Swedish
Toast Skagen
A Swedish classic of butter-fried white bread topped with cold dill-scented shrimp salad, a spoonful of roe, and lemon. The contrast of crisp toast, creamy Skagenröra, and briny löjrom is the heart of the dish.
Watch it madeSimple Wild Living · 10:09
Ingredients
- Cooked cold-water shrimp, peeled and well drained250g
- Mayonnaise3 tbsp
- Crème fraîche1 tbsp
- Fresh dill, finely chopped2 tbsp
- Freshly grated horseradish1 tsp
- Dijon mustard1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice1 tsp
- Fine sea saltto taste
- White pepperto taste
- White sandwich bread or formfranska2 slices
- Butter1 1/2 tbsp
- Löjrom, bleak roe, or vendace roe2 tbsp
- Lemon wedges2
- Fresh dill sprigsfor serving
Method
- Pat the peeled shrimp very dry with paper towels so the dressing stays thick.
- Set aside a few whole shrimp for garnish, then roughly chop any large shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, crème fraîche, dill, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Fold in the shrimp gently and season with salt and white pepper.
- Chill the Skagen mixture while preparing the toast.
- Trim the crusts from the bread if desired.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and fry the bread slices until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Drain the toast briefly on paper towels, then place each slice on a plate.
- Spoon the chilled shrimp mixture generously onto the warm toast.
- Top each toast with löjrom, the reserved shrimp, a dill sprig, and a lemon wedge.
Common questions
Can I substitute the shrimp or roe in Toast Skagen if I can’t find the Swedish ingredients?
Yes. Use any small cooked cold-water shrimp or good-quality peeled shrimp. If löjrom is unavailable, omit it or replace with trout roe or salmon roe; the dish will still work, though the flavor will be less traditional.
How far in advance can I make Toast Skagen before serving?
Make the shrimp mixture up to 4 hours ahead and keep it chilled. Fry the bread just before serving so it stays crisp. Assemble at the last minute, otherwise the toast softens quickly under the topping.
What are the most common mistakes when making Toast Skagen?
The biggest mistakes are wet shrimp, overmixing, and soggy toast. Dry the shrimp very well, fold gently so they stay chunky, and always spoon the mixture onto freshly fried toast rather than pre-assembled bread.
How should I store leftovers, and can I keep the assembled toast?
Store leftover Skagen mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep toast separate. Assembled toast does not hold well and becomes soggy, so only build as many servings as you need.
What is the best way to serve Toast Skagen for a starter or party?
Serve it warm-to-room-temperature on crisp butter-fried bread, garnished with dill, lemon, and roe. For parties, make the filling in a bowl and let guests spoon it onto small toasts or slices themselves.