Swedish Mustard Herring (Senapssill)
Swedish Mustard Herring (Senapssill) is a classic Scandinavian appetizer that's perfect for your holiday table, Midsummer celebration, or any traditional smörgåsbord. This simple and flavorful dish starts with store-bought pickled herring that's rinsed, patted dry, and tossed in a creamy mustard vinaigrette with fresh dill and chives. Tangy, sweet, and herbaceous, mustard herring is a beloved staple in Sweden and incredibly easy to prepare at home.
Herring has long been a staple in Scandinavian cuisine, prized for its abundance along Nordic coastlines and its versatility in preservation. These flavorful bites are often served alongside boiled potatoes, crispbread, and shots of aquavit as part of a classic smörgåsbord. This mustard variation of pickled herring is one of the most popular in Sweden.
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Ingredients
- Pickled herring - Choose one labeled "plain" or "in wine sauce".
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard - Or a Swedish brand of mustard.
- White wine vinegar
- Vegetable oil - Or any other neutral flavored oil.
- Fresh chives
- Fresh dill
- Shallot
- Salt and pepper
See recipe card for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
How to Make Swedish Mustard Herring
- Step 1: Drain and rinse the pickled herring in a fine mesh strainer. Transfer the herring pieces to a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry. Cut into ½ inch pieces and set aside.
- Step 2: Whisk the shallot, mustard, vinegar, mayonnaise and sour cream together in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently stir in the chopped dill, chives and herring.
Expert Tip
Be sure to thoroughly pat the herring dry before adding it to the sauce for best results!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, the mustard herring can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What to Serve with Swedish Mustard Herring
If you're planning a traditional Scandinavian spread, this Swedish Mustard Herring pairs beautifully with other favorites like Homemade Gravlax, Skagenröra (Swedish Shrimp Salad), and Crispbread or store bought rye crackers. Round out your menu with a refreshing Lemon Cucumber Salad and Swedish Dill Potatoes.
Related Recipes
Looking for more Swedish appetizer recipes? Give these a try:
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Recipe
Swedish Mustard Herring (Senapssill)
Ingredients
- 1 12- ounce jar "plain" or "in wine sauce" pickled herring
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the pickled herring in a fine mesh strainer. Transfer the herring pieces to a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry. Cut into ½ inch pieces and set aside.
- Whisk the shallot, mustard, vinegar, mayonnaise and sour cream together in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Gently stir in the chopped dill, chives and herring. Cover and store in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors blend before serving.
A really classic and flavorful way to serve pickled herring. One of my favorites!