Have you ever wondered what Swedish traditional meals taste like? Let me spill the tea on these incredible dishes that have stolen my heart.
Growing up, I never knew Swedish food could be this amazing until I tried it. Trust me, it’s not just about meatballs. These recipes tell stories of cozy winter nights and summer festivities.
1. Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs)
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Ground beef (1 lb) – $8.99
- Ground pork (1/2 lb) – $4.50
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – $1.50
- Milk (1/2 cup) – $0.50
- Onion (1 medium) – $0.75
- Eggs (1 large) – $0.40
- Allspice (1 tsp) – $0.30
- Nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – $0.25
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – $3.99
- Beef broth (2 cups) – $2.50
- Lingonberry jam (1 jar) – $5.99
Cook time: About 45 mins total
Instructions
- First things first, soak your breadcrumbs in milk for like 5 mins until they’re all mushy
- Finely chop that onion (literally as fine as you can get it) and sauté until translucent – about 5 mins
- Mix your meats, soaked breadcrumbs, cooked onion, egg, spices, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Get in there with your hands, bestie!
- Roll into cute little 1-inch balls (you should get around 24)
- Heat up a large skillet with some butter and fry those babies in batches until they’re golden brown all over (like 8-10 mins)
- For the gravy (this is where the magic happens), pour out most of the fat but keep like 2 tbsp
- Add flour (3 tbsp), whisk it with the fat for a minute
- Slowly pour in your beef broth and cream, whisking constantly
- Let it simmer until it’s thicc (about 5-8 mins)
- Put the meatballs back in and let them get cozy in the sauce for a few mins
- Serve with lingonberry jam and no I will not take criticism on this point
2. Gravlax (Cured Salmon)
Not to be dramatic, but this is literally the most luxurious thing ever? It’s like butter-soft salmon with this fresh dill situation that’s low-key addictive. The cure gives it this perfect balance of sweet and salty that’s just chef’s kiss.
Ingredients (serves 8-10):
- Fresh salmon fillet (2 lbs) – $24.99
- Fresh dill (2 large bunches) – $5.00
- Sea salt (1/2 cup) – $0.75
- Sugar (1/2 cup) – $0.50
- White pepper (1 tbsp) – $0.30
- For the sauce:
- Dijon mustard (1/4 cup) – $1.50
- Fresh dill (1 bunch) – $2.50
- Honey (1 tbsp) – $0.25
- Oil (1/2 cup) – $1.00
Cure time: 48-72 hours (I know, the waiting is brutal)
Instructions
- Check your salmon for any pin bones – get those out!
- Mix your salt, sugar, and pepper in a bowl
- Grab a glass or ceramic dish that’ll fit your salmon
- Put down a layer of dill
- Place half your salmon skin-side down
- Cover that baby with half your salt mix
- Add more dill (yes, more)
- Repeat with the other piece of salmon
- Wrap it all up tight in plastic wrap
- Put something heavy on top (like cans or whatever)
- Refrigerate for 48-72 hours, flipping every 12 hours
- When it’s done, rinse off the cure and pat dry
- Slice it super thin at an angle
- For the sauce, blend all sauce ingredients until smooth
3. Ärtsoppa (Yellow Pea Soup)
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Dried yellow peas (2 cups) – $3.99
- Ham hock or pork belly (1 lb) – $7.99
- Onion (1 large) – $0.75
- Thyme (1 bunch) – $1.99
- Marjoram (1 tsp dried) – $0.50
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.25
- Mustard for serving – $2.50
Cook time: 3 hours (plus overnight soaking)
Instructions
- Soak those peas overnight, no skipping this step bestie
- Drain and rinse the peas, put them in a large pot
- Add your pork, onion (whole), and herbs
- Cover with water (about 8 cups), bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for like 2.5 hours
- Remove the pork and onion
- Season to taste
- Serve with a dollop of mustard and some crusty bread
4. Janssons Frestelse (Jansson’s Temptation)
The combo of creamy potatoes, sweet onions, and salty anchovies is straight fire. It’s like a potato gratin but make it Swedish and 100% more interesting.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Potatoes (3 lbs) – $4.99
- Swedish sprat/anchovies (2 tins) – $8.99
- Heavy cream (2 cups) – $7.98
- Onions (2 large) – $1.50
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup) – $0.75
- Butter (4 tbsp) – $1.00
Cook time: 1 hour
Instructions
