Bring the incredible flavors of Scandinavia right into your own kitchen with these easy dishes. I fell in love with this cuisine instantly during my time abroad in Sweden.
My wonderful local friend Susanna introduced me to everything from rich dark ginger cookies to airy Semlor buns. I fully embraced the culture of fika or coffee breaks with cake.
You will find sweet treats and savory dinner options on this list of 25 Swedish recipes.
1. Swedish Cinnamon Rolls
Cardamom possesses a very unique flavor profile. You might find it offers a pleasant fruity taste when used correctly but it is easy to overuse.
It provides a subtle undertone here that I really enjoy alongside the spicy cinnamon. These rolls get topped with Swedish pearl sugar which is a total revelation that you will want to put on everything.
2. Swedish Potato and Anchovy Casserole (Jansson’s Temptation)
I have discussed my deep love of potatoes before and how dishes like this represent the peak of incredible sides. This specific version is really something else entirely.
It never occurred to me to add anchovies to my potatoes alongside a creamy sauce. The little fish essentially dissolve into the dish as it cooks and leave behind a pleasant saltiness that enhances the flavor perfectly.
3. Rice Porridge (Risengrød or Risgrynsgröt)
The cook traditionally adds a single almond to the pot when serving this at Christmas. People say the person who finds the nut will be married the next year.
You can serve any leftovers as breakfast the following day. Jasmine is the best rice choice for this recipe and you can switch out the milk for coconut milk to make it dairy free.
4. Swedish Lingonberry Sauce
My first experience with lingonberry sauce happened with those meatballs my friend made. She made the sauce herself from scratch.
I felt hesitant to try sweet and tart berries with meaty meatballs and salty gravy but it really worked. Just trust me on this one and give it a shot.
5. Swedish Semlor Buns
I have spent years attempting to perfect these little babies. These soft sweet bread buns feature just a hint of cardamom and hold a heavenly filling of marzipan and whipped cream.
Nothing screams Christmas quite like these big buns dusted with powdered sugar after spending many winter days with my friend in Stockholm. You need to scoop out the center of the bread for the filling and mix the crumbs in a bowl with grated marzipan plus cream and almond extract.
6. Swedish Blueberry Soup
It took me a minute to wrap my head around this concept but if we eat gazpacho at lunch then blueberry soup for breakfast makes sense. Wild blueberries are absolutely essential for this recipe.
The flavor is incredible and gets spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg plus a touch of maple syrup for sweetness. Thicken the mixture with cornstarch and serve it either hot or cold.
7. Swedish Apple Pie
This decadent pie feels almost like an apple cobbler. You will need to make the topping and spoon it over your apple filling rather than using a layer of pastry.
The filling seeps into the apples as it cooks and creates a lovely crust. Be sure to cut your apples to a uniform size and play around with the spices like freshly grated nutmeg.
8. Braised Swedish Red Cabbage
It is not uncommon to see braised cabbage served as a side dish throughout Europe. I particularly like using red cabbage because the vibrant color livens up any table and the ingredient is very affordable.
Gently sauté the shredded cabbage before adding vinegar and water plus sugar and salt. This recipe adds red currant jelly and applesauce near the end of cooking for a pleasant sweet note that complements the tang.
9. Swedish Cream Recipe
This dessert can only be described as a dream. The result would look like this if creme brulee and panna cotta got together.
It is creamy and sweet and silky smooth while remaining firm enough to scoop with some strawberry compote. The use of sour cream adds a lovely tang to the custard and provides density to the mixture.
10. Vegan Yellow Split Pea Soup
This thick warm soup is loaded with protein and remains super affordable as a way to stay warm during long Swedish winters. I love using yellow split peas since they offer a slightly milder flavor and do not turn grey after cooking.
You can keep it simple with just carrots and onion plus spices or bulk it out with potatoes and leftover chicken.
11. Swedish Visiting Cake
This light cake is full of lemon and almond flavors. It is the perfect companion for a fika with a friend.
The cake itself is straightforward and gets topped with sliced almond and sugar that form a slightly crispy top once baked. Serve it warm or cold with nothing more than a cup of coffee.
12. Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Cookies)
This pleasant little cookie is mostly served around the holidays but works year-round. This recipe uses dark corn syrup to create a depth of flavor you cannot get without it.
