35 Scandinavian Recipes That Would Make Our Grandmas Proud
Updated: Jan. 31, 2022
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.
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Finnish Meat Pie
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
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Finnish Pinwheels
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
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Swedish Meatballs
Whip up a batch of these easy Swedish meatballs for a meal that's all comfort and no fuss!
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Danish Pancakes
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
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Pan-Seared Salmon
Pan-seared salmon is an elegant, wholesome entree that requires little time or effort. Add a side salad or simple green, and dinner is served.
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Swedish Doughnuts
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
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Norwegian Chocolate Chip Cookies
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
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Danish Crispies
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
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Swedish Apple Pie
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
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Scandinavian Pecan Cookies
We enjoyed these rich, buttery cookies at a bed-and-breakfast in Galena, Illinois, and the hostess was kind enough to share her simple recipe. The pretty nut-topped treats are so special you could give a home-baked batch as a gift. —Laurie Knoke DeKalb, Illinois
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Dill Sauce for Salmon
Dill sauce for salmon is a classic pairing. The easy baked salmon is full of lemon flavor, and the tangy, creamy sauce brings the whole dish together.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad
This creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all of our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
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Swedish Rye Bread
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.
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Almond Spritz Cookies
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
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Swedish Rice Ring
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
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Swedish Raspberry Almond Bars
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
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Overnight Cherry Danish
These rolls with their cherry-filled centers melt in your mouth and store well unfrosted in the freezer. —Leann Sauder, Tremont, Illinois
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Danish Julekage
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.
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Broiled Cod
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
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Parmesan Baked Cod
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
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Swedish Gingerbread Cookies
Making Swedish pepparkakor—or gingerbread cookies—is a holiday tradition in our family. I entered these at the Iowa State Fair and took home a blue ribbon.—Kathleen Olesen, Des Moines, IA
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Creamy Radish Dip
This Scandinavian dish is one of our favorite spring appetizers. We use homegrown onions and radishes. —Terri Chatfield, Hamilton, Ohio
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Swedish Creme
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
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Swedish Limpa Bread
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
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Swedish Meatball Soup
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
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Crispy Norwegian Bows
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
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Lemon & Dill Shrimp Sandwiches
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
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Creamy Seafood Bisque
Savor the flavors of the sea with this creamy seafood bisque, featuring a delicious blend of shrimp, crab and clams in a rich, tomatoey broth.
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Salmon with Dill Sauce & Lemon Risotto
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
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Luscious Almond Cheesecake
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
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Swedish Rose Spritz
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 of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Danish Meatballs with Pan Gravy
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, CaliforniaOriginally Published: August 07, 2018
