This creamy potato casserole features layers of anchovies, onions, and potatoes. It has a rich flavor that makes it a favorite at holiday gatherings.

You prepare it by mixing the ingredients and baking until golden. It’s perfect for Christmas dinner or any special occasion. The warm, comforting dish is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 700 g raw potatoes
• 250 g anchovy fillets, marinated
• 2 large onions
• 300-400 ml cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Slice the potatoes and onions thinly.
3. In a baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, half of the onions, and half of the anchovies.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. Pour the cream over the top and dot with butter.
6. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

4) Kanelbullar (Swedish Cinnamon Buns)

Kanelbullar, or Swedish cinnamon buns, are a beloved treat in Sweden. These soft, sweet buns are flavored with cinnamon and cardamom, giving them a unique taste.

You can enjoy kanelbullar fresh from the oven or let them cool for a bit. They’re perfect for coffee breaks or as a snack any time of day.

To make kanelbullar, you’ll need basic ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, and butter. The preparation includes rolling out the dough, adding the filling, and twisting it into charming shapes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm the milk to about 100°F (38°C).
2. Mix yeast and sugar in a bowl, then add warm milk.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
4. Stir in melted butter and salt.
5. Add flour gradually and knead into a dough.
6. Let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
7. Roll the dough into a rectangle.
8. Spread melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon, and cardamom.
9. Cut into strips, twist, and shape into buns.
10. Place buns on a baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Brush tops with egg wash.
13. Bake for 13 to 17 minutes until golden brown.
14. Allow to cool before serving.

5) Pepparkakor Cookies

Pepparkakor cookies are traditional Swedish treats that are perfect for the holidays. These ginger-spiced cookies have a wonderful crunch and a delightful flavor. You can enjoy them plain or decorate them with icing.

To make these cookies, you’ll need a mix of warm spices. Common spices used include ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The dough is easy to work with after it chills, making it simple to roll out and cut into festive shapes.

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Once they are baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in sugar, molasses, and spices.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
5. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
6. Roll out and cut into shapes.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
8. Allow cookies to cool before decorating.

6) Gravlax

Gravlax is a traditional Scandinavian dish made from cured salmon. This recipe is simple and results in a flavorful and tender fish. It’s a popular choice for special occasions and is often served on a smorgasbord.

To make gravlax, you will need fresh salmon, salt, sugar, and dill. You can also add mustard and pepper for extra flavor. The process involves marinating the fish for a few days to let the flavors develop.

When it’s ready, you can slice it thin and serve it on bread or with a mustard sauce. It’s a delightful treat that brings a taste of Sweden to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of fresh salmon
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Fresh dill
• Optional: mustard and black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix salt, sugar, and any optional ingredients.
2. Rub the mixture over the salmon.
3. Place dill on top of the salmon.
4. Wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
5. Slice and serve.

7) Kroppkakor (Swedish Potato Dumplings)

Kroppkakor are delicious Swedish dumplings made from potatoes. They are often filled with a savory mixture of salt pork and onions. This dish is popular in Sweden and has roots in the Baltic region.

To start making kroppkakor, you will need to prepare a dough using mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs. After mixing, form small balls and create an indentation for the filling. Once you add the filling, pinch the dumplings closed.

Cook the dumplings in boiling water until they float to the top, which usually takes about 25 minutes. You can serve them with butter or a rich sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them.
2. Mix in flour, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the filling by sautéing the ground pork and onions.
4. Form the potato mixture into balls and create an indentation.
5. Fill with the pork mixture and seal.
6. Boil the dumplings in water until they float, about 25 minutes.

8) Kladdkaka (Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake)

Kladdkaka is a deliciously rich chocolate cake from Sweden. It’s known for its gooey and sticky texture. This cake is perfect for chocolate lovers and easy to make.

You can prepare it using basic ingredients you likely have at home. It’s a one-bowl recipe, so cleanup is a breeze! You can bake it in an 8-inch round pan or a square one.

Serve it warm or cold, often topped with powdered sugar and berries. This treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (40g) cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: powdered sugar and fresh berries for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until yellow.
3. Add melted butter and mix well.
4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until combined.
5. Pour batter into a greased pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The center should be soft.
7. Let it cool a bit before serving. Enjoy!

9) Semla (Swedish Cream Buns)

Semla is a delightful Swedish cream bun that people traditionally enjoy before Lent. These sweet buns have a soft, cardamom-infused dough filled with a creamy mixture and topped with whipped cream.

To make semla, start with the dough. The dough includes ingredients like flour, butter, milk, and yeast. Then, shape the dough into round buns and bake until golden.

