from Sweden. They are small, round balls of meat, usually served with gravy, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam. Swedish people have loved them for hundreds of years, and today, the whole world knows them!
A Bit of History
Swedish meatballs have an interesting story. Some people say that Swedish King Charles XII brought the idea of meatballs from Turkey in the early 1700s. The king spent time in the Ottoman Empire and returned to Sweden with new ideas — including food!
But over time, Sweden made this dish its own, with local ingredients and flavors. Today, Köttbullar is a symbol of Swedish comfort food and culture.
A Meal Full of Warmth
Swedish meatballs are usually made with a mix of:
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Ground beef and pork
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Breadcrumbs
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Egg
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Onion
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Milk
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Salt and pepper
They are fried in a pan and then served with:
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Creamy brown gravy
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Soft mashed potatoes
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Sweet lingonberry jam
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Sometimes pickled cucumbers or green peas
The mix of savory and sweet is what makes this dish special. The jam adds a nice surprise to the rich, meaty flavor!
A Classic Family Dish
Köttbullar is more than food — it’s a family memory. Many Swedish people remember their grandmothers or parents making this dish. It is often served at:
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Sunday dinners
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Holiday tables (like Christmas)
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Or just a cozy weeknight meal
In Sweden, people don’t eat meatballs with spaghetti like in Italy. Instead, they keep it traditional with potatoes and gravy.
Try It Yourself: Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients:
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250g ground beef
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250g ground pork
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1 small onion (finely chopped)
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1 egg
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100 ml milk
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50g breadcrumbs
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Salt and pepper
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Butter or oil for frying
For the sauce (gravy):
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp flour
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300 ml beef stock
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100 ml cream
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Mix milk and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Let them sit for 5 minutes.
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Add meat, egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Roll into small balls with your hands.
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Fry in butter or oil until brown on all sides. Set aside.
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For the gravy: melt butter, add flour, stir until golden.
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Add beef stock slowly, then cream. Cook until thick.
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Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
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Serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
Did You Know?
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IKEA made Swedish meatballs famous worldwide by serving them in their stores.
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Lingonberries grow in Swedish forests — they are sweet, sour, and full of vitamin C!
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In Sweden, meatballs are often made with love and passed down in family recipes.
A Taste of Sweden on Your Plate
Swedish meatballs are more than just a meal — they are part of Sweden’s heart and home. With every bite, you taste a piece of tradition, warmth, and comfort. It’s a dish that connects generations and brings smiles around the table.
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