Västerbotten Cheese Pie – A Swedish Classic with Taste and Tradition

Västerbotten cheese pie is a beloved Swedish staple that shows up on every festive table – from crayfish parties and midsummer celebrations to Christmas buffets and cozy dinners. With its creamy texture and bold flavor, it’s a dish that’s easy to make, easy to love, and always appreciated.

Recipe: Västerbotten Cheese Pie

Crust

1. Measure 125 g of butter and 3 dl (approx. 1¼ cups) of flour into a bowl

2. Rub together into a crumbly dough and add 1 tbsp cold water

3. Press the dough into a 24 cm pie dish and prick the bottom with a fork

4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes

5. Pre-bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 10 minutes

Filling

1. Whisk together 3 eggs and 2 dl (¾ cup) heavy cream

2. Add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper

3. Stir in 200 g (approx. 2 cups) of grated Västerbotten cheese

4. Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie shell

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the filling is set and lightly golden

6. Let the pie cool slightly before serving

Tip: The pie can be made in advance and reheated gently. It’s delicious warm, room temperature, or cold.

The Story Behind Västerbotten Cheese

The history of Västerbotten cheese dates back to 1872 in the village of Burträsk in northern Sweden. A dairymaid named Ulrika Eleonora Lindström was making cheese when, according to legend, she became distracted – possibly by romance – and had to reheat and stir the curd several times. What should have been a failure turned into something remarkable: a cheese with a bold, complex, and nutty flavor unlike anything else.

Over time, this accidental discovery became one of Sweden’s most iconic cheeses. Despite many attempts, no other dairy has managed to replicate the flavor outside of Burträsk. Experts believe it’s the unique combination of local milk, traditional methods, specific bacteria cultures, and climate that makes the difference.

Production and Fun Facts

• Västerbotten cheese is produced exclusively at the Burträsk dairy
• It is aged for at least 12 months, often up to 18 months for optimal flavor
• The cheese is made with milk from carefully selected farms in northern Sweden
• Each wheel weighs about 18 kg and requires around 10 liters of milk per kilo
• It is naturally lactose-free due to the aging process
• The cheese is marked with a crowned W – a quality seal used since 1910
• In 2022, Västerbotten cheese was named Sweden’s national cheese
• It has been served at Nobel banquets and royal celebrations
• A local legend says a meteorite once struck the area, enriching the soil with minerals that influence the taste of the milk

What to Drink with Västerbotten Pie

Wine
• Dry sparkling wine like Champagne, Crémant, or Cava – perfect for lifting the salty richness
• Dry Riesling – fresh acidity that balances the creamy filling
• Chablis – elegant and mineral-driven, a classic pairing

Beer
• Light lager or pilsner – crisp and refreshing, especially with seafood
• Belgian witbier – citrus and spice that complements the cheese

Aquavit
• Go for a smooth, mild style – classic OP Anderson or dill-flavored varieties work well

Västerbotten cheese pie is a flavorful, iconic dish that reflects the best of Swedish culinary tradition. With its rich history, local craftsmanship, and unmistakable taste, it’s equally at home at a festive dinner or casual gathering. Serve it proudly – and pair it with a glass of bubbly, a cold beer, or a well-chosen aquavit.