Danish cuisine is known for its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and hearty flavors, making it perfect for satisfying lunches.
With these 15 Danish lunch recipes, you can enjoy traditional and modern Danish dishes that are quick to prepare and full of flavor.
From open-faced smørrebrød sandwiches and hearty salads to light soups and savory pastries, these recipes bring the taste of Denmark to your table.
Whether you want a cozy homemade meal or a Scandinavian-inspired lunch, these recipes are easy, delicious, and perfect for any weekday or weekend midday meal.
15 Delicious Danish Lunch Recipes You Must Try
Danish lunches are flavorful, wholesome, and often beautifully presented, reflecting the country’s culinary tradition.
These 15 Danish lunch recipes offer a variety of options to suit different tastes and occasions.
From classic smørrebrød sandwiches and fresh salads to comforting soups and pastries, each recipe highlights fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple preparation.
Incorporating Danish recipes into your lunch routine makes meals enjoyable, nutritious, and satisfying.
Experience the taste of Denmark at your table with these easy, delicious, and versatile lunch recipes.
Smørrebrød with Roast Beef and Remoulade
Smørrebrød with Roast Beef and Remoulade is a classic Danish open-faced sandwich featuring thinly sliced roast beef, crisp rye bread, and tangy remoulade sauce.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a traditional Danish lunch experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 4–6 slices roast beef
- 2 tbsp remoulade sauce
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 pickled cucumbers, sliced
- Fresh arugula or watercress for garnish
Instructions:
- Lay slices of rye bread on a serving plate.
- Arrange roast beef evenly on top of the bread.
- Spread remoulade sauce over the beef.
- Garnish with red onion slices, pickled cucumber, and arugula.
- Serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful lunch.
Smørrebrød with Roast Beef and Remoulade is savory, tangy, and satisfying.
It’s a traditional Danish lunch that combines hearty ingredients with fresh toppings for a balanced meal.
Danish Shrimp Salad on Rye
Danish Shrimp Salad on Rye is a refreshing lunch featuring sweet, tender shrimp mixed with mayonnaise, dill, and lemon, served on rye bread.
It’s light, elegant, and perfect for a Scandinavian-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, peeled
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
- Optional: lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix shrimp, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dill.
- Spread a layer of lettuce on rye bread slices.
- Top with shrimp salad and arrange egg slices on top.
- Serve immediately for a fresh and satisfying lunch.
Danish Shrimp Salad on Rye is creamy, tangy, and light.
It’s a quick, elegant, and protein-rich Danish lunch that highlights fresh seafood and traditional flavors.
Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich is a classic Danish lunch with silky smoked salmon, fresh dill, and tangy mustard sauce on rye bread.
It’s flavorful, visually appealing, and perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 4–6 slices smoked salmon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ small cucumber, thinly sliced
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Optional: capers
Instructions:
- Mix mustard and honey to create a light dressing.
- Spread a thin layer of dressing on rye bread slices.
- Arrange smoked salmon evenly on top.
- Garnish with cucumber slices, fresh dill, and capers if desired.
- Serve immediately for a delicate and flavorful lunch.
Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich is silky, tangy, and fresh.
It’s a traditional Danish lunch that combines fresh ingredients and elegant presentation.
Danish Meatball (Frikadeller) Sandwich
Danish Meatball (Frikadeller) Sandwich is a hearty lunch featuring pan-fried pork and veal meatballs served on fresh bread with crisp vegetables.
It’s savory, filling, and perfect for a satisfying midday meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 small Danish meatballs (frikadeller), cooked
- 2 slices whole-grain or rye bread
- ¼ cup lettuce or spinach
- ¼ cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 tbsp remoulade or mustard
- Optional: pickled red cabbage
Instructions:
- Spread remoulade or mustard on bread slices.
- Place lettuce on the bread.
- Layer cooked meatballs evenly.
- Top with cucumber slices and optional pickled red cabbage.
- Serve immediately for a hearty and traditional Danish lunch.
Danish Meatball Sandwich is savory, hearty, and satisfying.
It’s a filling lunch that combines classic Danish flavors with fresh vegetables for balance.
Danish Egg and Radish Smørrebrød
Danish Egg and Radish Smørrebrød is a simple, fresh open-faced sandwich featuring sliced boiled eggs, crisp radishes, and creamy butter on rye bread.
It’s light, colorful, and perfect for a healthy Danish lunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4–5 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Spread butter evenly on rye bread slices.
- Arrange egg slices neatly on top.
- Layer radish slices over the eggs.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately for a fresh and light lunch.
Danish Egg and Radish Smørrebrød is crisp, creamy, and flavorful.
It’s a quick, healthy, and traditional Danish lunch that’s both visually appealing and satisfying.
Danish Chicken Salad Smørrebrød
Danish Chicken Salad Smørrebrød is a creamy, flavorful lunch featuring shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs served on rye bread.
It’s light, satisfying, and perfect for a quick Scandinavian-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- ½ cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over rye bread slices.
- Top with cucumber slices for added crunch.
- Serve immediately for a fresh and satisfying lunch.
Danish Chicken Salad Smørrebrød is creamy, crisp, and flavorful.
It’s a protein-rich lunch that combines traditional Danish flavors with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Danish Herring Salad on Rye
Danish Herring Salad on Rye is a traditional lunch with pickled herring, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing served on rye bread.
It’s flavorful, refreshing, and perfect for an authentic Scandinavian meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 4–6 pieces pickled herring
- 1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1 tsp dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp sour cream or mayonnaise
- ½ boiled potato, sliced
Instructions:
- Spread sour cream or mayonnaise on rye bread slices.
