Traditional Norwegian Meatballs (Kjottkaker) Recipe | Wanderzest (2024)

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Norwegian Meatballs are a favorite traditional meal served in Norway. These meatballs are packed with a variety of flavorful spices and served with a creamy brown gravy. They are great with a side of mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, and lingonberry jam.

this recipe

This recipe for Norwegian Meatballs was inspired by my trip to Norway. If you love the oh-so-popular Swedish Meatballs, then I can guarantee you'll love these ones too! Plus, this recipe can be in 30 minutes. It's the perfect meal when you want to get some tasty comfort food on the table fast.

Jump to:
  • 🍴 What is the Difference Between Swedish and Norwegian Meatballs?
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 💭 Faqs
  • 🍲 More Comfort Food Recipes
  • 📋 Recipe
  • ⭐ Reviews
Traditional Norwegian Meatballs (Kjottkaker) Recipe | Wanderzest (2)

🍴 What is the Difference Between Swedish and Norwegian Meatballs?

The main difference between Swedish Meatballs and Norwegian Meatballs (or"kjøttkaker") is that Norwegian Meatballs are typically larger and flatter than their meatball cousin. The seasonings are also slightly different from what you would normally find in Swedish Meatballs.

🥘 Ingredients

  • Milk
  • Bread crumbs
  • Eggs
  • Salt and pepper
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Allspice or cinnamon
  • Ground beef
  • Ground pork
  • Butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Beef broth
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy whipping cream
Traditional Norwegian Meatballs (Kjottkaker) Recipe | Wanderzest (3)

🔪 Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, add the milk and bread crumbs.
  2. Let the bread crumbs soak for a minute, and then whisk in the eggs and spices.
  3. Add the ground beef and pork to the mixture, and use your fingertips to incorporate them.
  4. Roll the meat into golf balls, then slightly flatten each ball.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and melt 4 tablespoons of the butter.
  6. Add the meatballs to the hot skillet and fry until browned on all sides and cooked through. Set aside.
  7. Melt the rest of the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in the beef broth.
  8. Once the broth has been incorporated, return the heat to medium. Allow the gravy to come to a boil. Continue boiling the gravy until it reaches the desired consistency.
  9. Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the sour cream. Add up to ¼ cup of whipping cream if desired to thin the gravy.
Traditional Norwegian Meatballs (Kjottkaker) Recipe | Wanderzest (4)

💭 Faqs

What is the difference between meatballs and Norwegian meatballs?

Meatballs AKA Italian meatballs are made with the same base as Norwegian meatballs (i.e. breadcrumbs, beef/pork, milk, etc.) However these meatballs are flavored with seasonings more unique to Italian cooking like oregano, marjoram, garlic, etc. These meatballs are also served with a tangy, chunky tomato sauce unlike Norwegian which are flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg and served with a creamy gravy.

What to serve with Norwegian meatballs

Norwegian meatballs are traditionally served with potatoes, lingonberry, and steamed veggies. Although, they'd be equally delicious served with a side of rice or egg noodles.

Norwegian Meatballs are divine, served with mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, and lingonberry jam. And that gravy...oh my goodness. I can't even...

🍲 More Comfort Food Recipes

  • Crispy Chicken Schnitzel
  • The Best New England Clam Chowder
  • Potato and Cheese Pierogi
  • Creamy Chicken Quesadillas

If you make this recipe, let me know what you think! I’d love it if you could add a star rating ★ and a comment below. Be sure to follow me onInstagram,Pinterest, andFacebook, too!

Print

📋 Recipe

Norwegian Meatballs

Traditional Norwegian Meatballs (Kjottkaker) Recipe | Wanderzest (9)

Print Recipe
5 from 1 review

Norwegian Meatballs are a favorite traditional meal in Norway. These meatballs are packed with a variety of flavorful spices and served with a creamy brown gravy.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Inactive Time: 0 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 46 meatballs 1x
  • Category: Entrees
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Norwegian

Ingredients

UnitsScale

Meatballs

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice or cinnamon
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork

Sauce

  • 8 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ cup flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, add the milk and bread crumbs.
  2. Let the bread crumbs soak for a minute, and then whisk in the eggs and spices.
  3. Add the ground beef and pork to the mixture, and use your fingertips to incorporate them.
  4. Roll the meat into golf ball-sized balls (or scoop them with a cookie scoop), and then slightly flatten each ball.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and melt 4 tablespoons of the butter.
  6. Add the meatballs to the hot skillet and fry until browned on all sides and cooked through about 2-3 minutes. Place cooked meatballs on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
  7. Melt the rest of the butter (4 tablespoons) in the same skillet over medium-low heat.
  8. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute; the roux will be golden in color.
  9. Slowly whisk in the beef broth. Once the broth has been incorporated, return the heat to medium.
  10. Allow the gravy to come to a boil. The gravy will thicken as it boils. Continue boiling the gravy until it reaches the desired consistency.
  11. Once the desired consistency has been reached, remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the sour cream. At this point, you can add up to ¼ cup of whipping cream if desired to thin the gravy.

