Calling all lovers of Scandinavian recipes and decor: IKEA is hosting a traditional Easter Påskbord — kind of the Swedish equivalent of a smorgasbord — event on Friday, April 7 at participating stores. You know we’re HUGE fans of Scandinavian trends (think kalsarikannit), and we would personally love to attend. For $16.99 per person ($4.99 for kids 12 and under), you can enjoy a traditional smattering of all manner of Swedish foods, from meatballs to desserts. If you can’t make it but you *love* the concept of serving a traditional Swedish buffet at your own Easter party, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a complete menu of Påskbord-inspired recipes (with varying degrees of authenticity) to add to your festive spring buffet.
First Course
Pickled Herring
We know the concept of pickled herring isn’t the most trendy idea of all time, but it doesn’t get much more traditional than this. Serve the herring with crispy toasts, greens, and cream cheese, then let your guests help themselves. (via Danish Sandwich)
Deviled Eggs
While deviled eggs may themselves not be authentically Swedish, hard-boiled eggs are a MUST. This eggy creation features the flavors of paprika, Dijon, shallots, dill, and mayonnaise, making these bad boys a total crowd-pleaser. (via Honestly Yum)
Nordic Open Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
Smoked salmon is a staple in Scandinavian countries, and for good reason: It’s versatile, fresh, uber-healthy, and crowd-pleasing in flavor and texture. Try it on these open-faced sandwiches. Bonus points for adding edible flowers! (via The View from Great Island)
Swedish Cheese Pie
Most Påskbord spreads feature cheese, but you can go all-out by making this traditional Swedish Cheese pie. It’s technically called Västerbottensost, and it’s often served at crayfish parties, of all things. We think it’s great for any occasion. (via Foodiful)
Second Course
Creamy Dilled Cucumber Salad
IKEA is serving up cucumber salad at their celebration, so you should probably make some too. This super-yummy and also healthy salad is made with cucmbers, red onion, fresh dill, yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic. (via Closet Cooking)
Swedish Crisp Bread With Cumin
This crispy traditional cracker pairs well with its spicy counterpart: cumin. The dish is a cinch to make too. You’ll just combine wheat and rye flour with a few other ingredients and bake for 10 minutes. (via Fake Food Free)
Bright Spring Green Salad Recipe
Nothing says spring quite like a fresh salad made with greens, asparagus, radishes, nuts, and a light basil-mint dressing. IKEA will be serving spring greens, but we think this creation might be even MORE impressive. (via Love and Lemons)
Lingonberry Jam Sauce
Lingonberry jam is a staple of Swedish fare, and this recipe takes it one step further. We think this sauce would be great drizzled over ham (stay tuned), spread on crackers, or — wait for it — poured over ice cream. (via Project Domestication)
Third Course
Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham
This honey-glazed, pineapple-infused ham is the stuff of Easter dreams. Sure, pineapple is hardly native to Sweden… but we’re talking about fusion interpretations here. (via Wonky Wonderful)
The Best Swedish Meatballs
IKEA is known worldwide for their meatballs, but you can be a close second by whipping up a batch of these. They’re served in a simply decadent, creamy gravy, and they’re STUFFED with the flavors of garlic, butter, nutmeg, parsley, and allspice. (via The Recipe Critic)
Crockpot Honey Garlic Little Smokies Sausages
In Sweden, they call co*cktail sausages “prinskorv.” No matter what you call these little guys, they’re delicious — and TOTAL crowd-pleasers, even for kids. (via Family Fresh Meals)
Swedish Cream Bun Cake
No Påskbord would be complete without some delicious desserts to serve after the main meal. This *insane* bun cake is comprised of a sweet, whippy cream sandwiched between two fluffy pieces of cake. Now THAT’S treating yo’self. (via The Whoot)
Dessert
Swedish Chocolate Balls
These Swedish chocolate balls are the perfect way to cap off a meal. And these are NOT your trendy diet-friendly bliss balls: They’re perfectly creamy and sweet, made with butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa. (via Love and Flour)
Maggie McCracken
Maggie is a writer and editor currently based in Chicago. She writes about mindfulness, astrology, nutrition, self-development, and fitness, and has a background in yoga instruction.
