10 Traditional Swedish Breakfast Recipes (2024)

While this list of Swedish breakfast recipes has a few unusual, lesser-known dishes on it, you should recognize most of what’s here.

That’s the great thing about breakfast; wherever you go in the world, there will always be a few items on the breakfast menu that are familiar.

10 Traditional Swedish Breakfast Recipes (1)

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Even so, Swedish chefs like to add a bit of flair into the dishes, something that makes them definitively Swedish.

For example, Swedish pancakes are thinner and more crepe-like than American pancakes.

Their waffles are also thinner and crispier than traditional American waffles.

Some things, though, like boiled eggs and coffee, are pretty much going to taste the same no matter where you eat (or drink) them.

That doesn’t mean they’re any less delicious!

For this list, I’ve tried to showcase what a Swedish breakfast might look like on any typical morning. I hope you enjoy it.

1. Swedish Pancakes

Swedish pancakes are very crepe-like in appearance, but the taste and texture are pretty different from crepes.

For example, the pancakes are much fluffier, but they’re not as fluffy as American pancakes.

They’re also lighter, airier, and have a delightful buttery taste.

It takes about 15 minutes to make a dozen of these thin, tasty treats, and the ingredients are simple, everyday staples.

You’ll want to make the buttermilk syrup that goes along with them, though. One taste of it, and you’ll understand why.

Fair warning: Once you try it, maple syrup may never suffice again.

2. Swedish Waffles

Swedish waffles are thin, crispy, and beautifully golden brown. They’re also incredibly easy to make.

All you’ll need is butter, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and eggs – and a waffle iron, of course.

They’re denser and less airy than American waffles, but they taste fantastic, especially once you add whipped cream and Felix Lingonberry jam, the traditional Swedish waffle toppings.

3. Swedish Cardamom Buns

If you like to start your morning off with something sweet, you’ll appreciate this recipe for Swedish cardamom buns.

They’re similar to cinnamon rolls, but there’s also a hint of pull-apart monkey bread in both their flavor and texture.

Plus, they’re lovely with the intricate braiding and twists on the top.

However, they take a little time to make, so you can’t roll out of bed and expect to enjoy them in 15 minutes or so.

The crispy but tender dough and decadent butter, cinnamon, and cardamom filling are well worth the time you’ll spend making them, though.

4. Muesli

Whether you call it Swiss oatmeal or muesli, this dish is a rich, hearty breakfast that’ll fill you up and keep you going for hours.

It’s also incredibly convenient because you make the oats the night before, and the following day, all you have to do is add your chosen toppings.

It takes practically no time and is ideal for those busy mornings when you barely have time to breathe, much less cook breakfast.

It’s thick, filling, and easily customizable. If you want a sweeter breakfast, add fruits, berries, and a dash of cinnamon and sugar.

If you want something more savory, use nuts, seeds, and maybe a handful of raisins or a dash of salt.

5. Swedish Rye Bread

This dense, dark bread has a perfectly crispy outer crust but is soft, tender, and flavorful on the inside.

Like most bread, it takes some time to make, but it has a phenomenal taste that you won’t be able to resist.

The molasses, brown sugar, milk, and shortening combine to create a rich, slightly sweet taste that makes this bread ideal for eating with sandwiches, soups, or with a simple pat of melted butter on top.

It’s also a great morning bread. Smear some peanut butter or jam across it and enjoy it with a mug of hot coffee or a tall glass of milk.

6. Swedish Crispbread

If you love seasoned, herby crackers and have never had Swedish crispbread, you’re about to be one happy chef.

These crunchy, seed-covered crackers are so tasty and flavorful that you can enjoy them with or without toppings.

If you’re on the hunt for rye flour recipes to impress, try this one!

Between the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, salt, and flaxseed, each bite of these crispbread squares is more herby and delicious than the last.

I like to eat them with garlic and herb cream cheese, but they taste nearly as good when eaten by themselves.

7. Swedish Lemon Pancakes

These pancakes are very similar to those listed above; they’re just as thin, light, and delectable.

The only difference is that you’ll flavor these with a bit of lemon zest and lemon curd.

As a result, they’re zestier and just a bit tart. You’ll top them with raspberries and powdered sugar, which helps soften the tangy edge.

The recipe also suggests adding sweetened sour cream to the top, but I usually leave that off.

If I want something creamy, I’ll go with the more traditional whipped cream instead.

8. Swedish Cardamom Bread

This Swedish cardamom bread isn’t as sweet as the cardamom buns listed above, but it’s every bit as incredible.

First of all, it’s gorgeous. People in Sweden often make it during the holidays as a special, lovely treat. Some even give it as a holiday gift.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, to bring to a gathering, or to give to a friend, you won’t be disappointed.