- Slice potatoes into thin matchsticks (use a mandoline if you’re fancy)
- Cut onions into thin slices and sauté until soft
- Layer in a dish: potatoes, onions, anchovies, repeat
- Pour cream over everything
- Top with breadcrumbs and butter dots
- Bake at 375°F for 45 mins until golden and bubbly
5. Raggmunk (Swedish Potato Pancakes)
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside with this buttery goodness that’s literally everything. The lingonberries cut through the richness and it’s a whole vibe.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Potatoes (2 lbs) – $2.99
- Flour (1/2 cup) – $0.30
- Egg (2 large) – $0.80
- Milk (1/2 cup) – $0.50
- Butter for frying – $2.00
- Lingonberry jam – $5.99
Cook time: 45 minutes
Instructions
- Grate potatoes (squeeze out excess moisture)
- Mix with flour, eggs, milk, salt
- Heat butter in a pan
- Drop batter by 1/4 cup, spread thin
- Fry until golden on both sides (about 3 mins each)
- Serve with lingonberries and more butter because why not
6. Kroppkakor (Potato Dumplings)
These dumplings are not playing – the potato wrapper is soft and tender, while the pork filling is literally bursting with flavor. When you hit them with butter and lingonberries? Dead.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Potatoes (3 lbs) – $4.50
- Flour (1 cup) – $0.60
- Ground pork (1 lb) – $8.99
- Onion (1 large) – $0.75
- Allspice (1 tsp) – $0.30
- Butter for serving – $2.00
Cook time: 1.5 hours
Instructions
- Boil and mash potatoes, let cool
- Mix with flour to make dough
- Cook pork with onions and spices
- Form potato dough into balls, stuff with pork
- Boil in salted water until they float (15-20 mins)
- Serve with melted butter and lingonberries
7. Kålpudding (Cabbage Pudding)
This dish is low-key addictive with caramelized cabbage that’s sweet and tender, plus the meat mixture is seasoned to perfection.
Ingredients (serves 8):
- Cabbage (1 large head) – $3.99
- Ground beef (1 lb) – $8.99
- Rice (1 cup) – $1.00
- Molasses (2 tbsp) – $0.50
- Eggs (2) – $0.80
- Cream (1/2 cup) – $1.99
Cook time: 1.5 hours
Instructions
- Slice and caramelize cabbage (takes about 30 mins)
- Mix meat, rice, eggs, and seasonings
- Layer cabbage and meat mixture in a baking dish
- Pour cream over top
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour
- Let rest for 10 mins before serving
8. Pytt i Panna (Swedish Hash)
The perfect comfort food doesn’t exi- wait, yes it does. Crispy potatoes, tender meat, and that runny egg on top? I can’t even.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Leftover meat (1 lb) – $0 (using leftovers)
- Potatoes (2 lbs) – $2.99
- Onions (2) – $1.50
- Eggs (4) – $1.60
- Pickled beets – $3.99
- Butter for frying – $2.00
Cook time: 45 minutes
Instructions
- Dice everything into small cubes
- Fry potatoes until crispy (about 15 mins)
- Add onions, cook until soft
- Add meat, heat through
- Fry eggs separately
- Top each portion with an egg and serve with beets
9. Laxpudding (Salmon Pudding)
It’s giving luxe comfort food vibes – layers of buttery potatoes and tender salmon with this dill situation that’s absolutely unreal.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Fresh salmon (1.5 lbs) – $18.99
- Potatoes (2 lbs) – $2.99
- Fresh dill (1 large bunch) – $2.50
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – $3.99
- Eggs (2) – $0.80
- Butter (4 tbsp) – $1.00
- Leeks (2) – $2.99
Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, slice when cool
- Poach salmon until just done
- Slice leeks and sauté until soft
- Layer in a dish: potatoes, salmon, leeks, dill
- Mix cream and eggs, pour over
- Dot with butter
- Bake at 350°F for 45 mins until golden
10. Stekt Strömming (Pan-Fried Herring)
These little fish are serving crispy-skinned realness with perfectly tender flesh that’s literally chef’s kiss. The brown butter sauce? I can’t even.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Fresh herring fillets (1.5 lbs) – $12.99
- Butter (1/2 cup) – $2.00
- Flour for dredging – $0.30
- Lingonberries – $5.99
- Fresh parsley – $1.99
- Lemon (1) – $0.50
- Mashed potatoes for serving – $3.99
Cook time: 30 minutes
Instructions
- Clean and butterfly herring (if not already done)
- Season fish and dredge in flour
- Heat butter until foamy
- Fry fish 2-3 mins each side until golden
- Make brown butter sauce with remaining butter
