When one thinks of Swedish cuisine, images of hearty meatballs, delicate gravlax, or lingonberry preserves might come to mind. But nestled among these culinary classics is a dish that epitomises simplicity, elegance and sheer indulgence: Toast Skagen.
This quintessential Swedish appetiser, often served at celebratory dinners or as part of a traditional smörgåsbord, is a masterpiece in balance and sophistication. At its heart, Toast Skagen is an open-faced sandwich featuring a creamy seafood topping served on crisp, buttery toast. Yet, this humble description scarcely does justice to its refined flavours and luxurious texture.
Toast Skagen owes its name to the Skagen Peninsula in Denmark, famed for its rugged beauty and fishing heritage. However, the dish is a purely Swedish invention, credited to legendary restaurateur Tore Wretman. During the mid-20th century, he was often considered the father of modern Swedish gastronomy, sought to elevate the country’s culinary profile by blending traditional flavours with French culinary techniques. In Toast Skagen, he achieved precisely that.
The star of the dish is undoubtedly the shrimp. Typically, small, sweet Nordic prawns are used, known for their delicate flavour and tender texture. Combined with a dollop of creamy mayonnaise, a touch of crème fraiche, and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice, these prawns are transformed into a topping that’s simultaneously rich and refreshing. Fresh dill, an essential herb in Scandinavian cooking, adds a pop of colour and a hint of grassy brightness.
The foundation of Toast Skagen is just as important as its topping. A slice of white bread, pan-fried in butter until golden and crisp, provides the perfect contrast to the creamy shrimp mixture. Its crisp edges and buttery undertones amplify the dish’s luxurious feel. For those looking to elevate the experience further, a garnish of fish roe is often added, bringing a briny burst of flavour and a touch of glamour.
Toast Skagen is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of Swedish culinary artistry. Whether enjoyed as a starter at a festive gathering, paired with a glass of crisp white wine, or savoured during a summer picnic, it captures the essence of Scandinavian living: fresh, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in nature.
So, the next time you’re looking to impress guests with something uniquely Swedish, consider serving Toast Skagen. It’s a dish that, with every bite, transports you to the breezy shores of Scandinavia—a true testament to the timeless charm of Nordic cuisine.
While Toast Skagen stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with complementary sides and drinks can elevate the experience from delightful to unforgettable. Its creamy texture and delicate flavours lend themselves well to a variety of accompaniments, making it a versatile dish suited for both casual and formal occasions.
If serving Toast Skagen as an appetiser, consider pairing it with a fresh salad. A light, tangy cucumber and dill salad, perhaps dressed with a hint of vinegar and olive oil, echoes the Scandinavian flavours without overpowering the dish. Alternatively, a crisp fennel and apple slaw can add a refreshing crunch that contrasts the creaminess of the shrimp topping.
For a more substantial meal, a small bowl of velvety potato soup or a serving of roasted new potatoes drizzled with dill butter makes an excellent companion. The earthy richness of the potatoes enhances the luxurious feel of the dish without stealing the spotlight.
Toast Skagen also pairs beautifully with seafood-forward dishes. Think smoked salmon blinis, pickled herring, or even a platter of oysters on the half-shell for a stunning Nordic-inspired feast. These options create a cohesive menu that celebrates the treasures of the sea.
When it comes to drinks, Toast Skagen shines alongside crisp, dry whites. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc, with its citrusy and herbaceous notes, complements the lemon and dill in the shrimp mixture. For a more traditional Scandinavian touch, pair it with a glass of aquavit—a caraway-infused spirit—or an ice-cold lager to balance the richness. Sparkling wine, such as a dry prosecco or Champagne, also adds a celebratory flair and cuts through the creamy textures effortlessly.
For those seeking non-alcoholic options, a sparkling elderflower cordial or cucumber-infused water provides a refreshing, Nordic-inspired alternative. These drinks accentuate the dish’s light, summery feel and keep the meal feeling balanced.
Toast Skagen’s versatility ensures it can be part of many culinary scenarios, from a luxurious brunch spread to an elegant evening appetiser. By thoughtfully selecting accompaniments, you can tailor the experience to any occasion, making every serving of Toast Skagen not just a dish, but a memorable celebration of Swedish cuisine.
Swedish Toast Skagen
Toast Skagen is a Swedish classic, pairing creamy shrimp with buttery toast for a dish that’s indulgent yet refreshingly simple. This elegant appetiser is perfect for festive gatherings or as a sophisticated starter to impress your guests.
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Servings: 4 People
Calories: 244kcal
Ingredients
- 200 g cooked shrimp peeled small prawns
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp crème fraiche sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped plus extra for garnish
- salt to taste
- white pepper to taste
- 4 slices white bread
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp fish roe Kalix Löjrom or salmon roe optional
Instructions
- Chop the shrimp into smaller pieces if needed, leaving a few whole for garnish.200 g cooked shrimp
- In a bowl, mix the shrimp with mayonnaise, crème fraiche, lemon juice and dill. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.3 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp crème fraiche, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh dill, salt, white pepper
- Trim the crusts off the bread slices for a neater presentation.4 slices white bread
- Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the bread until golden and crisp on both sides. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess butter.2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Place a generous spoonful of the shrimp mixture on each slice of toast.
- Garnish with a dollop of fish roe (if using) and a sprig of fresh dill.2 tsp fish roe
- Serve immediately, ideally with a wedge of lemon on the side and a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Notes
This recipe is a perfect showcase of Scandinavian simplicity, with a luxurious flavour profile that’s sure to delight. Serve it as part of a smörgåsbord or let it shine as a standalone dish!
Nutrition
Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 514mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 302IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 1mg
11 comments
Served this as a starter snd it was beautifully. Do easy to prep everyone loved it.
I made Toast Skagen for brunch, and it was the star of the table. The balance of flavours is spot on—rich yet refreshing, creamy yet light.
Having spent a summer in Sweden, Toast Skagen takes me right back.
Toast Skagen is pure perfection in its simplicity. The creamy shrimp topping is so fresh and indulgent, and the buttery toast provides the perfect crunch.
he combination of fresh shrimp, dill, and lemon on crispy, buttery toast is sheer brilliance. It’s perfect as a light lunch or an appetiser.
Highly recommend giving this dish a try
I served it with a cucumber-dill salad and aquavit.
This dish is proof that less is more.
Truly a Swedish gem.
I loved how easy it was to tweak by adding a bit of horseradish or extra dill for a personal touch.
I served this as a starter for a dinner, and it was an absolute hit! The dill and lemon really bring the flavours to life. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, and you have a match made in heaven.