Little Foodies in Sweden: Favorite Dishes and Desserts

Swedish food is simple, cozy, and full of flavor. Many Swedish meals include fresh ingredients like potatoes, fish, berries, and spices that warm the heart and tummy. Let’s explore some of the most common foods enjoyed in Sweden, from savory dishes to delightful desserts!

Classic Swedish Meals: Meat, Potatoes, and More

In almost every Swedish home, you’ll find potatoes served with meals—boiled, mashed, baked, or even sweetened! A popular main dish is kalops, a warm and hearty meat stew made with beef or deer, along with onions, carrots, and spices. Another unique dish is blodpudding, or blood pudding, a sausage-like food often eaten with lingonberry jam and crispy bacon. Though it may sound unusual, it’s a traditional Swedish favorite!

Sweet Swedish Desserts to Try

Swedish desserts are just as loved as their meals! One of the most popular treats is pannkakor, thin Swedish pancakes served with jam, sugar, or fresh fruit. Another beloved cookie is pepparkakor—sweet and spicy ginger cookies baked especially around Christmas time. Families also enjoy Swedish apple pie, which is made without a crust but with plenty of cinnamon, apples, and buttery goodness. These recipes are often passed down from grandparents and enjoyed every year.

Easy Swedish Recipes for Kids

Want to try making Swedish food at home? Here are a few simple recipes you can cook with your family:

Real Swedish Pancakes (Pannkakor)
Ingredients: 2 eggs, 1 1/4 cups flour, 2–2½ cups milk, 1 tsp salt, butter
Instructions:

1. Mix eggs, flour, and salt.

2. Slowly add milk while whisking until smooth.

3. Heat a skillet, add butter.

4. Fry the pancakes on both sides.

5. Serve with jam or fruit!

Sugar Browned Potatoes (Caramel Potatoes)
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp sugar, 10 small boiled potatoes, ½ tsp salt
Instructions:

1. Melt butter and stir in sugar until golden.

2. Add potatoes and coat with caramel.

3. Sprinkle salt and serve warm.

Swedish Rice Dessert
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice, 2 cups mini marshmallows, 1 can crushed pineapple, ½ cup cherries, ½ cup toasted almonds, 1 cup whipped cream, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:

1. Mix rice, fruits, marshmallows, and nuts.

2. Add sugar and vanilla to whipped cream.

3. Fold cream into rice mix.

4. Chill in the fridge and enjoy!

Taste the Language with Dinolingo

Food is a fun way to explore a culture, and learning Swedish can be just as delicious! With Dinolingo, children can discover the Swedish language while enjoying songs, games, videos, and more. Dinolingo is designed for kids ages 2 to 14 and is available on web, iOS, and Android. Kids can learn at home or on the go, and even offline! There’s also a parent dashboard to help track progress—and rewards that make learning fun!