Chopped herring is a classic dish that brings bold flavors and rich tradition to the table. Popular in many Northern European cuisines, this savory spread combines tender, pickled herring with onions, apples, and a touch of cream or sour cream for a perfect balance of tangy and creamy. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for appetizers, sandwiches, or a unique snack.
We love how versatile chopped herring is, making it a great addition to any meal or party platter. Whether you’re familiar with this dish or trying it for the first time, our recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and authentic version that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into this flavorful tradition and discover how easy it is to bring a taste of the sea to your kitchen.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Chopped Herring, we carefully select ingredients that balance bold, tangy, and creamy flavors. Each element plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature taste and texture.
- Pickled herring fillets (8 oz) – the foundation ingredient, providing that classic salty and tangy punch
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely chopped) – adds sharpness and crunch
- Granny Smith apple (1 medium, peeled and diced) – contributes crisp sweetness to balance acidity
- Sour cream (½ cup) – delivers creamy richness for a smooth spread
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) – enhances creaminess without overpowering
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, fresh) – brightens and lifts the flavors
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped) – aromatic herb that cuts through richness
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground) – adds subtle heat
- Salt (to taste) – enhances all other flavors
We recommend assembling all ingredients before starting to ensure a seamless preparation and achieve the authentic Chopped Herring experience.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Pickled herring fillets | 8 oz | Chopped finely |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Granny Smith apple | 1 medium | Peeled and diced |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | – |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons | – |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed |
| Fresh dill | 2 tablespoons | Chopped |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Salt | To taste | – |
Equipment Needed
To prepare our bold and flavorful Chopped Herring Recipe properly, having the right equipment is essential. We want to ensure every ingredient blends harmoniously, capturing the dish’s signature tangy and creamy texture.
Here’s a list of the essential tools we use:
- Sharp Knife – for finely chopping the pickled herring fillets, onions, and apples with precision.
- Cutting Board – provides a stable surface for chopping and dicing safely.
- Mixing Bowl – a medium-sized bowl to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – for accurate measurement of sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Small Whisk or Fork – to mix the creamy base smoothly before folding in the chopped ingredients.
- Plastic Wrap or Airtight Container – for storing the prepared chopped herring to allow the flavors to meld.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sharp Knife | Chop herring, onions, and apples finely |
| Cutting Board | Stable surface for safe chopping |
| Mixing Bowl | Combine ingredients evenly |
| Measuring Tools | Measure sour cream, mayo, lemon juice precisely |
| Whisk or Fork | Mix creamy ingredients smooth and consistent |
| Plastic Wrap/Container | Store and marinate chopped herring |
Tip: Using a sharp knife is crucial — it preserves the texture of the herring and prevents crushing the delicate ingredients. This ensures the spread remains chunky yet cohesive.
We recommend gathering all these tools before starting so our preparation flows efficiently, allowing us to focus on balancing those zesty and creamy flavors in every bite.
Preparing the Herring
To create the perfect chopped herring, it’s essential to start with properly prepared herring fillets. This section guides us through cleaning, filleting, and chopping the herring to achieve the ideal texture and flavor for our dish.
Cleaning and Filleting the Herring
Before we chop, we must ensure our pickled herring is thoroughly cleaned and properly filleted:
- Rinse each herring fillet briefly under cold running water to remove excess brine and pickle residues.
- Pat the fillets dry using paper towels to improve handling and chopping precision.
- Inspect for any remaining bones. Using tweezers or clean fingers, gently remove them for a smooth bite.
- If starting from whole pickled herring, fillet carefully by cutting along the backbone with a sharp knife, then remove the skin by sliding the knife between the skin and flesh.
Here is a quick overview of key steps and tools:
| Step | Description | Tool Required |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse and dry | Remove excess pickling liquid | Sink, paper towel |
| Bone removal | Extract any small bones | Tweezers |
| Filleting (if whole fish) | Cut along backbone and remove skin for fillets | Sharp fillet knife |
Chopping the Herring
Achieving the perfect chunky yet cohesive texture is crucial for a great chopped herring spread:
- Place the cleaned herring fillets on a cutting board.
- Using a very sharp knife, chop the fillets into small, uniform pieces. Aim for roughly 1/4-inch chunks to retain texture without being too coarse.
- Chop gently to avoid turning the flesh into a mushy paste, preserving that signature slightly firm bite.
- Transfer the chopped herring to a mixing bowl.
“A sharp knife is our best ally here — it allows us to control texture and maintain the delicate balance between chunky and spreadable.”
We now have our herring perfectly prepared and ready to blend with the other ingredients for a delicious chopped herring dish.
