Köttbullar - Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce

The famous Swedish meatballs - Köttbullar - are much more than just a popular snack at a furniture store. In their traditional preparation, they reveal a depth of flavor that thrives on a delicate balance of spices, tender meat, a buttery roux, and a velvety cream sauce. Served with classic mashed potatoes and lingonberries, the result is a savory-sweet taste experience that is typically Nordic yet universally loved.

The Origin - A culinary journey to Sweden

Köttbullar are considered a national dish in Sweden and are served there both on holidays and in everyday life. What makes these meatballs special is their mild flavor and the combination of different textures: delicately browned on the outside, juicy and soft on the inside, with a rich sauce, creamy puree, and the fruity contrast of lingonberries. This dish brings not only comfort but also the quiet elegance of Scandinavian cuisine to the table.

Recipe Overview

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 2 shallots

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• 500 g mixed ground meat (beef and pork)

• 4 tbsp breadcrumbs (alternatively: panko)

• 3 tbsp milk

• 1 egg (size M)

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 pinch of freshly ground black pepper

• Butter or oil for frying

For the sauce:

• 40 g butter

• 40 g wheat flour (Type 405)

• 400–500 ml beef stock (to desired consistency)

• 200 g cream

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 3 tsp soy sauce (light)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Side dish suggestion:

• Mashed potatoes (homemade or to taste)

• Cranberries (from a jar or fresh, if available)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the meatballs

Peel and finely dice the shallots. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, shallots, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes so the crumbs can absorb the liquid. Then form about 40 small, walnut-sized meatballs. Tip: Lightly moisten your hands to prevent sticking while forming.

Step 2: Fry the meatballs

Heat butter (alternatively, oil or clarified butter) in a large pan. Add the meatballs in batches and fry over medium heat until golden brown on all sides. Do not add too many meatballs to the pan at once so they brown evenly. Keep the fried meatballs warm, e.g., by placing them in a pan. B. in the oven at 80-100°C.

Step 3: Prepare the cream sauce

Melt the butter in a separate saucepan. Stir in the flour and make a light roux, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the cream. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly, and simmer gently for a few minutes until thickened. Stir in the Dijon mustard and soy sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Depending on the desired consistency, you can add a little more stock or water.

Step 4: Serving

Return the meatballs to the sauce and heat briefly again. Do not boil them any further to keep the meatballs moist. Serve on warmed plates with mashed potatoes and a spoonful of cranberries.

Preparation Tips

• Adjust the consistency of the sauce:
  If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot water or stock. If it's too thin, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and add it while stirring.

• Sauté the onions until translucent:
  If you are sensitive to raw onions, you can briefly sauté the shallots in butter beforehand until translucent – ​​this makes the balls even milder.

• Alternative Side Dishes:
  In addition to mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, creamed vegetables, orA fresh cucumber salad as a classic Swedish addition.

• Spicy variation:
  A pinch of allspice or a touch of nutmeg in the minced meat gives the meatballs a delicately spicy note.

Nutritional values ​​per serving (approx.)

• Calories: 558 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 7 g

• Protein: 34 g

• Fat: 47 g

These instructions do not include any side dishes and may vary slightly depending on the fat content of the meat and the amount of sauce.

Conclusion

This recipe for Swedish meatballs not only brings a taste of Scandinavia to your plate, but also impresses with its balance between the strong meat flavor, creamy sauce, and fruity side dish. Thanks to the clear list of ingredients and simple preparation, this classic dish is effortless to make—even without being a kitchen pro. Ideal for a relaxed dinner with family or friends— or simply as a hearty treat for yourself.