- Serve with mashed potatoes, lingonberries
- Garnish with parsley and lemon
11. Wallenbergare (Ground Veal Patties)
These are literally the most bougie burger situation – super creamy and delicate inside with a crispy exterior that’s absolutely everything.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Ground veal (1.5 lbs) – $15.99
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – $3.99
- Egg yolks (3) – $1.50
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – $1.50
- White pepper (1 tsp) – $0.30
- Green peas for serving – $2.99
- Lingonberries – $5.99
Cook time: 30 minutes
Instructions
- Mix veal, cream, egg yolks until smooth
- Form into oval patties
- Coat in breadcrumbs
- Pan-fry in butter until golden (4 mins each side)
- Serve with peas, lingonberries, and brown butter
12. Rotmos med Fläsk (Root Vegetable Mash with Pork)
The root mash is giving sweet-savory excellence while the pork brings this salty richness that’s straight-up addictive.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Pork belly (2 lbs) – $12.99
- Rutabaga (2 lbs) – $4.99
- Carrots (1 lb) – $1.99
- Potatoes (1 lb) – $1.50
- Cream (1/2 cup) – $1.99
- Butter (4 tbsp) – $1.00
Cook time: 2 hours
Instructions
- Boil pork until tender (about 1.5 hours)
- Cube all vegetables
- Cook vegetables until soft
- Mash with cream and butter
- Slice pork and serve over mash
13. Kåldolmar (Cabbage Rolls)
These rolls are the definition of comfort – tender cabbage wrapped around seasoned meat that’s been simmered in this rich gravy that’s literally to die for.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Cabbage head (1 large) – $3.99
- Ground beef (1 lb) – $8.99
- Ground pork (1/2 lb) – $4.50
- Rice (1 cup) – $1.00
- Onion (1) – $0.75
- Beef broth (2 cups) – $2.50
Cook time: 2 hours
Instructions
- Core cabbage and blanch leaves
- Mix meats, rice, and seasoning
- Roll meat mixture in cabbage leaves
- Place in baking dish with broth
- Bake covered at 350°F for 1.5 hours
14. Biff à la Lindström
Not your basic burger – these patties are loaded with pickled beets, capers, and this savory umami that’s honestly life-changing.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Ground beef (1.5 lbs) – $13.99
- Pickled beets (1/2 cup) – $2.99
- Capers (2 tbsp) – $1.99
- Onion (1) – $0.75
- Potatoes for serving – $2.99
Cook time: 45 minutes.
Instructions
- Finely chop beets and capers
- Mix with meat and diced onion
- Form into patties
- Pan-fry 4-5 mins each side
- Serve with boiled potatoes
15. Dillkött (Dill-stewed Beef)
The beef is fall-apart tender and swimming in this bright, dill-infused broth that’s pure Swedish nostalgia.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Beef chuck (2 lbs) – $15.99
- Fresh dill (2 bunches) – $5.00
- Carrots (1 lb) – $1.99
- Beef broth (4 cups) – $4.99
- White peppercorns – $0.50
Cook time: 2.5 hours.
Instructions
- Brown meat in chunks
- Add broth and vegetables
- Simmer for 2 hours
- Add fresh dill at the end
- Serve with boiled potatoes
16. Lutfisk (Dried Whitefish)
This traditional dish is serving unique texture with a mild flavor that’s all about that creamy bechamel sauce life.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Lutfisk (2 lbs) – $16.99
- Milk (2 cups) – $1.99
- Butter (1/2 cup) – $2.00
- Flour (1/4 cup) – $0.30
- White pepper – $0.30
- Green peas – $2.99
Cook time: 1 hour
Instructions
- Soak fish according to package
- Poach gently until flaky
- Make bechamel sauce
- Serve with sauce, peas, potatoes
17. Älggryta (Elk Stew)
This stew is pure forest vibes – rich, earthy, and loaded with mushrooms that complement the tender elk meat perfectly.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Elk meat (2 lbs) – $24.99
- Mixed mushrooms (1 lb) – $8.99
- Root vegetables (2 lbs) – $4.99
- Red wine (1 cup) – $3.99
- Juniper berries – $1.99
Cook time: 3 hours
Instructions
- Brown meat in batches
- Add vegetables and mushrooms
- Pour in wine and broth
- Simmer until meat is tender
- Season with juniper berries
18. Skomakarlåda (Shoemaker’s Box)
It’s beef tenderloin taken to the next level with a potato gratin that’s honestly too good to be real.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Beef tenderloin (1.5 lbs) – $29.99
- Potatoes (2 lbs) – $2.99
- Heavy cream (2 cups) – $7.98
- Bacon (1/2 lb) – $4.99
- Onions (2) – $1.50
Cook time: 1.5 hours
Instructions
- Make potato gratin first
