Köttbullar Recipe – Sweden's Savory Snack

Name: Köttbullar
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: Serves 8
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: Meatballs:; 680 g (1 1/2 lb) ground beef; 340 g (3/4 lb) ground pork; 1 1/2 small onions, finely chopped; 3/4 cup (45 g) breadcrumbs; 6 tablespoons (90 ml) milk; 1 large egg plus 1 yolk; 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 3/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 3 tablespoons butter, for frying; Cream gravy:; 4 1/2 tablespoons (65 g) butter; 4 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth; 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream; 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (a common Swedish home secret for colour and depth); Salt and black pepper to taste; To serve:; Lingonberry jam (or cranberry sauce); Boiled or mashed potatoes and quick-pickled cucumber

Köttbullar, or Swedish meatballs, are a cherished dish in Sweden, often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings. These flavorful meatballs are typically served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes, making them a comforting and beloved staple in Swedish cuisine.

⚡ Easy 🔥 ~250 kcal / serving

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Ingredients

Meatballs:
680 g (1 1/2 lb) ground beef
340 g (3/4 lb) ground pork
1 1/2 small onions, finely chopped
3/4 cup (45 g) breadcrumbs
6 tablespoons (90 ml) milk
1 large egg plus 1 yolk
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons butter, for frying
Cream gravy:
4 1/2 tablespoons (65 g) butter
4 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (a common Swedish home secret for colour and depth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
To serve:
Lingonberry jam (or cranberry sauce)
Boiled or mashed potatoes and quick-pickled cucumber

Instructions

Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, onion, soaked breadcrumbs, egg and yolk, allspice, white pepper and salt. Mix well with your hands.

With damp hands, roll into small balls about 2.5 cm (1 inch) across. You should get about 60.

Heat some of the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, shaking the pan often, for 7–10 minutes per batch, until browned all over and cooked through. Keep warm.

Gravy

Melt the butter in the same pan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth. Add the cream and soy sauce and simmer, stirring, until thickened. Season.

Return the meatballs to the gravy and simmer for a few minutes to heat through.

Serve with lingonberry jam, potatoes and pickled cucumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Köttbullar?

Köttbullar are Swedish meatballs made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices and typically served with sides like mashed potatoes.