The lovely golden braid looks marvelous, and it has a slightly sweet, pine-like flavor that’s hard to beat.

9. Boiled Eggs

Chances are, you already know how to make boiled eggs, but they’re a staple of Swedish breakfasts, so I couldn’t leave them off the list.

I like this recipe for them because it shows you how to make hard-boiled eggs and soft-boiled eggs to suit your tastes.

10. Coffee

Again, coffee is one of those things most Americans already know how to make, but the Swedes love coffee just as much as the rest of us, and no Swedish breakfast is complete without it.

This recipe gives you two options for making the perfect cup of black coffee. You can, of course, add sugar and cream to your heart’s content.

10 Traditional Swedish Breakfast Recipes (2)

10 Traditional Swedish Breakfasts

These authentic Swedish breakfast recipes are sure to delight! Recipes like pancakes, waffles, crispbread, and boiled eggs will put a Swedish spin on your morning.

Instructions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a Swedish breakfast in 30 minutes or less!
10 Traditional Swedish Breakfast Recipes (3)

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10 Traditional Swedish Breakfast Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a traditional Swedish breakfast? ›

Cereal, yogurt, and dried fruits and nuts at Torekov Hotel. Cereal is usually muesli, eaten with filmjölk (a buttermilk-like product) or yogurt, and mixed with dried fruits and nuts. Jam isn't usually eaten with bread, but mixed into a bowl of plain yogurt, along with dried fruits and nuts.

What do Swedish children eat for breakfast? ›

Grot, which is type of oatmeal porridge is also popular, served with milk and jam. Other breakfast favorites are filmjolk, which is a fermented buttermilk yogurt, or plain yogurt and cereal.

What is a traditional breakfast? ›

A classic American breakfast resembles an English breakfast in some ways, and might include eggs, bacon, ham, sausages or steak and potatoes (hash browns for instance) served with toast, sweet baked goods such as muffins, black coffee and fruit juice on the side.

What is breakfast sandwich in Swedish? ›

A smörgås or sandwich is a typical breakfast or lunch meal for a Swede. Often with one piece of bread or cracker, butter and toppings, the open-face sandwich is delicious.

What is Sweden's favorite food? ›

1. Kanelbulle. If Sweden had a national food, it would, without doubt, be the cinnamon bun. It's hard to avoid these delicious spiced rolls, which can be found in every café, bakery and food shop around the country –simply follow the scent of them baking.

What are 10 interesting facts about Sweden? ›

12 Interesting Facts About Sweden You Should Know Before Visiting
  • The Swedish passport is one of the best passports in the world. ...
  • Swedish music is one of the country's biggest exports. ...
  • Sweden has twice the population of Norway. ...
  • Swedish art is all over the Stockholm metro stations. ...
  • Sweden is the 6th oldest country in Europe.
Jun 9, 2022

What is the most traditional Swedish dish? ›

1. Meatballs with potatoes and lingonberry sauce. Truly a traditional Swedish dish is meatballs with potatoes (mashed or boiled) and lingonberry jam. It is said that if you travel to Sweden without trying this typical dish, you have not been to Sweden.

What do Swedes eat on pancake day? ›

In Sweden, Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday) is called fettisdagen, which translated means The Fat Tuesday and the traditional food isn't pancakes, but a bun called Semla – a delicious cardamom bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream.

Do Swedes eat Swedish pancakes? ›

Put a pancake onto a large plate and sprinkle it generously with sugar (some relatives like to spread butter onto the pancake before this step). Roll it up like a yoga mat and enjoy. Swedes eat their pancakes for meals other than breakfast, alongside a bowl of lentil soup, for example.

What is a Swedish mid morning snack? ›

Fika (pronounced fee-ka) is the Swedish tradition of taking a break in one's day to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a little something to eat, usually a baked good or open-faced sandwich.

Which is the best breakfast in the world? ›

Eggs Benedict, USA

This classic breakfast dish originated in New York City, and includes a few of Americans' great loves: English muffins, eggs, ham, and rich, buttery Hollandaise sauce. You can now find eggs Benedict served throughout much of the Western world, and it's almost always good.

What is the most common breakfast in Sweden? ›

What is the most popular breakfast in Sweden? Most likely cereal with milk or yogurt and/or a sandwich with cheese or ham. Coffee, tea and juice are common drinks. Porridge is also quite popular with some people.

What time do they eat breakfast in Sweden? ›

The average times for meals in Sweden are generally from 8 to 11am for the standard continental breakfast, noon to 2:30pm for lunch, and as early as 5:30pm for dinner to around 8 or 8:30pm.

What is the most important meal of the day in Sweden? ›

Swedes take their breakfast seriously and firmly believe that it's the most important meal of the day.

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