Swedish Grilled Cheese

Swedish Grilled Cheese (Grillad Ost SmörgÄs)

Cost per serving: ~15 kr
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bread (Polarbröd or similar) - 8 kr (ICA)
  • 100g Swedish cheese (PrĂ€st or HerrgĂ„rd) - 18 kr (Coop)
  • 20g butter - 3 kr (Lidl)
  • 1 tbsp mustard (optional) - 1 kr (ICA)
Total cost: ~30 kr for 2 servings

Instructions

  1. Slice the cheese into 3mm thick pieces.
  2. If using mustard, spread a thin layer on one side of 2 bread slices.
  3. Place cheese evenly on the mustard-covered slices, then top with remaining bread.
  4. Heat a pan over medium heat and add half the butter.
  5. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Add remaining butter to the pan, flip sandwiches, and cook another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat when both sides are golden and cheese is melted.
  8. Cut diagonally and serve immediately with pickles or lingonberry jam.

About This Swedish Delicacy

The Swedish grilled cheese sandwich (grillad ost smörgÄs) is a beloved comfort food that became popular in Sweden during the 1950s. Unlike its American cousin, the Swedish version often features local cheeses like HerrgÄrd or PrÀst, which melt beautifully and provide a distinctive nutty flavor.

Swedish families typically serve this with pickled cucumbers (inlagda gurkor) or a dollop of lingonberry jam for a sweet-savory contrast. It's a perfect example of Swedish "husmanskost" - traditional home cooking that's both satisfying and economical.

Money-saving tip: Buy cheese in larger blocks from Lidl or when on sale at ICA - it's often 30-40% cheaper than pre-sliced options!

Where to Buy (Best Prices)

  • Bread: Lidl (cheapest) or ICA BĂĄsic line
  • Cheese: Coop weekend sales or Lidl's Milbona brand
  • Butter: Lidl Milbona or ICA Basic
  • Mustard: Any store - Slotts or Kelda brands

Allergy-Friendly Alternatives

đŸŒŸ Gluten-Free Option

  • Bread: ICA gluten-free bread (~18 kr) or SchĂ€r brand
  • Where: ICA Maxi, Coop - gluten-free section
  • Cost: ~25 kr per serving (10 kr extra)

đŸ„› Lactose-Free Option

  • Cheese: Arla lactose-free cheese (~22 kr)
  • Butter: Arla lactose-free butter (~12 kr)
  • Where: All major stores - dairy section
  • Cost: ~18 kr per serving (3 kr extra)

đŸŒ± Vegan Option

  • Cheese: Violife vegan cheese (~28 kr)
  • Butter: Flora plant butter (~10 kr)
  • Where: ICA Maxi, Coop - vegan section
  • Cost: ~20 kr per serving (5 kr extra)