Create memorable meals to pass down in your family or transport yourself to Europe with these old-world Scandinavian recipes from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland.
32 Scandinavian Recipes That Would Make Our Grandmas Proud
Updated on Jan. 31, 2022
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Finnish Meat Pie
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy this hearty, traditional meat pie year-round, but especially during hunting season. This is one recipe I'll be sure to pass on to our seven children.— Laurel Skoog, Frazee, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 610 calories, 31g fat (9g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
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Finnish Pinwheels
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my sister was hosting an exchange student from Finland, she served these cookies I'd made to her guest. The young lady instantly recognized what they were. So I know they're still being made in our ancestors' country. —Ilona Barron, Ontonagon, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 64 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
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Danish Pancakes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
20 filled pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I came to North America from Denmark decades ago, and my mother used to make these pancakes for me and my siblings while growing up. Today, my children and grandchildren love these, so I often have to double the recipe.—Lise Thomson, Magrath, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pancakes (calculated without beries): 257 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Pan-Seared Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. Salmon is a go-to for busy nights because it cooks so quickly and goes with so many different flavors. The creamy dill sauce with cucumber tastes light and fresh. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet with 1/4 cup sauce: 366 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2-1/2 fat.
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Swedish Doughnuts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One day, my father got a hankering for doughnuts and asked me to make him some. I ended up trying these. Dad—and everyone else—loved the results. They come out so golden and plump. —Lisa Bates, Dunham, Quebec
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 125 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Norwegian Chocolate Chip Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My best friend, Amber, taught me how to make this classic Norwegian dessert. They are a great mash-up of a sugar and chocolate chip cookie. A pizza cutter is the best tool for cutting into slices after baking. —Bonnie Brien, Surprise, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 59 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Danish Crispies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These crispy treats are like a bread, but more like a cookie! They're a tasty and delicious addition to a breakfast or bunch with coffee. —Martha Nelson, Zumbrota, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 254 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Swedish Apple Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent Swedish apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 174 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
10/32
Butter Pecan Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my daughter was a teen, these butter pecan cookies earned her blue ribbons from two county fairs. Then a few years ago, her own daughter took home a blue ribbon for the same cookie. Needless to say, these mouthwatering morsels are winners! —Martha Thefield, Cedartown, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 115 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
11/32
Dill Sauce for Salmon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. Plus, the sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 418 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all of our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 143 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/32
Swedish Rye Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 loaves (8 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from my mother, and it's long been a family favorite. You can make a meal of it with soup and a salad.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 109 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Almond Spritz Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This almond spritz cookies recipe can be left plain or decorated with colored sugar and frosting. In our house, it just wouldn't be Christmas without some cookie press recipes.—Tanya Hart, Muncie, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/32
Swedish Rice Ring
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe, which originated in Sweden, is famous at church suppers with our Minnesota neighbors. It's a delicious addition at family gatherings and parties, too. I usually make a double batch because it's so good! —Lori Jeane Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 170 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Swedish Raspberry Almond Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a single mom with a young daughter and little money, my neighbor brought me a batch of these treats at Christmas. My daughter’s 36 now, and I still make these wonderful bars. —Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 165 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/32
Cherry Danish
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolls with their cherry-filled centers melt in your mouth and store well unfrosted in the freezer. —Leann Sauder, Tremont, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 218 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/32
Danish Julekage
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Cardamom and lots of fruit enliven this unique holiday bread. The recipe was handed down from my grandmother, who came to the United States from Denmark when she was 16 years old.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 253 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
19/32
Broiled Cod
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the easiest and tastiest fish you'll serve. Even finicky eaters who think they don't like fish will love it because it lacks a fishy taste and is beautiful and flakey. —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 168 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Parmesan Baked Cod
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a goof-proof way to keep oven-baked cod moist and flavorful. My mom shared this recipe with me years ago and I've loved it ever since. —Mary Jo Hoppe, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 247 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat.
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Gingerbread Men
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
No holiday treat platter would be complete without gingerbread men cookies! This is a tried-and-true recipe I'm happy to share with you. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie (calculated without frosting): 118 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
22/32
Creamy Radish Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This Scandinavian dish is one of our favorite spring appetizers. We use homegrown onions and radishes. —Terri Chatfield, Hamilton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 33 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
23/32
Swedish Creme
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick and creamy dessert is my interpretation of my mother’s recipe for Swedish krem. It has just a hint of almond flavor and looks spectacular with bright red berries on top. Serve it in glasses to match the occasion. —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 32g fat (21g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
24/32
Swedish Limpa Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've entered my bread in several fairs and it has won every time! Orange and anise give it a subtle but wonderful flavor. —Beryl Parrott, Franklin, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 186 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
25/32
Swedish Meatball Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
To me, this is a very comforting, filling, homey soup. I especially like cooking it during winter months and serving it with hot rolls, bread or muffins. —Deborah Taylor, Inkom, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 785mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
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Crispy Norwegian Bows
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been fixing these cookies for so long, I don't recall where the recipe came from. They're a "must" at our house.—Janie Norwood, Albany, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 24 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Shrimp Sandwich
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Norway, where we got to eat incredible shrimp sandwiches like these. The crustier the bread, the better. —Monica Kolva, Millville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without lettuce and tomato): 534 calories, 31g fat (6g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
28/32
Creamy Seafood Bisque
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This deceptively simple bisque makes a special first course or even a casual meal with a salad or bread. I like to top bowlfuls with shredded Parmesan cheese and green onions. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 453 calories, 36g fat (22g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
29/32
Salmon with Dill Sauce & Lemon Risotto
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the classic combination of lemon and fish, and this salmon risotto is delicious and easy to throw together at the end of a long day. —Amanda Reed, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3 tablespoons sauce and 3/4 cup risotto: 815 calories, 54g fat (10g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1273mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
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Luscious Almond Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe along with a set of springform pans from a cousin at my wedding shower 11 years ago. It makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants it again for his birthday cake this year. —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 329 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Swedish Rose Spritz
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A spritz is a still or sparkling wine-based cocktail served with a small amount of liqueur and a splash of seltzer or soda.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 189 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Frikadeller
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My great-grandmother made these meatballs, and I'm sure her mother must have taught her. Six generations have enjoyed them, and one of my daughters even served them at her wedding. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 meatballs with 3 tablespoons gravy: 333 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 786mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
