Toast Skagen has a natural place on Swedish festive tables, yet many people today want to surprise their guests without losing the familiar and elegant feel. With small adjustments to ingredients, seasoning and presentation, the classic can be reimagined while staying true to its roots.
Toast Skagen with browned butter and lemon
Replace part of the mayonnaise with browned butter that has been allowed to cool. This adds a nutty, deeper flavour that complements the prawns. Finish with finely grated lemon zest instead of lemon juice for a more aromatic freshness.
Skagen with horseradish and crème fraîche
A lighter version where part of the mayonnaise is replaced with crème fraîche. Finely grated fresh horseradish adds a clean, elegant bite that works beautifully with prawns and dill. This variation is well suited as a starter in a larger New Year’s menu.
Nordic Skagen on rye bread
Swap the white bread for butter-fried rye bread or dark Scandinavian crispbread. The deeper flavour of the bread adds character and creates a more distinctly Nordic expression. Forelle roe can be used instead of vendace roe for a slightly more rustic touch.
Skagen with smoked elements
For a fuller flavour, replace part of the prawns with cold-smoked prawns or finely chopped cold-smoked salmon. The smoky notes add depth and pair well with dill and a restrained touch of lemon.
Vegetarian Skagen
A plant-based alternative where the prawns are replaced with finely chopped king oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms. Their firm texture and mild umami flavour work well in creamy mixtures. Season with dill, mayonnaise and lemon, and top with seaweed caviar for a hint of the sea.
New ways to serve Skagen
Instead of a classic toast, Skagen can be served in small glasses, on thin potato crisps, fried brioche or crisp rye chips. Smaller portions create a modern look and work particularly well for mingling and New Year’s celebrations.
Creating new variations of Toast Skagen is about maintaining the balance between saltiness, acidity and creaminess while allowing new flavours to shine. This is how the classic continues to feel relevant, even for those who have enjoyed the original many times before.
