Our full guide on the 3 Most Popular Scandinavian Dishes for you to cook at home or to try on your next trip.
Scandinavian cuisine is known for its simplicity, reliance on fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and emphasis on preserving traditional flavors. Here are three of the most popular Scandinavian dishes, along with detailed recipe guides, tips, and calorie information.
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Tips for Authentic Scandinavian Cooking
Use the freshest ingredients available, especially for seafood and vegetables.
Scandinavian dishes often use simple seasoning to let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine.
Pay attention to presentation, especially with smørrebrød, where the visual appeal is as important as the taste.
Serve Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce or mashed potatoes for an authentic touch.
Most Popular Scandinavian Dishes
1. Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
Add ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, egg, allspice, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix well until combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter for the sauce. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve
Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to heat through. Serve hot, traditionally with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce.
Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Read here how to make Swedish Meatballs
2. Norwegian Salmon with Dill Sauce
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Dill Sauce:
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Salmon
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Prepare the Dill Sauce
In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
Serve
Serve the baked salmon fillets with the dill sauce on the side and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Read here how to make Norweigan Salmon
3. Danish Open-Faced Sandwiches (Smørrebrød)
Ingredients:
4 slices rye bread
4 oz butter or spreadable cheese
Various toppings (e.g., smoked salmon, herring, roast beef, liver pâté)
Garnishes (e.g., sliced cucumber, radishes, pickled onions, fresh dill)
Instructions:
Prepare the Bread
Spread each slice of rye bread with a generous layer of butter or spreadable cheese.
Add the Toppings
Arrange your chosen toppings on the bread slices. Traditional combinations include smoked salmon with dill and lemon, herring with pickled onions, roast beef with remoulade, and liver pâté with pickles.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish each open-faced sandwich with fresh herbs, sliced vegetables, or pickles for added flavor and presentation.
Serve immediately.
Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per sandwich, depending on toppings.
Read here how to make Danish Sandwiches
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.