Swedish Meatball Smørrebrød with Creamy Pickled Beet Salad

So you have some leftover Swedish Meatballs languishing in the fridge? Not a problem. In fact, consider yourself lucky. You have the makings of an easy and delicious Swedish meatball open sandwich. While this sandwich looks unusual and you are probably thinking I just made this up, I assure you, it is one of the classics. I like to think of it as a Scandinavian version of the American meatloaf sandwich, but a lot more beautiful and interesting.

This smørrebrød (or smörgås in Swedish) starts with buttered dense rye bread, as so many of them do. From there you add a handful or two of baby lettuces or arugula and a generous spoonful of a simple creamy beet salad. A few cold sliced meatballs finish it off with perhaps a dill sprig or a little chopped parsley or chives for garnish. Lunch is served.

The Nordic open sandwich has, from its inception, been intended as a creative vehicle for leftovers. This gorgeous and tasty Swedish Meatball Smørrebrød is the perfect example of Scandinavian leftovers done right.

Swedish Meatball Smørrebrød with Creamy Pickled Beet Salad

A classic Nordic open sandwich featuring a creamy pickled beet salad and leftover Swedish meatballs.  Beautiful and delicious!

• Author: Kristi
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 open sandwiches 1x
• Category: Smørrebrød
• Cuisine: Swedish, Scandinavian, Nordic

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches:

2 thin slices dense rye bread

Butter for spreading

A handful of baby arugula leaves or other baby lettuces

Creamy Pickled Beet Salad (recipe follows)

4-8 leftover Easy Swedish Meatballs, sliced

Dill sprigs, chopped parsley or chives for serving

 

For the Creamy Pickled Beet Salad:

½ cup pickled beets, cut into ½ inch pieces

1 tablespoon prepared mayonnaise

1 tablespoon creme fraiche or sour cream

Instructions

1. Make the Creamy Pickled Beet Salad:  Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches:  Transfer bread slices to a clean work surface.  Butter the bread. Top with a handful of arugula, a generous spoonful of Creamy Pickled Beet Salad.  Artfully arrange meatball slices on top. Garnish with herbs and serve.

Keywords: Swedish, meatballs, smørrebrød, sandwich, pickled beets