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
Print
TrySwedish 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 oz) pickled herring
- 100 ml (3/8 cup) mayonnaise
- 100 ml (3/8 cup) cooking yoghurt
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) grated Västerbottensost (or any West Swedish cheese)
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) 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: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
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.