Notes

  • Adapted from Kitchen Dreaming.
  • Meatballs make great leftovers! Refrigerate any leftovers for up to one week. Warm them up in the microwave for a minute or two, and enjoy them for a tasty lunch.
  • This recipe makes around 46 meatballs, which was way more than my husband and I could eat. I cooked up all of the meatballs and froze half of them, without the sauce, in the freezer for later use.

Keywords: meatballs, entree, norwegian, comfort food

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Traditional Norwegian Meatballs (Kjottkaker) Recipe | Wanderzest (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Swedish meatballs and Norwegian meatballs? ›

Norwegian recipes are made with all beef, while some Swedish recipes also use pork. Norwegian meatballs tend to be larger and flatter than their Swedish cousins.

What is kjøttkaker made of? ›

So what makes a kjøttkake? In Norway, they are traditionally made from minced cattle, pork, lamb, or game meat, and shaped into thick, flat patties and fried. The dish is served with delicious brun saus (brown gravy). Kjøttkaker are usually served with boiled potatoes and carrots, and sauerkraut or mashed peas.

What are traditional Swedish meatballs made of? ›

ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon butter.
  • 3 tablespoons onions, grated.
  • 12 cup breadcrumbs.
  • 1 12 cups milk.
  • 12 lb ground beef.
  • 12 lb ground pork.
  • 12 lb ground veal.
  • 1 egg.

What's the difference between Swedish and Finnish meatballs? ›

"Finnish meatballs are meatier and bigger than Swedish meatballs. They are also served with lingonberry jam and boiled/mashed potatoes, and a gravy, but they are juicier and yummier.

Why are my Swedish meatballs falling apart? ›

ANSWER: Usually when meatballs fall apart, it's the binder that is the problem. Most meatball recipes call for using bread crumbs and eggs. But too much bread crumbs make them too loose, and not enough bread crumbs won't help them hold together either.

What do Swedish people eat with meatballs? ›

Paired with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, this dish brings a taste of Sweden right to your table. Follow this step-by-step guide to create delicious Swedish meatballs, perfect for any occasion: a dinner party, a family gathering, or a cozy night in.

Why do Swedish meatballs taste so good? ›

If you're wondering what's so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with just a touch of nutmeg and all spice that gives ...

What are Icelandic meatballs made of? ›

So, we all know meatballs are made with minced beef. However, there's another version in Iceland that Icelanders swear by meatballs made with sausage meat. The sausage meat is basically the same as in the famous Icelandic hot dogs.

Which country has the best meatballs? ›

  • Meatballs. Kibbeh. LEBANON.
  • Appetizer. Içli köfte. TURKIYE.
  • Meatballs. Finnish meatballs (Lihapullat) FINLAND.
  • Chicken Dish. Tsukune yakitori. JAPAN.
  • Meatballs. Bakso. INDONESIA.
  • Meatballs. İnegöl köfte. İNEGÖL, Turkiye.
  • Meatballs. Chiftele. ROMANIA.
  • Meatballs. İzmir köfte. İZMIR, Turkiye.
Aug 15, 2024

Is beef stroganoff the same as Swedish meatballs? ›

While Beef Stroganoff is a creamy dish perfect for those who love rich, mushroom-based sauces, Swedish Meatballs come with a spiced, hearty flavor complemented by sweet lingonberries and creamy gravy.

What do Italians call meatballs? ›

Called polpettes, Italian meatballs are often served sauceless and are much smaller than the meatballs you're probably used to. Traditional Italian meatballs typically contain equal portions of meat and soaked bread, and other additions such as egg and vegetables.

What makes Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs? ›

Swedish meatballs are slightly smaller than traditional meatballs — think the size of a golf ball — so that they can be easily picked up by a toothpick and popped into your mouth. As for the sauce, Swedish meatballs are cooked in a rich, creamy gravy that is most often created from bone broth and cream.

What is the difference between Swedish and Norwegian food? ›

For example, Norwegian cuisine is more seafood-centric, while Swedish cuisine has a greater variety of meat dishes. In addition, Norwegian cuisine puts more emphasis on traditional cooking methods such as smoking and pickling, while Swedish cuisine is known for its fried dishes and use of sauces.

What is the difference between Swedish meatballs and Danish meatballs? ›

The Danish meatball is a little rugged in texture and can be served in multiple ways – with a lightly spiced curry sauce, for example, or a rich gravy. A Swedish meatball, in comparison to the crispy, pan-fried Danish version, is often a little smaller, with a very smooth, even texture and a rounder shape.

What meat are IKEA Swedish meatballs made of? ›

Steps for the meatballs

Combine beef and pork mince until all lumps are smoothed. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and mix. Then add milk and salt and pepper to taste. Grab small handfuls and roll into a ball shape.

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