These balsamic glazed köttbullar with goat cheese are an explosion of flavor and texture. Juicy Swedish meatballs get a tangy, sweet, and slightly tart makeover thanks to the homemade balsamic glaze. The creamy goat cheese adds a final touch of elegance. Trust me, you'll be amazed by how much flavor is packed into this dish. It's simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a dinner party.

I developed this recipe after a weekend trip to Sweden, where I had the most incredible köttbullar. I wanted to recreate that magic at home, adding my personal touch of balsamic glaze and goat cheese. The result is a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet, creamy and tangy, making it irresistible. I’ve already made it several times; my friends absolutely loved it! I'm excited for you to try it. What are your thoughts?

Balsamic Glazed Kottbullar with Goat Cheese

Name: Balsamic-Glazed-Kottbullar-with-Goat-Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Nordic
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground beef; 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup Onion, finely chopped; 1 Egg; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons Honey; 4 ounces Goat cheese

Tender Swedish meatballs are elevated with a rich balsamic glaze and creamy goat cheese in this easy yet impressive recipe.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, let's tackle those delicious köttbullar! In a large mixing bowl, gently combine 1 pound of ground beef (or your preferred meat!), 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Don't overmix – we want some texture!
Now, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. I usually end up with around 20-24, but it might vary slightly. This is where you can really get creative - feel free to make them smaller or larger!
Next up, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet; you don't want those meatballs sticking!
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are nicely seared on all sides. This browning step adds incredible flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan; this will lower the temperature and lead to steaming instead of searing.
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
Meanwhile, prepare the balsamic glaze! In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly – about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Once the meatballs are cooked, gently toss them in the balsamic glaze until evenly coated. This is where things get exciting! Watch the beautiful color and sheen emerge.
Now, for the finishing touch: Crumble 4 ounces of goat cheese over the balsamic glazed meatballs. You can totally bake them with the goat cheese on top if you like some slightly melted, gooey goodness, but i like to keep it a bit chunky and fresh.
Serve immediately, perhaps with some crusty bread or mashed potatoes. I always add a simple green salad on the side because it’s so refreshing. What are your favorite side dishes?

📝 Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the meatball mixture.
If the balsamic glaze becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of water to thin it out.
Feel free to adjust the amount of goat cheese to your liking.
Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad