15 Traditional Norwegian Recipes (2024)

Take a trip to Norway without ever leaving your kitchen with these delicious Norwegian recipes. With such a cold climate, food from Norway has to be comforting!

A popular term in Norway is hygge, which is the art of being cozy. These recipes will definitely bring a little bit of “hygge” to your home.

15 Traditional Norwegian Recipes (1)

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Brighten up your next rainy day with a little warmth in one of these recipes. From a hot lunch to a sweet treat, we have a recipe for you.

Enjoy the flavors of Norway with these traditional recipes! You may just discover a new favorite dish in the mix.

Warm your home and your heart with these comfort foods.

1. Norwegian Waffles

What are Norwegian waffles? And how are they different from traditional American waffles?

They are shaped like a heart. How sweet!

Norwegian waffles are also thinner and softer than the American version. They’re perfect to pair with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Serve up these waffles this Saturday for a sweet surprise your whole family will love.

2. Norwegian Fish Soup

This creamy soup brings together so many delicious flavors. From fresh lemon juice and herbs to the fish itself, there isn’t a gray day this soup won’t chase away.

Take your time preparing this ultimate comfort food. Let the scent fill your house with the soothing aroma of simmering vegetables and caramelized onions.

Serve up a bowl and curl up with a warm blanket and good book.

3. Norwegian Meatballs

These savory meatballs are served smothered in an irresistible gravy. This dish is a Christmas tradition, but there isn’t a thing stopping you from enjoying it year-round.

Fragrant meatballs are seasoned with nutmeg and ginger for a flavor that bursts through the gravy and brings the entire dish together.

Serve this dish with warm bread or rice for a soothing meal that’s a great way to end any day.

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4. Norwegian Flatbread

This thin and crispy flatbread is the perfect addition to any occasion. Enjoy it plain for a snack, or with a variety of different toppings as part of a meal.

Try warm butter for an afternoon pick-me-up, or orange marmalade for morning toast.

You can also top this flatbread with a variety of cheese and fruits for a heartier option.

Kick bagged bread to the curb and let this simple flatbread be your new kitchen staple.

5. Lefse

Similar to the traditional flatbread listed above, lefse is a thin flatbread made from potato.

Lefse is usually served warm with butter and sugar. I like the sound of that!

Lefse may take a couple of tries to perfect. The steps are simple, but it will take practice to get the dough just right for frying such thin pieces.

It will be worth your effort, though, when you have warm and satisfying slices of lefse on your table.

6. Surkal

Every culture has some form of fermented vegetable, and this is Norway’s. Tender cabbage pieces are soaked in vinegar and butter with caraway and apple pieces.

The result is sauerkraut that has a slightly sweet flavor. This is the perfect side on any cold plate or palette refresher in between courses.

If sauerkraut is too strong for you, try surkal. Its simple ingredients soften the flavor and may be just what your taste buds need to enjoy pickled cabbage.

7. Lutefisk

Lutefisk is a flaky fish fillet that is baked in the oven. This dish is traditionally paired with pea stew and roasted potatoes.

If you need a filling meal, look no further than this classic Norwegian menu. The warm fish provides plenty of protein, and the pea soup and potatoes bring plenty of hygge.

This dish warms you from the inside out. Serve it at the end of a blustery day to chase away the chill.

8. Norwegian Oatmeal Molasses Bread

How delicious does this sound? Hearty oatmeal is combined with molasses for a sweet bread that is perfect for breakfast.

Start your day off right with a warm slice of this traditional bread.

This whole-grain loaf is incredibly sturdy and is just perfect for your favorite spreads.

Try it as a part of your favorite sandwiches, or let it be a side to your favorite meal.

This grainy loaf is a multipurpose bread you can use in all of your go-to meals.

9. Sveler

Sveler are Norwegian pancakes from the northwestern coast of the country.

They are a traditional coffee companion and are enjoyed throughout the morning as a light sweet.

Top your sveler with a variety of spreads. Sour cream, berry jam, and butter are all popular favorites.

Introduce your friends to something new at your next brunch party by bringing the Norwegian coffee shop to you.

10. Norwegian Potato Dumplings

Dumplings are always a favorite comfort food, and these potato dumplings are no exception.

They’re light and fluffy with a soft outer layer, just like a good dumpling should be.

Nothing says home cooking like a homemade dumpling. Give this recipe a spin and see how it stands up next to grandma’s secret family recipe.

11. Norwegian School Bread

One word: donuts. Norwegian school bread is filled with vanilla pudding and topped with vanilla custard.

You can make these delicious treats to tuck into your child’s packed lunch or make them to eat at home for an indulgent sweet.

12. Norwegian Salmon with Dill Sauce

How delicious does this sound? Salmon has such a savory natural flavor that is the perfect complement to tangy dill sauce.

This salmon is roasted to perfection in the oven and then topped with the cooling yogurt and dill spread.

What a perfect dish for the holidays, or any special occasion!

13. Norwegian Almond Cake

Almond flavoring is one of my favorite ways to dress up any dessert. There is just an extra edge that vanilla doesn’t have.

Enjoy the taste of sweet almond in this light and fluffy cake. It’s subtly sweetened, giving you a simple flavor that allows the almond to really shine.

This cake makes a beautiful gift with its light crumb color and elegant glaze topping.

14. Norwegian Porridge

Norwegian porridge is a rice pudding that has been perfectly boiled and sweetened. What better way to start your day than with a delicious, warm bowl?

Top your porridge with your favorite dried fruit or sweet spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. This thick and creamy porridge is the definition of “hygge.”

Introduce your family to the joys of porridge this weekend for a slow and cozy Saturday.

15. Norwegian Lemon Butter Sauce

This simple sauce is a great thing to have on hand in your refrigerator, ready to serve at a moment’s notice.

The lemon flavoring is delightful, and what dish wouldn’t benefit from a drizzle of butter? Your family will rely on this sauce like ketchup and ranch dressing.

15 Traditional Norwegian Recipes (2)

15 Traditional Norwegian Recipe Collection

Take a trip to Norway with these delicious Norwegian recipes! From waffles to soup to dumplings, these dishes are as tasty and cozy as it gets!

Instructions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a Norwegian dish in 30 minutes or less!
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15 Traditional Norwegian Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are some traditional Norwegian dishes? ›

Over the last 100 years or so, typical traditional Norwegian dinner dishes have included meatballs (made with beef, pork, lamb, or reindeer meat), lapskaus (a stew made with potatoes, vegetables, and whatever else you have to hand – this is a great dish for using up leftover meat), fårikål (a hearty stew made with ...

What is the signature Norwegian dish? ›

Mutton and cabbage stew, or “fårikål” in Norwegian, has repeatedly been named Norway's national dish. It even has its own festive day on the last Thursday in September. Throughout the autumn months, people all around the country arrange lamb stew parties. “The dish is perfect if you want to invite a lot of people.

What is Norway's official dish? ›

As Norway's national dish, farikal is a hearty and delicious lamb and cabbage stew with plenty of black peppercorns for a tasty spice. Often enjoyed with boiled potatoes or a thin crispbread called flatbrod, or flatbread in English, farikal is served in restaurants throughout Norway during the autumn season.

What is Norway's favorite meal? ›

In autumn, you should try the Fårikål lamb stew, Norway´s national dish!

What is a typical lunch in Norway? ›

The traditional Norwegian matpakke consists of slices of freshly baked bread (often as open-faced sandwiches) with a favourite pålegg (fillings and toppings), and maybe a few slices of fruit or vegetables, or berries.

How do Norwegians say hello? ›

Hei! The most used informal greeting is Hei! Hei means “hi.” We use it when we meet people. We can use this greeting with anyone.

What are the 4 meals in Norway? ›

Typical main meals
  • Breakfast (frokost)
  • Lunch (lunsj)
  • Dinner (middag)
  • Evening meal (kveldsmat)

What do Norway eat for breakfast? ›

Some may also eat muesli with milk, although at least traditionally this has been less common than bread. A typical breakfast in Norway would be something like eggs, bacon, potatoes, and bread. However, there are many different types of breakfast foods that are popular in Norway.

What is a Norwegian sandwich called? ›

Smørrebrød (Danish pronunciation: [ˈsmɶɐ̯ˌpʁœðˀ]; originally smør og brød, "butter and bread"), smørbrød "butter bread" (Norwegian), or smörgås "butter goose" (Swedish), is a traditional open-faced sandwich in the cuisines of Denmark, Norway and Sweden that usually consists of a piece of buttered rye bread (rugbrød, a ...

What is the national drink of Norway? ›

Aquavit is flavored liquor that has been produced in Scandinavia since the 15th century. This is Norway's national drink (Linie Aquavit) and is typically sipped straight with Christmas dinner. Strongly linked with the Scandinavian drinking culture its name is derived from aqua vitae which is Latin for “water of life”.

What is Norway's national animal? ›

The moose was chosen, by popular vote, to be the country's national symbol. The moose, often called an elk in Europe, is beloved for its wild disposition and being king of Norway's vast forestlands. The moose often plays a role in Norway's legends, and older Norwegians still spin tales about them.

What is the national flower in Norway? ›

Pyramidal saxifrage

This flower was chosen as Norway's national flower at an international botanical congress in Amsterdam in 1935. However, heather is currently considered the national flower as it is widespread throughout the whole country.

What do Norwegians eat at Christmas? ›

Christmas food, drinks and snacks

The most popular Christmas Eve dinner is the ribbe (pork ribs or pork belly, bone in), but lutefisk (cod cured in lye), pinnekjøtt (dry-cured ribs of lamb), boiled cod, ham roast and turkey are also common dishes.

What is Norway best known food? ›

In fact, reindeer is among the dishes regularly referenced as one of Norway's local delicacies. Lamb is also frequently included in Norwegian cuisine. Fårikal, a dish made up of boiled mutton and cabbage served with boiled potatoes, is very popular in the country and has been voted the national dish twice.

What are the most famous Norwegian things? ›

Soaring white mountains, breathtaking fjords, emerald-green forests, and exhilarating outdoor pursuits such as hiking and kayaking are a big part of what makes Norway famous. If you can peel yourself away from the fjords and forests, Norway is also known for its capital city, Oslo.

What is a famous Norwegian breakfast? ›

Laks og eggerøre

While fish can essentially be served with just about any type of meal (and is), smoked salmon and scrambled eggs is one of those premiere Norwegian breakfast recipes that everyone has their own variation of.

What are the meal patterns in Norway? ›

Snacks might be served between lunch and dinner and just before bed. For one of the most typical Norwegian snacks, opt for brown cheese (brunost ) on bread. Afternoon kaffe includes coffee and cakes. Dinner (middag) comes early, around 4:00 p.m., and is usually plainer than other meals.

What do Norwegians eat on National Day? ›

Norwegians celebrate May 17th completely hung over, worn out, dressed in Bunad or Russedress, while eating traditional Norwegian foods like pølse i lompe, grillmat, waffles, and Kransekake. These foods are enjoyed during parades, barbecues, and family gatherings throughout the country.

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