How do you serve smorgasbord?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

To serve a smorgasbord, you want to create an enticing display of various delicious options for your guests to enjoy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to serve a smorgasbord:

1. Prepare the Pickles: Start by arranging a variety of pickles in small bowls or on a large platter. You can include traditional options like dill pickles, pickled cucumbers, pickled onions, and pickled beets. The tangy and crunchy pickles will add a burst of flavor to the smorgasbord.

2. Caviar Cream Cheese: Next, present a bowl of caviar cream cheese. This luxurious spread is made by mixing cream cheese with caviar, which adds a touch of elegance to the smorgasbord. You can also provide a small spreading knife for your guests to easily serve themselves.

3. Salmon and Trout: Include slices of smoked salmon and trout on your smorgasbord. These delicate fish options are commonly enjoyed on open-faced sandwiches or with crackers. Arrange them neatly on a platter, ensuring they are easily accessible to your guests.

4. Herring: Herring is a classic ingredient in Scandinavian smorgasbord. Serve pickled herring in a bowl or on a separate platter. You can offer different flavors such as dill, mustard, or onion-infused herring. Make sure to provide small forks or toothpicks for your guests to easily pick up the herring pieces.

5. Caperberries: Caperberries are a unique addition to a smorgasbord. These pickled berries have a tangy and slightly briny flavor. Place them in a small bowl alongside the other pickled items. They can be eaten on their own or paired with the fish or cheese.

6. Mushrooms: Sauteed mushrooms are another delicious element to include in your smorgasbord. Cook the mushrooms with garlic, butter, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve them warm in a small bowl, allowing your guests to scoop them onto their plates. The earthy and savory flavor of mushrooms complements the other items on the smorgasbord.

7. Peppers: Add a pop of color to your smorgasbord by including sliced peppers. You can choose a variety of colors like red, yellow, and green to make the presentation more vibrant. Arrange them in a bowl or on a platter, making sure they are easily reachable for your guests.

8. Mustard, Toast Slices, and Crackers: Provide a selection of mustards for your guests to enjoy with the smorgasbord. Traditional options include Dijon, whole grain, and sweet mustard. Place the mustards in small bowls or squeeze bottles for easy serving.

Offer a variety of toast slices and crackers to accompany the different toppings. Rye bread is a common choice for smorgasbord, but you can also include options like baguette slices, crispbread, or wheat crackers. Arrange them in a basket or on a separate platter.

Remember, the key to a successful smorgasbord is to have a wide variety of options that cater to different tastes and preferences. By presenting the items in an appealing and organized manner, you’ll create a visually stunning and delicious experience for your guests. Enjoy!