- Arrange pickled herring evenly on top.
- Add red onion, dill, and sliced boiled potato.
- Serve immediately for a traditional Danish lunch experience.
Danish Herring Salad on Rye is tangy, savory, and refreshing.
It’s a classic Danish lunch that showcases bold, traditional flavors with a crisp presentation.
Danish Roast Pork (Flæskesteg) Sandwich
Danish Roast Pork Sandwich is a hearty lunch featuring thinly sliced roast pork, crisp rye bread, and savory accompaniments.
It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting midday meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 4–6 slices cooked roast pork
- 1 tbsp red cabbage, pickled
- 1 tsp mustard
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Spread mustard on rye bread slices.
- Layer roast pork evenly on top.
- Add pickled red cabbage for tangy crunch.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Danish Roast Pork Sandwich is savory, hearty, and satisfying.
It’s a filling lunch that combines traditional Danish flavors with fresh, crunchy vegetables.
Danish Beet and Herring Open Sandwich
Danish Beet and Herring Open Sandwich is a vibrant lunch featuring pickled herring, boiled beets, and rye bread.
It’s colorful, tangy, and perfect for a traditional Danish midday meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 4–6 pieces pickled herring
- ½ cup boiled beets, sliced
- 1 tsp dill, chopped
- 1 tsp sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Spread sour cream lightly over rye bread slices.
- Layer boiled beet slices and pickled herring on top.
- Sprinkle with chopped dill and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately for a fresh, colorful lunch.
Danish Beet and Herring Sandwich is tangy, crisp, and flavorful.
It’s a traditional Scandinavian lunch that’s visually appealing and satisfying.
Danish Liver Pâté Smørrebrød
Danish Liver Pâté Smørrebrød is a classic open-faced sandwich with smooth liver pâté, crisp bread, and fresh garnishes.
It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a traditional Danish lunch experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 2–3 tbsp liver pâté
- ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp pickled red onion
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Spread liver pâté evenly over rye bread slices.
- Top with cucumber slices and pickled red onion.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve immediately for a hearty and traditional Danish lunch.
Danish Liver Pâté Smørrebrød is rich, savory, and satisfying.
It’s a classic Danish lunch option that pairs creamy pâté with crisp vegetables and rye bread
Danish Potato and Egg Salad Smørrebrød
Danish Potato and Egg Salad Smørrebrød is a traditional, hearty lunch featuring boiled potatoes, sliced eggs, and creamy dressing on rye bread.
It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for a classic Scandinavian midday meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 1 boiled potato, sliced
- 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp mustard
- Fresh chives for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Mix mayonnaise and mustard to create a light dressing.
- Layer potato and egg slices on rye bread.
- Drizzle dressing over the top.
- Garnish with chopped chives and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately for a fresh, hearty lunch.
Danish Potato and Egg Salad Smørrebrød is creamy, savory, and satisfying.
It’s a classic Danish lunch that combines traditional flavors with fresh ingredients for a balanced meal.
Danish Cheese and Pickle Open Sandwich
Danish Cheese and Pickle Open Sandwich is a simple, flavorful lunch featuring sliced cheese, crisp rye bread, and tangy pickles.
It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a light midday meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 2–3 slices semi-hard cheese (like Havarti)
- 2–3 small pickles, sliced
- 1 tsp butter (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Spread butter lightly on rye bread if desired.
- Layer cheese slices evenly on the bread.
- Top with sliced pickles and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately for a simple and tasty lunch.
Danish Cheese and Pickle Open Sandwich is savory, tangy, and crisp.
It’s a light, traditional Danish lunch that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
Danish Roast Beef and Pickled Beet Sandwich
Danish Roast Beef and Pickled Beet Sandwich is a hearty lunch with tender roast beef, tangy pickled beets, and rye bread.
It’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for a Scandinavian-inspired midday meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 4–6 slices roast beef
- ¼ cup pickled beets, sliced
- 1 tsp mustard
- Fresh arugula or watercress for garnish
Instructions:
- Spread mustard on rye bread slices.
- Layer roast beef evenly on the bread.
- Top with pickled beet slices and arugula.
- Serve immediately for a traditional, flavorful lunch.
Danish Roast Beef and Pickled Beet Sandwich is savory, tangy, and hearty.
It’s a protein-rich lunch that balances traditional flavors with fresh, crisp vegetables.
Danish Smoked Salmon and Dill Sandwich
Danish Smoked Salmon and Dill Sandwich is a fresh, elegant lunch featuring smoked salmon, fresh dill, and tangy spread on rye bread.
It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for a classic Scandinavian meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- 4–6 slices smoked salmon
- 1 tbsp cream cheese or mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Optional: cucumber slices
Instructions:
- Spread cream cheese or mayonnaise on rye bread slices.
- Layer smoked salmon on top.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh dill and cucumber slices if desired.
- Serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful lunch.
Danish Smoked Salmon and Dill Sandwich is silky, tangy, and refreshing.
It’s a traditional Danish lunch that’s elegant, protein-rich, and satisfying.
Danish Tuna and Egg Open Sandwich
Danish Tuna and Egg Open Sandwich is a protein-packed lunch with flaked tuna, sliced boiled eggs, and creamy dressing on rye bread.
It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a Scandinavian-inspired midday meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Danish rye bread
- ½ cup canned tuna, drained
- 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix tuna with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the tuna mixture on rye bread slices.
- Arrange egg slices on top and garnish with parsley.
- Serve immediately for a filling and flavorful lunch.
Danish Tuna and Egg Open Sandwich is creamy, savory, and satisfying.
It’s a quick, protein-rich Danish lunch that balances fresh ingredients with hearty flavors.
