Frikadeller

Frikadeller is a traditional Danish dish of tender, flavorful meatballs made from ground beef and pork sausage. This hearty meatball recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy family dinners. The frikadeller are pan-fried until golden brown, then smothered in a luscious homemade gravy made from the pan drippings. Serve the meatballs with potatoes and veggies for a complete and comforting meal.

Frikadeller Ingredients

• Bread crumbs: Soft bread crumbs help to bind the meatballs together, giving them a tender and moist texture.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• Milk: The 2% milk helps soften the bread crumbs and makes the meatball mixture tender and juicy. It also adds creaminess to the gravy.
• Egg: The lightly beaten egg acts as a binder, holding the meatball mixture together during cooking.
• Parsley: Minced parsley adds a burst of freshness to the meatballs.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, simple salt and pepper ensure the meatballs are well-flavored.
• Ground beef and pork sausage: A combination of beef and pork gives the meatballs a deliciously rich flavor and perfect texture. The pork sausage adds additional fat and flavor, keeping the meatballs juicy.
• Canola oil and butter: These fats are used to fry the meatballs to a golden brown.
• All-purpose flour: Flour helps thicken the gravy, creating a smooth and silky sauce to coat the meatballs.
• Beef bouillon granules: These granules add a deep, meaty flavor to the gravy, enriching it without beef broth.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the meatball ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, parsley, salt and pepper. Add the ground beef and pork sausage, mixing them lightly but thoroughly, being careful not to overwork the mixture, which can result in tough meatballs.

Step 2: Form the meatballs

Using a 1/4 cup measure, shape the mixture into 18 meatballs, then flatten them slightly to 1-inch thickness to help them cook more evenly.

Step 3: Cook the meatballs

In a large skillet, heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-low heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, eight to nine minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside, reserving 1/4 cup of drippings in the pan. If necessary, add additional butter to the drippings to reach 1/4 cup.

Step 4: Make the gravy

Stir the flour, bouillon granules, pepper and salt into the drippings in the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk, then bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir, until the gravy thickens, one to two minutes. Serve the frikadeller smothered in gravy.

Frikadeller Variations

• Add bacon: For extra smoky flavor, add chopped, cooked bacon to the meatball mixture before shaping them.
• Substitute different herbs: If you don’t have parsley, try using fresh dill or thyme for a different herbal flavor profile.
• Try a dairy-free option: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and use olive oil or margarine in place of the butter.

How to Store Frikadeller

Leftover frikadeller can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

How do you reheat frikadeller?

To prevent the meatballs from drying out, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of water or broth.

Can you freeze frikadeller?

These meatballs freeze beautifully. After cooking them, allow the meatballs to cool completely. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag once frozen solid. They can be stored for up to three months. Reheat them from frozen in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water to the gravy if needed.

Can you make frikadeller ahead of time?

You can shape the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is perfect for meal prep or making a quick dinner on a busy night.

Frikadeller Tips

Can you use ground turkey instead of beef and pork in this frikadeller recipe?

Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. However, the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Consider adding a little extra fat or moisture, such as an extra egg or a bit more milk, to prevent them from drying out.

What can you serve with frikadeller?

Traditional frikadeller accompaniments include mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, a simple cucumber salad and a slice of rye bread. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with a side of vegetables, like green beans or peas.

How can you make the gravy richer?

For an extra-rich gravy, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream in this recipe for frikadeller. This will give the gravy a creamier texture and a more decadent flavor.