PARTNER POST — TrySwedish Thursdays is a culinary collaboration between TrySwedish, West Sweden, and Gothenburg. Discover the edible delights of the land.
Pickled herring is a staple on any Swedish Christmas table. In West Sweden, they serve with a traditional cheese common to the region.
Celebrate Christmas how they would in West Sweden, with pickled herring. Almost like a creamy potato salad, this recipe uses a cheese from West Sweden called Västerbottensost. Feel free to substitute any West Sweden cheese 
Not sure what Västerbottensost is? Learn about the unique cheese from our article here
PrintTrySwedish Thursdays: Swedish Pickled Herring and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience a taste of West Sweden with this creamy pickled herring dish, featuring the unique Västerbottensost cheese, perfect for a festive Christmas table.
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 ounces) pickled herring
- 100 ml (3.4 ounces) mayonnaise
- 100 ml (3.4 ounces) cooking yoghurt
- 150 ml (5 ounces) grated Västerbottensost (or any West Swedish cheese)
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened French mustard
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Drain the pickled herring and cut it into pieces, about one centimeter wide.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, cooking yoghurt, and grated Västerbottensost.
- Add the crushed garlic, French mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gently fold in the herring pieces until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a side dish, traditionally enjoyed during Christmas in West Sweden.
Notes
Västerbottensost is a unique cheese from West Sweden, but you can substitute it with any regional cheese. This dish is traditionally served chilled, making it a refreshing addition to a festive spread. Allowing the dish to rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors to meld together. Serve as part of a Christmas buffet or alongside other traditional Swedish dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Västerbottensost and can I use a different cheese?
Västerbottensost is a traditional cheese from West Sweden known for its rich and nutty flavor. You can substitute it with any other West Sweden cheese if you prefer.
How should I prepare the pickled herring for this recipe?
The pickled herring should be drained and cut into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the cheese and other ingredients.
Can I serve the pickled herring and cheese dish with any specific sides?
This dish pairs well with crispbread or boiled potatoes, which complement the flavors of the pickled herring and Västerbottensost.
