A Summertime Treat: Norwegian‑Inspired Charcuterie Board

17th Jul 2025

Wanda Hanson

Norwegians have long enjoyed smørgåsbord-style spreads—assorted smoked fish, meats, cheeses and relishes—much like today’s popular charcuterie boards. This Norwegian twist using Norsland Lefse ingredients puts family‑style summer entertaining front and center.

Why Lefse Makes a Perfect Charcuterie Base

Lefse, the soft potato flatbread, is a versatile canvas for both savory and sweet toppings. On this board, we use it to create ham pinwheels, salmon pâté cones, and lingonberry roll‑ups. Crunchy Uffda Chips (deep‑fried lefse) serve as sturdy carriers for pepper jelly and whipped cream cheese dip.

Cheese, Crackers & Smoked Almonds

Don’t forget our oven‑baked cheeses—the Parmesan and the Bacon varieties are big hits. Instructions are on the package for both oven or microwave prep. Add crackers for crunch and almonds—smoked at home or store‑bought.

Fresh & Flavorful Toppings

Fill in with seasonal favorites like cherries, raspberries, dried apricots, olives and almonds. For extra Norwegian flair, include pickled items—eggs, green beans, mushrooms, beets—available alongside our herring and canned fish selection.

Recipes for Your Board

Norwegian Pinwheels

Ingredients:

16 oz cream cheese
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup finely chopped ham
½ cup chopped green onion
2 lefse rounds

Directions:

Mix cream cheese, ranch mix, and shredded cheddar in a medium bowl.
Gently spread the mixture on each lefse round.
Sprinkle each round with chopped ham and green onions.
Roll into a cylinder, chill 1–2 hours, then slice into pinwheels.
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze for a month.

Salmon Pâté Spread Cones

Ingredients:

1 tube salmon pâté spread
1 round lefse
Cream cheese or leftover pinwheel mixture

Directions:

Cut lefse into trapezoids (~2½″ high).
Spread with cream cheese.
Roll into cone shapes.
Fill each cone with salmon pâté.

Lingonberry Lefse Roll‑Ups

Ingredients:

Lingonberry preserves
Soft butter
1 round lefse

Directions:

Spread butter on lefse round.
Add a layer of lingonberry preserves.
Cut into strips (~3–4″ tall), then roll and serve.

Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

1 jar pepper jelly
8 oz whipped cream cheese
Uffda Chips and/or assorted crackers

Directions:

Spoon whipped cream cheese into a small bowl.
Top with 3+ tablespoons of pepper jelly.
Serve with chips or crackers.

Smoked Almonds

Ingredients:

1 egg white
2 tsp salt
½ tsp liquid hickory smoke
3 cups raw almonds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Beat egg white until foamy; stir in salt and liquid smoke.
Coat almonds in the mixture.
Spread on baking sheet and bake for 30 mins, stirring every 10 mins.
Let cool before serving.

Lingonberry Tom Collins

Ingredients:

1 measure lingonberry syrup
2 measures vodka
½ measure lemon juice
Soda water
Ice

Directions:

Fill a tall glass with ice and add lingonberry syrup.
Add vodka and lemon juice; stir well.
Top with soda water and enjoy!

Assembling Your Board

Place the pepper jelly dip in the center. Arrange cheeses in a curve, then add lines of crackers, Uffda Chips, fruit, nuts, olives, and ham rolls. Complement with herring or pickled vegetables—serve fish in small bowls to keep flavors separate.

Get creative! Use different boards, fresh berries, hazelnuts, or other favorites to make it truly “yours.”

Warm, community‑minded, and brimming with Nordic charm—this board is sure to become a summertime staple.

Check out the images below!