Västerbottensost is one of Sweden’s most beloved cheeses, known for its rich, tangy and slightly nutty flavour. Aged for at least 14 months, this hard cheese has a unique taste that has made it a staple in Swedish cuisine, appearing in everything from festive pies to simple cheese boards.
But Västerbottensost is more than just a delicious cheese—it’s deeply tied to Swedish cultural traditions, playing an essential role in celebrations like Midsummer, crayfish parties and Christmas feasts. In this article, we’ll explore the traditions, health aspects and best ways to enjoy Västerbottensost.
We’ll also finish with a classic recipe for Västerbottenpaj—a savoury cheese pie that’s a must-try for any cheese lover.
The History of Sweden’s most famous cheese
Västerbottensost has an interesting backstory filled with legend and mystery. The cheese was first created in 1872 in Burträsk, a small town in northern Sweden. According to legend, dairymaid Ulrika Eleonora Lindström accidentally developed the unique taste of Västerbottensost when she was distracted during the cheesemaking process.
Unlike traditional hard cheeses that mature quickly, Västerbottensost requires a long ageing process—at least 14 months. This extended ageing period is believed to be responsible for its distinctive umami depth and slightly crunchy texture due to natural tyrosine crystals.
For more than a century, Västerbottensost has been produced exclusively in Burträsk. Despite attempts to replicate the process elsewhere, no other location has successfully recreated the exact flavour profile of this cheese. Some say it’s due to the local milk, while others believe it’s the unique bacteria in the Burträsk dairy.
Either way, Västerbottensost remains a one-of-a-kind cheese with a protected designation.
What does the name mean?
The name Västerbottensost comes from Swedish and can be broken down into:
- Västerbotten – The name of the northern Swedish region where the cheese originates.
- Ost – The Swedish word for “cheese.”
So, Västerbottensost literally means “Västerbotten cheese.”
When is Västerbottensost traditionally eaten?
Västerbottensost is not just an everyday cheese—it’s a key ingredient in some of Sweden’s biggest celebrations.
Midsummer (Midsommar) – June
Midsummer is one of Sweden’s most important holidays, celebrating the longest day of the year. Families and friends gather outdoors to raise a midsommarstång (maypole), wear flower crowns and enjoy a traditional midsommarbord—a festive buffet featuring pickled herring, salmon, boiled potatoes and, of course, Västerbottensost.
At Midsommar, Swedes enjoy Västerbottensost in several ways:
- Västerbottenpaj (cheese pie): A must-have dish for any Midsummer feast. This rich, savoury pie pairs beautifully with fresh dill, sour cream and pickled fish.
- Cheese boards: Västerbottensost is served with crispbread, butter and cloudberry jam.
- Pairings with schnapps: The cheese’s strong flavour complements the bite of traditional Swedish schnapps.
Crayfish Party (Kräftskiva) – August
Kräftskiva is a late-summer feast celebrating the Swedish crayfish season. Long outdoor tables are decorated with paper lanterns and guests wear festive paper hats while enjoying boiled crayfish and traditional sides.
These are only some of the ways that Västerbottensost is served:
- Pairing with drinks: Västerbottensost is often enjoyed with beer and aquavit, a Scandinavian spiced spirit.
- Västerbottenpaj: A perfect pairing for crayfish, this cheese pie balances the sweetness of the shellfish.
- Sliced Västerbottensost: Served with bread, butter and dill.
Christmas (Julbord) – December
Swedish Christmas celebrations feature an extravagant buffet known as the julbord, which includes cured fish, meats, cheeses and baked goods.
How Västerbottensost is eaten at Christmas:
- Julbord hot dishes: Some families incorporate Västerbottensost into warm gratins and casseroles.
- Christmas cheese boards: Serve Västerbottensost with rye crispbread, fig jam and nuts.
Easter (Påskbord) – March or April
Easter in Sweden involves a spring-themed påskbord (Easter buffet), featuring eggs, salmon and lamb. Västerbottensost adds a savoury depth to the meal.