- Pan-sear beef to medium-rare
- Crisp bacon and caramelize onions
- Layer all components
- Bake until heated through
19. Kokt Torsk (Poached Cod)
The cod is giving delicate and flaky excellence, and that egg sauce? Low-key the star of the show.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Fresh cod (2 lbs) – $19.99
- Eggs (4) – $1.60
- Butter (1/2 cup) – $2.00
- Fresh parsley – $1.99
- Bay leaves – $0.50
- Potatoes – $2.99
Cook time: 45 minutes
Instructions
- Poach cod with bay leaves
- Make egg sauce with chopped eggs
- Boil potatoes
- Serve with melted butter
- Garnish with fresh parsley
20. Fläskpannkaka (Pork Pancake)
Think savory pancake but make it thicc – loaded with crispy pork bits and this custard-like texture that’s seriously next level.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Pork belly (1 lb) – $8.99
- Eggs (6) – $2.40
- Flour (2 cups) – $1.20
- Milk (4 cups) – $3.99
- Lingonberries – $5.99
Cook time: 1 hour
Instructions
- Dice and fry pork until crispy
- Mix batter: eggs, flour, milk
- Add pork to batter
- Bake in large pan at 400°F
- Serve with lingonberries
21. Isterband (Smoked Pork Sausage)
These sausages are literally smoking – they’ve got this tangy fermented moment that hits different, plus they’re juicy and rich in a way that’s totally addictive.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Isterband sausages (4 large) – $15.99
- Potatoes (2 lbs) – $2.99
- Pickled beets – $3.99
- Dill (1 bunch) – $2.50
- Mustard – $2.50
- Butter – $2.00
Cook time: 45 minutes
Instructions
- Simmer sausages gently in water
- Boil potatoes until tender
- Mash potatoes with butter and dill
- Slice sausages diagonally
- Serve with beets and mustard
22. Kalops (Beef Stew)
The beef is fall-apart tender and swimming in this dark, rich gravy seasoned with allspice that’s honestly everything.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Beef chuck (2 lbs) – $15.99
- Carrots (1 lb) – $1.99
- Onions (2 large) – $1.50
- Allspice berries – $0.99
- Bay leaves – $0.50
- Flour for thickening – $0.30
- Pickled beets – $3.99
Cook time: 2.5 hours
Instructions
- Cut beef into large cubes
- Brown meat in batches
- Add vegetables and spices
- Simmer until meat is tender
- Thicken gravy with flour
- Serve with pickled beets
23. Stekt Fläsk med Löksås (Fried Pork with Onion Sauce)
Crispy, salty pork belly meets this creamy onion sauce that’s straight-up transformative. It’s simple but seriously slaps.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Pork belly slices (1.5 lbs) – $12.99
- Onions (3 large) – $2.25
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – $3.99
- Flour (2 tbsp) – $0.20
- White pepper – $0.30
- Potatoes (2 lbs) – $2.99
Cook time: 1 hour
Instructions
- Fry pork until super crispy
- Caramelize onions slowly
- Make sauce with cream and flour
- Boil potatoes until tender
- Layer and serve hot
24. Renskav (Sautéed Reindeer)
The reindeer is giving tender, rich vibes with this subtle game flavor that’s literally unforgettable when paired with lingonberries.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Sliced reindeer meat (1.5 lbs) – $29.99
- Mushrooms (1/2 lb) – $4.99
- Cream (1 cup) – $3.99
- Lingonberries – $5.99
- Butter (4 tbsp) – $1.00
- Fresh thyme – $1.99
Cook time: 30 minutes
Instructions
- Quick-fry reindeer slices
- Sauté mushrooms in butter
- Make cream sauce
- Combine all ingredients
- Serve with lingonberries
25. Spättafilé (Pan-fried Plaice)
The place is serving crispy-edged perfection with flesh so tender it’s melting. That brown butter situation? I’m deceased.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Plaice fillets (1.5 lbs) – $16.99
- Butter (1/2 cup) – $2.00
- Lemon (1) – $0.50
- Fresh parsley – $1.99
- Flour for dredging – $0.30
- New potatoes (2 lbs) – $3.99
- Capers (optional) – $1.99
Cook time: 30 minutes
Instructions
- Dredge fish in seasoned flour
- Heat butter until foamy
- Fry fish until golden (2-3 mins each side)
- Make brown butter sauce
- Boil new potatoes
- Garnish with parsley, lemon, capers
Conclusion
After diving deep into these 25 traditional Swedish recipes, I’m obsessed with how they transform simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic! Whether you’re vibing with the classic meatballs, living for the rich stews, or falling hard for their seafood game, Swedish cuisine is seriously underrated.
