When people think of Swedish cuisine, they often picture hearty meatballs, delicate gravlax, or sweet lingonberry preserves. But among these classics lies a dish that embodies simplicity, elegance, and indulgence: Toast Skagen.
Toast Skagen is a beloved Swedish appetiser, often served at festive gatherings or as part of a traditional smörgåsbord. At its core, it’s an open-faced sandwich with a creamy seafood topping on crisp, buttery toast. Yet, this simple description hardly does justice to its refined flavours and luxurious texture.
The Key Ingredients
The star of the dish is shrimp—specifically, small, sweet Nordic prawns known for their delicate flavour and tender texture. These are mixed with mayonnaise, crème fraîche, and a splash of lemon juice, creating a topping that is both rich and refreshing. Fresh dill, a staple in Scandinavian cooking, adds colour and a subtle grassy brightness.
Equally important is the base: a slice of white bread, pan-fried in butter until golden and crisp. The crunchy texture and buttery undertones contrast beautifully with the creamy shrimp mixture, enhancing the dish’s indulgent feel. For an extra touch of luxury, a spoonful of fish roe is often added, lending a salty, briny burst of flavour.
How to Serve Toast Skagen
Toast Skagen is a celebration of Swedish culinary skills which can be enjoyed a starter at a dinner, paired with a crisp white wine or served at a summer picnic, it embodies the essence of Scandinavian living: fresh, simple, and deeply connected to nature.
If you’re looking to make it a meal then consider pairing it with complementary sides and drinks:
- Light, refreshing salads: A cucumber and dill salad with a touch of vinegar or a fennel and apple slaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing the creamy shrimp.
- Warm, comforting additions: A small bowl of velvety potato soup or roasted new potatoes drizzled with dill butter enhances the dish’s richness without overpowering it.
- Seafood pairings: Serve alongside smoked salmon blinis, pickled herring, or fresh oysters for a Nordic-inspired feast.
The Perfect Drink Pairings
Toast Skagen pairs beautifully with crisp, dry white wines. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemon and dill, while a dry Prosecco or Champagne adds a celebratory touch. For a more traditional Scandinavian experience, try it with aquavit, a caraway-infused spirit or an ice cold lager to balance the dish’s richness.
For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling elderflower cordial or cucumber-infused water keeps the meal light and refreshing.
Swedish Toast Skagen
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.
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.