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How to make the Danish open-faced sandwiches: 3 simple steps to upgrading your menu
Upgrade your menu with Danish Smørrebrød in 3 quick steps. Learn how to make these delicious and visually stunning open-faced sandwiches.
24 May 2024
Looking for menu ideas that will attract your customers with visual stunning, delicious, and yet easy-to-prepare dishes? If your answer is yes, then we recommend you consider the Denmark’s iconic dish, “Smørrebrød,” also known as the open-faced sandwich.
These open-faced sandwiches are quick and easy to prepare, delivering both taste and visual appeal, making them a perfect addition to your menu. The simple steps of making the Danish open-faced sandwiches requires few resources, which can maximise your food service business profit margins. With a nod to the past and a touch of modernity, let’s delve into the world of Smørrebrød and guide you on how to integrate this iconic Danish dish into your culinary offerings, ensuring your menu stands out and keeps customers coming back for more.
What is “Smørrebrød”? Understand the essence of Danish open-faced sandwich
At the heart of Danish cuisine lies Smørrebrød, a culinary tradition dating back centuries. These open-faced sandwiches are a quintessential part of Danish culture, enjoyed for their simplicity, elegance, and diverse flavour profiles. Traditionally, Smørrebrød consists of dense rye bread, known as Rugbrød, topped with an array of savoury ingredients such as pickled herring, smoked salmon, roast beef, or pâté, garnished with fresh herbs, vegetables, and sauces. It is a good option for appetizer, breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu.
How to make Smørrebrød? The Danish open-faced sandwich step-by-step guide
Step 1: Baking authentic rye bread
To truly capture the essence of Danish Smørrebrød, it’s essential to start with the foundation – Rugbrød. This hearty rye bread provides the perfect canvas for layering flavours and textures. For those seeking authenticity, we recommend trying out this traditional Rugbrød recipe with sourdough. Baked to perfection, this dense and flavourful bread sets the stage for a memorable Smørrebrød experience.
Step 2: Innovating with Paleo bread
While honouring tradition is crucial, innovation fuels culinary creativity. For those looking to offer a contemporary twist on Smørrebrød, consider experimenting with alternative bread options. Paleo bread, made with nutrient-rich ingredients like almons and various seeds, offers a grain-free alternative that caters to modern dietary preferences. Explore this Paleo bread recipe, crafted to perfection in the innovative Invoq Combi oven, for a lighter yet equally satisfying base for your Smørrebrød creations.
Step 3: Select and prepare toppings
Now that you have your base – whether traditional Rugbrød or Paleo bread – it’s time to unleash your creativity with an array of tantalizing toppings. Here are 7 topping suggestions to inspire your culinary imagination:
Classic pickled herring
Embrace tradition with thinly sliced pickled herring, accompanied by tangy mustard sauce, red onions, and fresh dill.
Smoked salmon & dill cream cheese
Elevate your Smørrebrød with silky smoked salmon, creamy dill-infused cream cheese, capers, and a squeeze of lemon.
Roast beef & horseradish
Indulge in tender slices of roast beef, paired with zesty horseradish cream, arugula, and crispy fried onions.
Avocado & shrimp
Embrace freshness with ripe avocado slices, succulent shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette.
Breaded fish fillet & rémoulade
Transport your diners to the coastal shores of Denmark with a crispy breaded fish fillet nestled on your Smørrebrød. Coat a tender fish fillet in golden breadcrumbs, then pan-fry in oven until crisp and golden. Place the fish on your bread base and generously top with rémoulade sauce, pickles, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a taste of seaside indulgence.
Eggs & shrimp duo
Delight your taste buds with the dynamic duo of perfectly boiled eggs and succulent shrimp. Arrange slices of hard-boiled eggs atop your chosen bread base, accompanied by plump shrimp, fresh cucumber slices, and a dollop of mayonnaise.
Vegan delight
Cater to diverse dietary preferences with roasted vegetable medley, hummus, marinated tofu, and a sprinkle of microgreens.
Ready for service
Layer your chosen toppings on your bread base, balancing flavours and textures for a harmonious blend of ingredients. Present your Smørrebrød beautifully, emphasizing the colourful and varied toppings.
Danish Smørrebrød offers a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation, allowing culinary professionals like yourselves to showcase your artistry and creativity. Whether you choose to stay true to tradition with rye bread or explore new horizons with Paleo bread, the possibilities for Smørrebrød creations are endless. So, fire up your Invoq oven, unleash your culinary imagination, and embark on a gastronomic journey through the flavours of Denmark.
Happy Smørrebrød crafting!
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