Toast Skagen is one of Sweden’s most iconic appetizers – creamy, luxurious, and deceptively simple. It was created in the 1950s by legendary Swedish chef Tore Wretman, who sought to elevate traditional Scandinavian flavors into fine dining. He named it after Skagen, a fishing village at the northern tip of Denmark, where the sea meets the sky and artists once gathered for inspiration.
Interestingly, despite its Danish-sounding name, Toast Skagen is entirely Swedish in origin – an elegant tribute to the sea, to summer, and to good company. Today it’s a staple on Swedish holiday tables, at midsummer buffets, and at fine restaurants across the country.
Ingredients (serves 4 as a starter):
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400 g peeled shrimp (preferably hand-peeled)
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100 ml mayonnaise (homemade or high quality)
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100 ml crème fraîche
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1 tbsp finely chopped red onion (optional but classic)
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1–2 tbsp finely chopped dill
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Juice of ½ lemon
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Salt and white pepper to taste
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4 slices of white bread (such as toast, sourdough, or levain)
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Butter for frying
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(Optional) 50 g bleak roe or lumpfish roe for topping
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Fresh dill and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
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Roughly chop the shrimp (reserve a few whole ones for garnish).
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In a bowl, combine shrimp, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, dill, lemon juice, and red onion. Season with salt and white pepper. Chill for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
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Trim the crusts off the bread (optional) and fry the slices in butter until golden on both sides. Drain slightly on kitchen paper.
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Place the toast on plates and top generously with the shrimp mixture.
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Garnish with roe, fresh dill, and lemon wedge. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairing for Toast Skagen
The richness of the shrimp and cream, balanced by lemon and dill, makes Toast Skagen a perfect match for bubbly wines. A crisp Champagne, Cava, or dry German Sekt enhances the salty-fresh flavor of the shrimp and the creamy texture.
Prefer still wine? Go for a dry Riesling or an unoaked Chardonnay with good acidity. A quality rosé also works beautifully, especially one with berry and citrus notes – ideal for warm summer evenings.
Fun Fact:
Tore Wretman is also credited with reviving classic Swedish cuisine in the postwar era. He considered Toast Skagen the ideal starter to serve with a glass of sparkling wine, combining elegance with the flavors of the Nordic coast. Today, it's also a popular dish during crayfish parties and is often served on Swedish "smörgåsbord" spreads.
