Best Scandinavian Christmas recipes (2024)

This light Christmas dessert recipe by the Scandinavian recipes master Trine Hahnemann tastes of winter – it’s the combination of orange zest and figs that does it. They’re handy to have up your sleeve as the panna cotta bases can be made a couple of days in advance.

Try this orange panna cotta recipe

The cinnamon sprinkled on these cookies gives them a wonderfully festive taste. Stack them in a glass jar decorated with ribbon for a lovely homemade food gift.

Try Trine Hahnemman’s crisp cinnamon cookies recipe

Christmas ham with a mustard crust is traditional in Scandinavia, but this quirky quince version is just as delicious.

Try Trine Hahnemman’s spiced quince ham recipe

A big platter of gravlax served with a variety of rye breads and crackers is a perfect, elegant dinner – and takes barely any effort.

Try Bill Granger’s gravlax recipe

Marzipan is one of the staples in Scandinavian festive cooking. You can make variations on this theme by replacing the walnuts with prunes, orange zest, dates or raisins, or substitute any other liqueur you like for the cognac.

Try Trine Hahnemman’s chocolate marzipan recipe

Meatballs are one of the most popular Scandinavian dish, though they are eaten in different ways from one Nordic country to another. Here they are exquisite cooked in a light, sharp sauce.

Try this delicious meatballs in wine and lemon recipe

If you want a loaf to serve alongside your festive cheese platter then try this sweet, fruit option and garnish with almonds for added crunch.

Try this delicious Christmas bread recipe

The gorgeously rich, velvety, red tones of this salad are sure to make a colourful impact.

Try this delicious beetroot stained smoked salmon recipe

This is a typical Scandinavian afternoon tea cake eaten all through the winter months.

Try Trine Hahnemman’s spiced Christmas cake recipe

Cured fish, particularly herring, is a delicacy strongly associated with Scandinavia, in particular Sweden and Denmark.

Try Mark Hix’s herring with mustard sauce

This traditional Swedish bread is best served with cured meat or fish and relish. Start preparing the night before to leave time for the dough to rise.

Try this delicious scalded rye bread recipe

This delicious terrine is a crowd pleaser served with a crunchy salad and toasted rye bread.

Try this delicious salmon terrine recipe

Add a touch of luxury to your pre-Christmas drinks with these more-ish Norwegian-inspired blinis with smoked samon and caviar. Decadent.

Try this delicious smoked salmon blini recipe

Planning a Scandi-style festive breakfast? These oat waffles served with slices of traditional brunost cheese is sure to go down well with the whole family.

Try Valentine Warner’s Nowegian waffles recipe

Valentine Warner's golden potato cake with mackerel and egg makes for a traditional Scandinavian breakfast for Christmas but it’s also great served up as lunch or a light dinner on Boxing Day.

Try Valentine Warner’s potato rosti recipe

This Scandinavian take on the Scotch egg is coated in salmon and breadcrumbs then fried until golden. Perfect for a festive canapé served with a glass of bubbly or mulled wine.

Try Valentine Warner salmon Scotch egg recipe

Valentine Warner’s rye crisp bread makes a great accompaniment to cheeses and dips. Serve at a festive drinks party or Boxing Day spread topped with tinned fish for an authentic Scandinavian combination.

Try Valentine Warner rye crisp bread recipe

This traditional Scandi recipe is perfect to warm your co*ckles on Christmas Eve. The smoked salmon in this casserole makes it particularly tasty.

Try this Scandinavian salmon casserole recipe