Frikadeller - Meat Balls
Frikadeller are Danish meat balls known for their tender texture and savory flavor, combining ground beef and pork with onions and spices. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they are perfect for a hearty meal, served with potatoes or vegetables for a comforting, family-friendly dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind the ground round steak and ground pork 3 to 4 times for a fine texture.
- Add the grated onion and the bread softened in milk to the ground meat mixture.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the pepper, cloves, salt, and flour to the mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Gradually add milk or cream, a little at a time, stirring after each addition until the mixture reaches a manageable consistency.
- Shape the mixture into meat balls and fry in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Frikadeller, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. If you don’t have white bread, you can use breadcrumbs or even a gluten-free alternative. For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the ground beef with grated vegetables such as zucchini or carrots. Make sure the meat mixture is not too wet, as it will affect the texture of the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Frikadeller pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, such as Hussar Salad (Popular Dutch Dish For Fall And Winter). You can also serve them with a tangy dipping sauce or with pickled vegetables on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving them over a bed of steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Frikadeller in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. For longer storage, freeze meatballs for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frikadeller - Meat Balls contains roughly 880 calories, with 45g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1058mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for Frikadeller?
Yes, you can experiment with different meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish. Just ensure that the meat is well-seasoned and has enough fat content to keep the meatballs moist.
What can I do if the mixture is too wet?
If your meat mixture is too wet, you can add a little more flour or breadcrumbs until it reaches a manageable consistency. Additionally, let the mixture rest for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb more moisture before shaping the meatballs.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Frikadeller should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). Alternatively, you can cut one open to ensure there is no pink meat remaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).