How Västerbottensost is served at Easter:
- Cheese & bread pairings: Served with crispbread, butter and smoked meats.
- Västerbottenpaj: A popular Easter dish, perfect for brunch.
- Egg dishes: Grate the cheese over devilled eggs or mixed into omelettes.
National Day of Sweden (Sveriges Nationaldag) – June 6th
While not as widely celebrated as Midsummer, Sweden’s National Day is still an occasion for special meals.
These are some of the ways that Västerbottensost can be enjoyed on National Day:
- Open-faced sandwiches (smörgåsar) with Västerbottensost and smoked meats.
- Cheese boards with berries, honey and bread.
How to store and serve Västerbottensost
Storage tips
- Wrap in wax paper or cheese paper and store in the fridge at around 4°C (39°F).
- Avoid plastic wrap, which can make the cheese sweat.
- Properly stored, it can last for several weeks.
Serving tips
- Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavour.
- Serve sliced or grated over dishes for a stronger taste.
Best drink pairings for Västerbottensost
- Beer: Swedish lagers and pale ales balance its nutty taste.
- White Wine: Crisp Chardonnay or Riesling complements its saltiness.
- Red Wine: Light Pinot Noir or fruity Zinfandel works well.
- Aquavit & Schnapps: Traditional Swedish spirits enhance its bold flavour.
How Västerbottensost compares to other cheeses
- Parmesan: Similar in hardness and umami flavour, but Västerbottensost is creamier.
- Cheddar: Both have strong flavours, but Västerbottensost has a more complex, tangy taste.
- Gruyère: Shares a nutty sweetness but lacks the umami of Västerbottensost.
Is this Swedish cheese healthy?
Västerbottensost is not just delicious—it also has several health benefits:
- High in Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
- Rich in Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth, helping to prevent osteoporosis.
- Source of Healthy Fats: Contains beneficial fatty acids that support brain function and overall health.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12, zinc and phosphorus, which contribute to immune function and energy production.
While Västerbottensost is high in fat and sodium, it can be part of a balanced diet in moderation.
Is Västerbottensost safe for pregnant women?
Yes! Västerbottensost is made from pasteurised milk and aged for over a year, making it safe for pregnancy. However, due to its high sodium content, pregnant women should eat it in moderation.
Is Västerbottensost suitable for lactose intolerance?
Yes! The long ageing process reduces lactose content, making Västerbottensost a good choice for most lactose-intolerant individuals.
Fun facts About Västerbottensost
- It has a protected designation in Sweden, meaning it can only be made in Burträsk.
- Despite many attempts, no one has successfully recreated it outside of Burträsk.
- Some say the secret to its unique taste lies in the local bacteria or climate.
- Västerbottensost was served at the 2010 Nobel Prize banquet.
Featured Recipe: Västerbottenpaj (Swedish Cheese Pie)
This classic Västerbottensost pie is a must-try, especially if you want to experience Swedish cuisine at its best.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 125g butter, chilled and diced
- 200g plain flour
- 1 tbsp cold water
For the filling
- 200g Västerbottensost, grated
- 3 eggs
- 200ml double cream
- 100ml milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
- Mix flour and butter until crumbly.
- Add water and knead until dough forms.
- Press into a greased tart tin.
- Chill for 30 minutes, then bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes.
Prepare the filling:
- Whisk eggs, cream, and milk.
- Stir in grated Västerbottensost.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
Assemble and bake:
- Pour filling into the crust.
- Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a green salad and pickled herring.
- Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine or a Swedish aquavit.
Final thoughts
Västerbottensost is more than just a cheese—it’s a symbol of Swedish tradition and craftsmanship. Whether you’re enjoying it in a pie at Midsummer or as part of a festive julbord, this cheese is a must-try for any food lover.
Would you like to try making Västerbottenpaj at home? Let us know how it turns out!
Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online.