Molasses works as an excellent alternative even though the texture will be slightly different. I love the inclusion of orange zest and you can use freshly grated ginger if you like your cookies extra spicy.
13. Traditional Swedish Saffron Buns (Lussekatter)
I am pretty sure you will find these in every household come Christmas. They act as such a staple and are super fun to make without even needing a mixer.
Saffron gives such a beautiful color to these buns and you really cannot substitute it. Molding the soft dough is where the fun comes in.
Soak your raisins in water before adding them so they do not pull moisture from the dough.
14. Swedish Cheese Pie (Västerbottenostpaj)
You can decide if this is a cheese pie or a quiche. This delicious pie has flaky pastry and a sensationally cheesy filling that you can serve hot or cold.
You will need to blind bake the pie shell to ensure it cooks properly and I use dried beans to hold down the parchment paper. You will need exactly three cups of cheese for the filling but can modify it with onion and bacon.
15. Swedish Crispbread (Knäckebröd)
These act as an awesome option to serve at a buffet or alongside some substantial dip. The dark rye flavor is phenomenal and I love the addition of caraway into the mix.
Most Swedes eat open sandwiches with just one slice and no top. These thin crisps are perfect for holding spreads plus eggs and smoked salmon.
16. Swedish Rye Bread (Limpa)
The Swedes like their bread dark and full of rich flavor much like other European countries. This recipe is slightly different since it tastes a little sweet.
It serves well as a sandwich loaf and includes molasses plus caraway and fennel and anise seeds. A popular addition in Sweden is adding grated carrot and toasted coconut to the top.
17. Easy Homemade Ikea Swedish Meatball Recipe
I was thrilled to watch my friend make meatballs at home. They are a great mixture of pork and beef but also have potato and onion in the mix.
The gravy includes Worcestershire sauce for tastiness. Toss the meatballs in a little flour before frying for the best crispy coating.
18. Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
Pick this recipe if you are going to try anything on this list. These potatoes originated in a small tavern in Sweden and are crispy yet tender.
Be sure to use russets and Idaho potatoes for the best texture. This recipe calls for bacon grease which is pure gold or you can use rosemary and garlic infused olive oil.
19. Traditional Swedish Glogg
Mulled wine is a total must at Christmas. I like to make a big batch and keep it warm in the Crockpot so the flavor becomes stronger as it sits.
I like making my own so I can control spices like extra cinnamon and orange. Sweden takes it up a notch by adding bourbon but spiced rum would work pretty well too.
20. Thumbprint Cookies (Hallongrotta)
I think most countries possess some version of these cookies. They are buttery and sweet and never last long in my house.
Hallongrotta actually means raspberry cave in Swedish but you can use whichever jam you like best. The key to getting the most crumbly cookie ever is to be gentle and not overmix the dough.
21. Authentic Swedish Waffles Recipe
I love the look of the thinner heart shaped waffles you get with a Swedish waffle iron. They do not need to cook as long since they are thinner.
I like them softer so I only cook them for a few minutes. You will typically see these with lingonberry jam but Nutella makes a nice change.
Pour the thin batter carefully into the iron so you do not overfill it.
22. Swedish Potato Pancakes (Raggmunk)
These function as a simple snack or as a side to chicken or meatballs. They are crunchy and salty and irresistible.
I like to add garlic to mine and have been known to add bacon too. Always drain the potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture so they fry rather than steam.
23. Swedish Almond Tart
This one is for you if you are a fan of frangipane or British bakewell tart. You can buy the buttery pastry in the store and fill it with a sweetened almond mixture that becomes spongy when baked.
I prefer it with a touch of jam for moisture and tartness but it is still delicious without.
24. Swedish Spinach Soup
It is no wonder that Swedes like their soups given their cold winters. Nothing beats a big bowl of warmth on a cold dark day.
It might seem odd to base a soup off spinach alone but there are plenty of other ingredients to ensure this is super tasty. You will not be left hungry between the onion and garlic plus rosemary and potatoes.
25. Swedish Pancakes
You will find these are very similar to crepes. They are thin and sweet and delicate which makes them a great little snack or dessert with the right toppings.
Let the batter rest in the fridge before cooking if you have the time. These would be perfect for that lingonberry sauce.