The filling typically consists of a mix of almond paste and cream. You can customize the sweetness to your liking. Once the buns cool, you fill them generously with the creamy mixture and top it with more whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 100 g butter
• 300 ml milk
• 50 g fresh yeast
• 1 tsp crushed cardamom
• ½ tsp salt
• 85 g sugar
• 500-550 g plain flour
• 200 g marzipan
• 100 ml milk (for filling)
• 300 ml whipping cream
• Icing sugar for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter and warm the milk to 120°F-130°F (49°C-54°C).
2. Combine sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Then, add warm milk.
3. Mix in the melted butter and cardamom.
4. Add flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
5. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour.
6. Shape into buns and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes or until golden.
8. While cooling, mix marzipan with milk for the filling.
9. Whip the cream until soft peaks form.
10. Cut the tops of buns and fill with the marzipan mix and whipped cream. Dust with icing sugar.

10) Ärtsoppa (Swedish Pea Soup)

Ärtsoppa is a traditional Swedish pea soup made from yellow split peas. This comforting dish is often enjoyed on Thursdays, followed by sweet pancakes. The soup is thick, hearty, and flavored with smoked pork for extra taste.

To make Ärtsoppa, you will need ingredients like yellow split peas, ham, onions, and herbs. The process is simple, and there is nothing like a warm bowl of this soup on a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 500 g (1¼ lb) dried yellow split peas
• 450 g (1 lb) unsmoked ham hock
• 1 Tbsp oil
• 2 sticks of celery, diced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 8 cups water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the peas and soak them overnight.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil and sauté onions and celery.
3. Add the soaked peas and ham hock along with water.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1.5 hours.
5. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper before serving.

11) Lingonberry Sauce

Lingonberry sauce is a classic in Swedish cuisine. It’s sweet and tart, making it a perfect complement to savory dishes. You can serve it with meatballs, pancakes, or even yogurt.

Making this sauce is simple and quick. If you can find lingonberries, you can whip up a batch in about 15 minutes. Many recipes use ingredients you likely already have at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups lingonberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine lingonberries, sugar, and water.
2. Heat over medium heat until it simmers.
3. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
5. Let it cool before serving.

12) Ostkaka (Swedish Cheesecake)

Ostkaka, or Swedish cheesecake, is a delightful treat that is perfect for special occasions. This dessert has a unique texture because it uses cottage cheese, giving it a light and fluffy feel.

You will enjoy its subtle sweetness and flavor from ground almonds and lemon zest. Traditionally, it is served with whipped cream and fruit preserves.

Here’s how you can enjoy this tasty cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for serving)
• Fruit preserves (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, almond flour, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until set and lightly browned.
5. Let cool, then serve with whipped cream and fruit preserves. Enjoy!

13) Blåbärssoppa (Blueberry Soup)

Blåbärssoppa, or Swedish Blueberry Soup, is a delightful treat enjoyed in Sweden. It can be served hot during the winter or chilled on a warm day. The soup’s sweet and fruity flavor comes from using fresh blueberries.

This dish is easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s a perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert option. You’ll love how nutritious blueberries can be when blended into a comforting soup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine blueberries and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, mashing the blueberries slightly.
3. Strain the mixture to remove skins and seeds, returning the liquid to the pot.
4. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and add to the pot.
5. Stir in the lemon juice.
6. Serve hot or refrigerate to enjoy chilled.

14) Kalops (Swedish Beef Stew)

Kalops is a comforting Swedish beef stew that has been enjoyed for generations. It features tender pieces of beef simmered with vegetables and spices, creating a rich and hearty dish.

To prepare kalops, you start by cutting beef into chunks. Then, you coat it with flour, which helps thicken the sauce. After that, sauté it in olive oil until it’s browned.

Next, add onions, carrots, and spices like allspice and bay leaves for flavor. Then, pour in some water or broth and let it simmer for about an hour.

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 10-15 whole allspice
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups water (about 480 ml)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Coat the beef chunks with flour.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Brown the beef in the pot.
4. Add onions and carrots, cooking until soft.
5. Stir in allspice and bay leaves.
6. Pour in water, bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.

15) Pytt i Panna (Swedish Hash)

Pytt i panna is a traditional Swedish dish that you can enjoy any time of the day. The name translates to “small pieces in a pan.” It’s a great way to use leftovers, especially meat and potatoes.

Start by cutting your ingredients into small cubes. You can use beef, pork, or any kind of meat you like. Then, fry them in butter with chopped onions until golden.

Serve your Swedish hash with a fried egg on top for breakfast or as a hearty dinner. It’s simple, delicious, and filling!

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced meat (beef, sausage, or ham)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add butter and let it melt.
3. Sauté onions until golden, then set aside.
4. In the same pan, fry the diced potatoes until tender.
5. Add the meat and sauté until heated through.
6. Stir back in the onions and season with salt and pepper.
7. Top with a fried egg, if desired.