17+ Swedish Christmas Ham Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
One of the most beloved traditions in Sweden during Christmas is the preparation of the iconic Swedish Christmas ham. This delectable dish has been a staple on every Swedish holiday table for centuries, and its rich and flavorful taste never fails to impress. If you're looking to create an authentic Swedish Christmas experience, then adding this dish to your menu is a must. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making the perfect Swedish Christmas ham, from selecting the right cut of meat to the final glazing and serving. So let's get started and bring a taste of Sweden to your holiday celebrations!
These delicious Swedish heirloom cookies are a must-try for any holiday gathering. Made with a combination of butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract, these cookies are simple yet irresistible. The unique shape and delicate texture make them a festive addition to any dessert table.
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Swedish Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Superfine Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla
Buttery and melt-in-your-mouth, Swedish shortbread cookies are a classic Christmas treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. Pro tip: add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm and cozy twist on this traditional recipe.
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Swedish Fruitcake
Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Dried Apricots, Raisins, Dark Rum, Orange
Forget the store-bought fruitcake and try this Swedish version for a delicious and festive dessert. Made with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this fruitcake is a staple in Swedish Christmas celebrations. Pro tip: soak the dried fruits in rum for an extra kick of flavor.
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Swedish Hash (Pyttipanna)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Potatoes, Medium Onion, Smoked Pork, Ham
This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Swedish homes during the holiday season. Made with a mix of diced potatoes, onions, and meats such as bacon and sausage, this dish is perfect for a cozy Christmas morning breakfast.
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Swedish Christmas meat balls
Main Ingredients: Beef, Potato, Onion, Cream, Breadcrumbs, Egg, Water
No Swedish Christmas celebration is complete without a plate of meatballs. These juicy and flavorful meatballs are made with a mix of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. Serve them with lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish experience.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
This make-ahead breakfast casserole is a game-changer for busy Christmas mornings. Layers of bread, ham, cheese, and eggs are topped with a delicious mixture of milk, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simply pop it in the oven and enjoy a stress-free breakfast with your family.
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Slice & Bake Swedish Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon
These slice-and-bake cookies are not only delicious, but also a fun activity for the whole family. Made with a simple cookie dough and topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. Pro tip: add a few drops of almond extract for a nutty and festive flavor.
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The Classic Swedish Christmas Drink
Main Ingredients: Dark Ale, Sugar, Raisins, Ginger Root, Cloves, Cardamom
No Swedish Christmas celebration is complete without a glass of Glögg. This traditional mulled wine is made with red wine, spices, and a splash of aquavit. Served warm, it's the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter night.
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Swedish Christmas Chocolate Praline Ischoklad
Main Ingredients: Chocolate, Coconut Oil
These creamy and delicious chocolate pralines are a staple in Swedish Christmas celebrations. Made with a mix of chocolate, butter, and powdered sugar, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit. Pro tip: add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
This non-alcoholic version of the traditional Swedish mulled wine is perfect for those who prefer to skip the alcohol. Made with a mix of apple juice, spices, and orange peels, this warm and flavorful drink is a must-try during the holiday season.
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Swedish Style Vegan Christmas Ham (Vegansk Julskinka)
Main Ingredients: Vital Wheat Gluten, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Pink
This vegan version of the traditional Swedish Christmas ham is perfect for those who are looking for a plant-based option. Made with a mix of tofu, soy sauce, and spices, this "ham" is surprisingly flavorful and a great addition to any holiday feast.
This version of the classic Swedish mulled wine is made with a mix of red wine, spices, and brandy. The addition of brandy gives this drink a bit of a kick, making it the perfect drink to warm you up during the cold winter nights.
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Swedish Chanterelle Mushroom Pate
Main Ingredients: Butter, Garlic, Shallots, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Fresh
This creamy and flavorful mushroom pate is a delicious appetizer to serve at any holiday gathering. Made with chanterelle mushrooms, onions, and heavy cream, this pate is a great addition to any holiday spread. Serve it with some crispbread for a traditional Swedish touch.
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Hasselback Potato Gratin
Main Ingredients: Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream, Garlic
This festive twist on a classic potato gratin is a must-try for any holiday dinner. Thinly sliced potatoes are arranged in a fan shape and topped with a creamy sauce made with heavy cream and gruyere cheese. The result is a beautifully layered and delicious side dish.
This unique type of pizza, also known as "Swedish pizza", is a popular street food in Sweden. The dough is rolled thin and topped with a variety of toppings such as ham, sausage, and pineapple. Perfect for a quick and easy meal during the busy holiday season.
No Swedish Christmas celebration is complete without a plate of cinnamon rolls. These soft and fluffy buns are filled with a sweet and buttery cinnamon filling and topped with a delicious glaze. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee for the perfect holiday treat.
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Gløgg - Swedish Mulled Wine
Main Ingredients: Dry Red Wine, Spiced Rum, Honey, Cardamom Pods
This version of the traditional Swedish mulled wine is made with a mix of red wine, spices, and honey. The addition of honey gives this drink a slightly sweeter and milder flavor, making it a great option for those who prefer a less intense taste.
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Gingerbread Swedish Buns
Main Ingredients: Water, Active Dry Yeast, Unsalted Butter, Light Brown
These festive buns are a delicious twist on the classic Swedish cinnamon rolls. Made with a combination of gingerbread spices, these buns are filled with a sweet and spicy filling and topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch.
This hearty and flavorful soup is a staple in Swedish homes during the holiday season. Made with yellow split peas, potatoes, and ham hock, this soup is a great way to warm up on a cold winter day. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Ellen’s Swedish Pepparkakor
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Egg, Dark Corn Syrup, Orange
These traditional Swedish gingerbread cookies are a must-try during the holiday season. Made with a mix of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these cookies are a perfect combination of sweet and spicy. Pro tip: use different shaped cookie cutters for a fun and festive touch.
Choosing the right cut of meat
When it comes to making the perfect Swedish Christmas ham, the first step is choosing the right cut of meat. The most popular choice for this dish is a bone-in, cured and smoked ham, also known as "Julskinka" in Swedish. The key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor of the ham lies in the curing and smoking process, so be sure to look for a high-quality ham from a trusted source.
Brining and Glazing
Once you have your ham, it's time to start the preparation process. The traditional way of preparing a Swedish Christmas ham involves brining the meat in a mixture of water, salt, and spices for a few days. This process helps to infuse the ham with flavor and make it more tender. After brining, the ham is then glazed with a combination of melted butter, brown sugar, mustard, and breadcrumbs, which gives it a beautiful golden color and adds a touch of sweetness to the overall taste.
Baking and Serving
The final step in making the perfect Swedish Christmas ham is baking and serving it. The ham is typically baked in the oven for a few hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. This ensures that the ham is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once done, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. The traditional way of serving Swedish Christmas ham is with boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, and a side of pickled herring for a true taste of Sweden.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, making a Swedish Christmas ham is a labor of love that requires time and patience, but the end result is absolutely worth it. With its perfect balance of flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish will surely become a holiday favorite for you and your loved ones. So why not give it a try this Christmas and bring the taste of Sweden to your table? We hope this article has inspired you to add this iconic dish to your holiday menu. Happy cooking!
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