If you’ve ever seen those beautiful Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches stacked with fresh toppings, that’s Smørrebrød. The Danish classic is all about good ingredients, bold flavors, and the perfect balance of textures. The problem? Traditional Smørrebrød is built on dense, rye bread, which is far from keto-friendly. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a low-carb version that keeps all the taste and charm without the carbs.
This isn’t just a sandwich. It’s an experience. Imagine a crisp, flavorful base topped with layers of creamy, tangy, and savory goodness. Whether you want something fresh and light or rich and satisfying, you can build it your way. And the best part? It’s easier than it looks.
By the time you finish reading this, you’ll not only know how to make a proper keto Smørrebrød, but you’ll also feel like you’ve had a seat at my kitchen table, slicing, spreading, and assembling alongside me.
The Foundation: Keto “Rye” Bread
Smørrebrød starts with a good base, and traditional Danish rye bread (rugbrød) is hearty, slightly tangy, and full of seeds. The challenge is making something keto that still has that same structure and flavor. After lots of trial and error, I’ve found that almond flour, flaxseed meal, and a touch of vinegar create the best alternative.
Ingredients for Keto “Rye” Bread
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup psyllium husk powder (for texture)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, flaxseed, psyllium husk, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, vinegar, and melted butter. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the boiling water while mixing. The dough will thicken fast.
- Shape into a loaf and press it into the pan.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until firm and golden brown.
- Let it cool before slicing. The texture gets even better after a few hours.
This bread holds up beautifully under toppings. It has a slightly nutty taste with just the right chew. If you want to make life even easier, slice it and freeze it for later.
Classic Keto Smørrebrød Toppings
Now for the fun part—building the perfect Smørrebrød. Traditional toppings are a mix of seafood, meats, eggs, and creamy spreads. Here are my top keto-friendly options.
1. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese
This one is a must. The creamy, slightly tangy cheese with silky smoked salmon is an unbeatable combination.
You’ll Need:
- 1 slice of keto bread
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 3–4 slices smoked salmon
- 1 teaspoon capers
- A few thin slices of red onion
- Fresh dill for garnish
How to Assemble:
- Spread cream cheese evenly over the bread.
- Lay the smoked salmon on top, folding it slightly for texture.
- Sprinkle capers and red onion slices.
- Finish with fresh dill.
The saltiness of the salmon, the crunch of onions, and the richness of the cream cheese make every bite perfect.
2. Shrimp & Egg with Homemade Mayo
This topping is a Danish classic. The combination of sweet shrimp, soft eggs, and homemade mayonnaise is something special.
You’ll Need:
- 1 slice of keto bread
- 6–8 cooked shrimp (peeled)
- 1 boiled egg, sliced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh chives
How to Assemble:
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread.
- Arrange the egg slices evenly.
- Top with shrimp, stacking them slightly for height.
- Drizzle with a bit of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle chopped chives on top.
This one is light yet filling, with a fresh, creamy taste.
3. Roast Beef & Horseradish Cream
If you love bold flavors, this is for you. Thinly sliced roast beef with a punchy horseradish cream is a game-changer.
You’ll Need:
- 1 slice of keto bread
- 3–4 slices roast beef
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- A few pickled cucumbers
- Fresh parsley
How to Assemble:
- Mix sour cream with horseradish and spread on the bread.
- Lay the roast beef slices on top.
- Add a few thin slices of pickled cucumbers.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
This one has that perfect balance of rich, creamy, and tangy flavors.
4. Avocado & Prawn with Chili Mayo
A modern twist with a little heat.
You’ll Need:
- 1 slice of keto bread
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 5–6 cooked shrimp
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- A squeeze of lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
How to Assemble:
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread.
- Arrange avocado slices neatly.
- Top with shrimp.
- Sprinkle chili flakes and squeeze lime juice over everything.
- Garnish with cilantro.
Creamy avocado and spicy shrimp make this one irresistible.
Finishing Touches
Smørrebrød isn’t just about stacking ingredients. The small details matter. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a little cracked pepper takes everything up a notch. Danes eat this with a fork and knife, and trust me, it makes the experience feel more special.
Want to make it look even more traditional? Arrange your toppings with care. Danish Smørrebrød is about aesthetics as much as taste. A little effort makes your plate look like something straight out of Copenhagen.
A Meal That Feels Special
This isn’t your average sandwich. Smørrebrød is a meal that makes you slow down and enjoy each bite. The mix of textures and flavors, the careful layering, and the attention to detail turn a simple lunch into something memorable.
Now that you know how to make it keto, you don’t have to miss out on the magic of Danish open-faced sandwiches. Whether you go for the classic smoked salmon, the rich roast beef, or the fresh shrimp and egg, you’ll get something delicious every time.
So grab a slice of that keto “rye” bread, pick your toppings, and build yourself something beautiful.