Swedish Meatballs Recipe: Cozy Comfort from Grandma’s Kitchen

Crafting authentic Swedish meatballs brings a taste of stockholm right to your kitchen.

Culinary traditions passed down through generations inspire this classic Nordic dish.

Tender, juicy morsels packed with rich, savory flavors promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and heritage.

Warm spices and creamy sauce create a harmonious blend that comforts and delights.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients dance together in a symphony of taste.

We invite you to savor this beloved Scandinavian classic that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Swedish Meatballs Ingredients

• Ground Chicken, Ground Chuck: Classic meat combo for rich, juicy meatballs with balanced flavor and texture. Choose fresh, lean meats for best results.
• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Soft, moist base that helps hold meatballs together and creates tender texture. Use fresh breadcrumbs for better consistency.
• Egg, Salt, Pepper, Allspice, Nutmeg, Parsley: Spice blend that provides depth and traditional Swedish meatball flavor profile. Fresh herbs recommended.
• Butter, Flour: Creates smooth roux base for rich, creamy sauce. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Beef Broth, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Provides depth and silky texture to sauce. Choose low-sodium broths for balanced seasoning.
• Soy Sauce, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Vinegar, Sugar: Adds complexity and balances sauce flavor. Use Dijon mustard for traditional taste.

• Butter, Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking. Use combination for better flavor and higher cooking temperature.
• Cranberry Sauce, Lingonberry Jam: Classic Swedish accompaniment that provides sweet-tart contrast to rich meatballs.

Swedish Meatballs Recipe Steps

Step 1: Prepare Breadcrumb Base

Blend breadcrumbs with milk and heavy cream.

Allow the mixture to rest and absorb liquid for a few minutes, creating a soft foundation for your meatballs.

Step 2: Season the Mixture

Incorporate egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and parsley into the breadcrumb blend.

Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter and oil in a skillet.

Gently cook onion and garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant flavors.

Step 4: Form Meatball Mixture

• Ground chicken
• Ground chuck

Mix ingredients and shape into uniform meatballs.

Step 5: Brown Meatballs

Sear meatballs in a hot skillet until golden brown on all sides.

Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 6: Create Roux Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

Step 7: Build Creamy Sauce

• Beef broth
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Sour cream

Whisk continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 8: Enhance Sauce Flavor

• Soy sauce
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 9: Simmer and Combine

Allow sauce to simmer until it thickens.

Return meatballs to the skillet, coating them completely in the rich sauce.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the meatballs and drizzle with extra sauce.

Consider serving with cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish touch.

Homemade Meatball Tips for Swedish Flavor

• Soak breadcrumbs in milk and cream to create tender, juicy meatballs that melt in your mouth.
• Adjust allspice and nutmeg carefully to achieve authentic Swedish flavor without overpowering the meat.
• Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to get a golden-brown crust on meatballs.
• Whisk continuously while adding liquids to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Substitute ground chicken and chuck with beef, pork, or a mixture for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.

Swedish Meatballs Storage

• Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. They'll last 2-3 months when properly stored.
• Warm meatballs over medium-low heat with a splash of broth. Stir gently to prevent breaking and ensure even heating.
• Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to maintain sauce consistency.

Appetizer Pairings for Swedish Meatballs

• Pair Swedish Meatballs with Crisp Lingonberry Spritzer: Create a refreshing drink by mixing lingonberry juice, sparkling water, and a splash of vodka for a tangy, bright companion to the rich meatballs.
• Complement with Buttery Egg Noodles: Serve meatballs over soft, butter-coated egg noodles that perfectly catch the creamy sauce and provide a delicate texture contrast.
• Match with Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw: Prepare a zesty red cabbage slaw with apple cider vinegar, honey, and fresh dill to cut through the richness of the meatballs and add a crisp, refreshing element.
• Create a Rustic Scandinavian Plate: Garnish the dish with quick-pickled cucumbers, fresh dill sprigs, and a small side of lingonberry jam to enhance the traditional Swedish flavor profile.

Swedish Meatballs Dinner Types

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use cornstarch instead of flour for roux to ensure a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Meatball Option: Swap ground chicken and chuck with plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa. Use vegetable broth instead of beef and chicken broths for a complete vegetarian alternative.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use ground pork rinds or finely chopped nuts as a binding agent. Reduce sauce thickness by minimizing flour and using more cream for a keto-friendly approach.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter and select dairy-free sour cream substitute to accommodate lactose-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• What makes Swedish meatballs different from other meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are unique due to their blend of ground meats, signature spices like allspice and nutmeg, and the creamy, tangy sauce that coats them.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While traditional Swedish meatballs use a mix of ground beef and pork, this recipe uses ground chicken and chuck, which provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is the spice blend important in Swedish meatballs?

Yes, the combination of allspice, nutmeg, and parsley is crucial as it creates the distinctive, authentic Swedish meatball flavor that sets them apart from other meatball recipes.

• Why do I need to let the breadcrumbs sit in milk and cream?

Soaking breadcrumbs helps create a more tender and moist meatball by allowing them to absorb liquid, which prevents the meatballs from becoming dry and tough during cooking.

Swedish Meatballs With Creamy Gravy Comfort

• Quickest Comfort Meal: Whip up these Swedish meatballs in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and delicious.
• Flavor-Packed Versatility: Combines rich, complex spices like allspice and nutmeg with a creamy sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels while delivering maximum taste satisfaction.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with serving options like cranberry or lingonberry sauce, allowing for personalized dining experiences that suit different preferences.

Swedish Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Swedish Meatballs bring comfort and tradition straight from Stockholm’s kitchens to your dining table. Rich beef and pork blend perfectly with creamy sauce, creating a Nordic culinary experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Protein:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck

Meatball Base Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (1/8 stick or 14 grams)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick or 85 grams)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 14.5 ounces (430 milliliters) low sodium beef broth
• 14.5 ounces (430 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon beef instant bouillon granules
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt, as needed
• 1–2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Optional Serving:

• Cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk and cream until they absorb the liquid and become soft and plump.
2. Incorporate egg and aromatic spices including salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and chopped parsley into the moistened breadcrumb mixture.
3. Caramelize finely diced onions and minced garlic in a blend of butter and oil until translucent and fragrant.
4. Fold the sautéed aromatics into ground chicken and chuck meat, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
5. Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform, compact meatballs using light, consistent pressure.
6. Create a golden-brown exterior on the meatballs by searing them in a hot skillet, then transfer to a separate plate.
7. Prepare a silky roux by whisking butter and flour in the same skillet until it develops a light golden color.
8. Slowly stream beef and chicken broths into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
9. Enrich the sauce with heavy cream, sour cream, and a complex blend of seasonings including soy sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
10. Reduce the sauce until it reaches a velvety, coating consistency, then reintroduce the meatballs and gently simmer.
11. Garnish with optional cranberry sauce or traditional lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish touch.

Notes

• Choose ground chicken with a bit of fat for juicier, more tender meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Mix breadcrumbs thoroughly to avoid clumpy texture and ensure even binding of meat mixture.
• Allow meatballs to rest after forming to help them hold shape during browning and prevent falling apart.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or rice flour in sauce and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Consider using lean ground turkey as an alternative protein if chicken isn’t preferred.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 576
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg