Authentic Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce
Indulge in the taste of Sweden with these flavorful, homemade Swedish meatballs. This recipe is a delightful combination of ground beef and pork, blended with creamy ingredients and delicious spices perfectly balanced. Instead of rusk flour, plain breadcrumbs or toasted panko provide a wonderful texture that mirrors the original recipe. Enjoy these tender meatballs smothered in a silky cream sauce, paired with freshly boiled Yukon Gold potatoes and a touch of lingonberry jam for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish captures the essence of Scandinavian cuisine and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1/2 lb (raw, but ground)
ground pork
1/2 lb (raw, but ground)
egg
1 (beaten)
cream or milk
1/2 cup (can use half-and-half)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
breadcrumbs or toasted panko
1/4 cup (plain or crushed)
Yukon Gold potatoes
2 small (cold and boiled)
butter
2 tablespoons (for frying onion)
salt
to taste
white pepper
to taste
allspice (optional)
1 dash (finely crushed)
half-and-half
1/2 cup
low sodium beef broth
1 cup
soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon
white flour
1 tablespoon
butter
1 tablespoon (for cream sauce)
Instructions
1
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2
In a mixing bowl, mash the cold boiled Yukon Gold potatoes until smooth.
3
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onions, mashed potatoes, egg, cream (or milk), breadcrumbs, and seasonings including salt, white pepper, and crushed allspice. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
4
Shape the mixture into approximately 25 meatballs, using your hands to create evenly-sized balls. Transfer the meatballs to a floured cutting board.
5
In a large skillet, heat plenty of butter over medium-low heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
6
For the cream sauce, in the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Gradually whisk in the beef broth and half-and-half, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste.
8
Serve the meatballs hot, generously topped with cream sauce, alongside freshly boiled Yukon Gold potatoes and a dollop of lingonberry jam for a true Swedish experience.
Nutrition Information
33g
Fat
46g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Swedish Meatballs?
Authentic Swedish Meatballs are a classic Scandinavian comfort food made from a blend of ground beef and pork, spiced with allspice and white pepper, and served in a silky cream sauce.
What meats are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a balanced combination of 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork for the best flavor and texture.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 25 meatballs, depending on the size you shape them.
What type of potatoes should I use for Swedish meatballs?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended both for mashing into the meatball mixture and for serving as a side.
Can I use panko instead of traditional breadcrumbs?
Yes, toasted panko or plain breadcrumbs can be used instead of traditional rusk flour to provide an excellent texture.
Why are mashed potatoes added to the meatball mixture?
Adding cold mashed Yukon Gold potatoes to the mixture helps keep the meatballs tender and moist.
What is the secret to a good Swedish meatball sauce?
The secret is creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisking in beef broth and half-and-half until silky and thick.
What spices give these meatballs their authentic flavor?
The combination of salt, white pepper, and a dash of crushed allspice provides the signature Scandinavian flavor profile.
How long should I fry the meatballs?
The meatballs should be fried in butter over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
What is the traditional way to serve Swedish meatballs?
Serve them hot, topped with cream sauce, alongside boiled potatoes and a dollop of lingonberry jam.
Can I use milk instead of cream in the meat mixture?
Yes, the recipe allows for either cream or milk (or half-and-half) to be used in the meatball mixture.
Why do I need to sauté the onions first?
Sautéing the finely chopped onions in butter until golden brown adds a sweet, savory depth that raw onions cannot provide.
Is lingonberry jam necessary?
While optional, lingonberry jam provides a traditional tart contrast that completes the authentic Swedish experience.
How many calories are in this dish?
A serving of these Swedish meatballs with cream sauce contains approximately 600 calories.
How much protein is in the Swedish meatballs?
This recipe provides approximately 46g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
The estimated fat content for this recipe is 33g.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients including the meats, seasonings, and components for the sauce.
Why use white pepper instead of black pepper?
White pepper is traditional in Scandinavian cooking; it offers a distinct floral heat and prevents dark specks in the light cream sauce.
Can I use soy sauce in the gravy?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of soy sauce in the cream sauce to enhance the savory umami flavor.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
The beaten egg and breadcrumbs act as binders to ensure the meatballs hold their shape during frying.
What heat should I use for frying the meatballs?
Medium-low heat is best to ensure the meatballs cook through evenly without burning the exterior.
Should the potatoes be hot or cold when added to the meat?
The Yukon Gold potatoes should be cold and boiled before being mashed and mixed with the meat.
Can I make this recipe in batches?
Yes, it is recommended to fry the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensuring a golden brown crust.
What type of broth should I use for the sauce?
A low-sodium beef broth is used to create the base of the savory cream sauce.
How do I thicken the Swedish meatball sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking flour into melted butter and then gradually adding liquid until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes, the recipe suggests half-and-half for both the meat mixture and the cream sauce.
Is this recipe considered Scandinavian cuisine?
Yes, this dish captures the essence of Scandinavian cuisine and is a staple in Swedish households.
Is this a good meal for family gatherings?
Absolutely, these meatballs are perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner as they are universally loved comfort food.
Why put the meatballs on a floured cutting board?
Placing the shaped meatballs on a floured surface prevents them from sticking and adds a light coating that helps with browning.
Is the allspice mandatory?
The allspice is optional, but highly recommended for achieving the authentic, traditional Swedish flavor.