Traditional Norwegian "kjøttkaker" (meat balls)
Traditional Norwegian "kjøttkaker" (meat balls)
A family eating dinner
Kjøttkaker, meat cakes, in brown gravy
Kjøttkaker, meat cakes

RECIPE:
Kjøttkaker
Norwegian meatballs

The juices from the meat blend into the gravy, resulting in an irresistible combination of flavours.

Although similar to other meatballs found across the world, the literal translation of kjøttkaker is "meat cakes", as the Norwegian version has bigger and less round patties than other meatball recipes.

It's one of our most popular traditional dishes and an everyday comfort food.

Norwegians always say that the best meat cakes are the ones that mom makes.

It's a dish that's best made at home with lots of love!

So what makes a kjøttkake? In Norway, they are traditionally made from minced cattle, pork, lamb, or game meat, and shaped into thick, flat patties and fried.

The dish is served with delicious brun saus (brown gravy).

Kjøttkaker are usually served with boiled potatoes and carrots, and sauerkraut or mashed peas.

Don't forget the lingonberry jam!

Norwegian meatballs

Ingredients

(serves 4)

400 g minced beef

1 tsp. salt

0.25 tsp. pepper

0.25 tsp. ground nutmeg

0.25 tsp. ground ginger

2 tbsp. potato flour

1.5 dl water or milk

Brown gravy:

4 tbsp. butter

4 tbsp. flour

1 l beef stock or bouillon

0.5 tsp. salt

0.5 tsp. pepper

Mushy peas:

1 bag of frozen peas (400 g)

1 dl beef stock (diluted: 1 dl water + ½ stock cube)

1 tbsp. butter

0.25 tsp. pepper

Boiled potatoes:

Approx. 800 g peeled potatoes

Lingonberry jam (or sweetened lingonberries)

Source: Matprat.no

Method

1. Make the mince first. Put all the ingredients into a food processor bowl and mix for approx. 10-20 seconds until the mince is evenly and finely ground.

You can also make the mince by hand: Thoroughly mix the salt into the mince. Add spices and potato flour while stirring. Gradually add milk or water, a little at a time, while stirring the mixture.

2. Shape the mince into big, oval-shaped patties (somewhere between burger patties and meatballs) using a spoon, your hands, and cold water.

3. Add some butter to a frying pan on medium-high heat. Fry the patties for approx. 2 minutes per side until they have a nice brown colour.

4. Make the brown gravy by melting the butter in a large saucepan. Add flour and brown the mixture at low heat, until it has a nut-brown colour.

5. Gradually add hot stock, a little at a time, stirring well between each time you add some liquid. Leave to simmer for approx, 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add the meat patties to the gravy and leave them to simmer for approx. 10 minutes (until thoroughly cooked).

7. Boil the potatoes in salted, boiling water until they are soft on the inside.

8. Boil the frozen peas in beef stock to make mushy peas. Blend the mixture together with a hand mixer or food processor. You can also use a potato masher. Add butter, and add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with gravy, boiled potatoes, mashed peas, and lingonberry jam.

Kongsvold Fjellstue in Dovrefjell. It is surrounded by mountains and with a road going past on the left.
Outside cooking meat balls (kjøttkaker) at Brimi Fjellstugu

Among Norwegians, kjøttkaker is a top contender as Norway’s national dish, beaten only by fårikål.

No matter where you hit the road, you will soon discover that kjøttkaker is a regular menu item at Norwegian veikroer (roadside diners) and fjellstuer (mountain lodges). It's a plus that they are inexpensive!

You can also buy them ready-made at the store, and barbecue them outside!

Kjøttkaker tastes excellent cooked over a campfire, and it'svery easy to do.

The Milky Way to great taste

There are some places on earth where one might actually like to be a cow.

Cow in the Lodalen valley
The Milky Way to great taste

Recipes for meat lovers

Taste exotic reindeer meat, fenalår, meatballs and other traditional Norwegian favourites.

  • Reindeer meal at Mathallen

    Recipe: Reinsdyr – Tenderloin of reindeer

    Reindeer is one of Norway's most exotic and unique ingredients. Learn to make a fantastic dish together with Gunnar Jensen, one of Norway's foremost chefs in Arctic cuisine.
    Fårikål in a pot

    Recipe: Fårikål – Lamb and cabbage stew

    Try something new by learning how to make Norway's national dish – Fårikål, Lamb Stew.
    Småmat soup from Hallingdal

    Recipe: Traditional soup from Hallingdal

    This hearty soup is made with ham, beef, lamb and fresh vegetables. The dish is so precious to locals that the name and recipe are legally protected.
    The sami dish bidus, also known as reindeer stew in a dish by the fire

    Recipe: Bidus

    A traditional Sami dish, Bidus is served on festive occasions. Reindeer meat, carrots and potatoes are the main ingredients in this delicious, slow-cooked stew. It’s easy to make, too!
    Pork belly roast with traditional side dishes

    Recipe: Ribbe – Christmas pork ribs

    Learn how to make "Ribbe" – one of the most popular Norwegian Christmas foods.
    Reindeer stew in a pot on a table.

    Recipe: Finnbiff – Reindeer stew

    Try this tasty recipe for creamy reindeer stew!
    Elk meat cakes on a plate.

    Recipe: Elgkarbonader – Moose meat cakes

    Juicy elgkarbonader, moose meat cakes, are always a hit, whether for an everyday family dinner or on special occasions. Try this tasty recipe!
    A plate of red deer stew served with potatoes and lingonberry

    Recipe: Hjortegryte - Venison stew

    Try this delicious and classic red deer stew full of the flavours of the wild!
    A fenalår by the fjord

    Recipe: 3 ways to enjoy fenalår

    Taste traditional Norwegian fenalår – salted and dried leg of lamb. Perfect for any occasion!
    Raspeballer with bacon on a plate.

    Recipe: Raspeballer – Potato dumplings

    Raspeballer, klubber, komler or potetballer – whatever you call them, these traditional Norwegian potato dumplings are a must-try, and are easy to make at home.
    Pinnekjøtt on a plate.

    Recipe: Pinnekjøtt

    Learn to make pinnekjøtt, a traditional Norwegian Christmas favourite!
    Chicken dinner from the Hovelsrud farm, Eastern Norway.

    Recipe: Whole roasted organic chicken from Hovelsrud farm

    For roast chicken, farmer Marianne recommends using master chef Heston Blumenthal's method to get the juiciest result. Impress your friends with this recipe!
    Braised lamb shanks with horseradish made by Tom Victor Gausdal

    Recipe: Braised lamb shanks

    Norwegians love lamb and we are convinced you will too! Especially with this tasty recipe by Tom Victor Gausdal, former Bocuse d'Or silver medallist.
    A reindeer meat dish with sides at Sorrisniva in Alta

    Recipe: Reindeer dish from Finnmark

    Learn how to prepare an inside round cut of reindeer meat, with several delicious sides that beautifully complement the rest of this delectable dish.
The Norwegian Cookbook

A taste of Norway

Get more inspiration on where to visit and what to eat.

A stone platter with smoked salmon and other food
Food and drink
Apple juice on an orchad in Inderøy in Norway.
Cider and juice heaven
Three food bloggers visit Norway to learn more about Norwegian food traditions and local food
Foodie road trip in Trøndelag
  • Taste Norway’s weird and wonderful cuisine at Smalahovetunet in Voss in Fjord Norway
    Norway’s weird and wonderful food
    Brown cheese from the Norwegian creamery Heidal Ysteri in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, Eastern Norway
    Try our unique brown cheese!
    People strolling around among the fruit trees in Ulvik, Hardanger
    Visit Hardanger's fruit farms

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.