Name: Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: ½ cup fine dry breadcrumbs, 30 g; ⅓ cup whole milk, 80 ml; ½ small onion, finely grated; 1 large egg; 8 oz ground beef, 225 g; 8 oz ground pork, 225 g; 1 tsp fine salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp ground allspice; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for frying; 1 tbsp neutral oil, for frying; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (plain flour); 2 cups beef broth, 480 ml; ½ cup heavy cream (double cream), 120 ml; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Swedish Meatballs

Small, tender beef and pork meatballs gently spiced with allspice and nutmeg, simmered in a silky cream gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

By amine Published October 25, 2026

Swedish meatballs (köttbullar) are smaller and more delicately spiced than Italian meatballs, with a soft texture that comes from a mixture of beef and pork bound with milk-soaked breadcrumbs. They are browned in butter and simmered in a creamy gravy made in the same pan. In Sweden they are served with mashed or boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam and quick pickled cucumbers.

Why this recipe works

A panade. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk keep the meatballs moist and tender. It is the most important step.
Beef and pork. Beef gives flavor and pork gives tenderness and richness. All beef works but the meatballs will be firmer.
Grated onion. Grating the onion, rather than chopping it, means it melts into the mixture with no crunchy pieces.
Gravy from the pan. The browned bits left by the meatballs give the cream gravy its savory depth.

How to shape even meatballs

Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, and wet your hands with cold water so the mixture does not stick. Swedish meatballs are traditionally about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across.

What to serve with Swedish meatballs

Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, lingonberry or cranberry jam, and cucumber slices dressed with vinegar, sugar and dill. Green peas are a good addition too.

FAQ

Can I bake the meatballs?

Yes. Bake on a lined sheet pan at 400°F (200°C, or 180°C fan, gas mark 6) for 15 to 18 minutes, then make the gravy in a skillet with 3 tablespoons of butter and add the meatballs to warm through.

What can I use instead of lingonberry jam?

Cranberry sauce or redcurrant jelly is the closest match. The sharp, fruity sweetness balances the rich gravy.