Preparing Additional Ingredients
To complement our perfectly chopped herring, we must prepare the additional ingredients meticulously. These elements bring balance and enhance the dish’s distinctive flavors, so precise preparation is key.
Chopping Onions and Apples
We start by dicing the yellow onions and Granny Smith apples into small, even pieces. This ensures each bite delivers a consistent blend of sharpness from the onions and sweetness from the apples.
- Onions: Peel the yellow onion and slice it into quarters. Lay each quarter flat and chop finely with a sharp knife, aiming for pieces approximately 1/8 inch in size. This size optimizes blending without overpowering.
- Apples: Core the Granny Smith apple and peel if desired for a smoother texture. Dice into cubes matching the onion size, about 1/8 inch, to maintain uniformity.
| Ingredient | Preparation | Approximate Size |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Onion | Peeled, quartered, finely chopped | 1/8 inch pieces |
| Granny Smith Apple | Cored, peeled (optional), diced | 1/8 inch cubes |
Tip: Using a sharp knife here is essential to preserve the apple’s crispness and prevent the onions from releasing excessive juice, which can dilute the mix.
Preparing Hard-Boiled Eggs
For a creamy texture and subtle richness, the hard-boiled eggs must be handled with care:
- Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Cover with cold water by at least one inch.
- Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Remove from heat, cover the pan, and let sit for exactly 9 minutes.
- Drain the hot water and immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath to halt cooking and facilitate peeling.
- Once cooled, peel and finely chop the eggs into uniform pieces about 1/4 inch in size.
| Step | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Boil | Bring water to rolling boil | Until boiling |
| Rest off heat | Covered pan | 9 minutes |
| Cool | Ice bath | Until fully cooled |
| Chop | Finely diced | ~1/4 inch pieces |
Pro tip: Peeling eggs under running cold water helps remove shells effortlessly, ensuring smooth, unbroken pieces for our chopped herring.
By carefully preparing these additional ingredients, we create a harmonious balance that will merge perfectly with the delicate texture of our chopped herring, amplifying its traditional yet vibrant flavor profile.
Mixing the Ingredients
Now that we have prepared all the components, mixing the ingredients properly ensures our chopped herring achieves its signature balance of flavors and textures. Let’s combine everything step-by-step for a perfect result.
Combining Herring with Onions, Apples, and Eggs
First, we focus on mixing the key solid ingredients that build the base texture of our chopped herring.
- Place the chopped pickled herring fillets into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the finely diced yellow onions, which bring a crisp sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Incorporate the evenly diced Granny Smith apples for a subtle sweetness and fresh crunch.
- Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, providing creamy softness and a mellow flavor contrast.
We recommend folding these ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula rather than vigorously stirring. This approach preserves the desired chunky texture essential for traditional chopped herring.
Adding Mayonnaise and Seasonings
Next, we combine the creamy base and seasonings that unify the dish’s distinct taste.
- Spoon in the measured amount of mayonnaise and sour cream for a luxurious, velvety coating.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice to brighten the mixture and balance the pungency of the pickled fish.
- Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper for subtle heat and aroma.
- Finally, fold in finely chopped fresh dill to add an herbal note that complements the herring perfectly.
We mix gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are well integrated without becoming mushy.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ⅓ cup (80 ml) | Creamy binder |
| Sour cream | ⅓ cup (80 ml) | Creaminess & tang |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp (15 ml) | Brightness & acidity |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Mild heat & aroma |
| Fresh dill | 1 tbsp, finely chopped | Fresh herbal flavor |
Tip: Using fresh dill and lemon juice right before serving maximizes the vibrancy and characteristic aromatic profile of our chopped herring recipe.
With these carefully folded components, our chopped herring is now ready for resting or serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Assembling the Chopped Herring Dish
To assemble our chopped herring, we start by carefully layering the prepared ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Combine the Chopped Herring Fillets
Place the finely chopped pickled herring fillets into a large mixing bowl. The fish should be cut into small, uniform pieces ensuring a slightly firm bite to maintain its signature texture.
- Add the Diced Vegetables and Apples
Next, add the diced yellow onions and Granny Smith apples. These ingredients bring a crispness and subtle sweetness that brighten the dish.
- Incorporate the Chopped Hard-Boiled Eggs
Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs for a rich, creamy contrast that complements the savory flavors of the herring.
- Mix in the Creamy Base and Seasonings
Gently fold in the mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh lemon juice. These contribute creaminess and zest. Follow with freshly ground black pepper and finely chopped fresh dill for aromatic, herby notes that amplify the dish’s freshness.
Tip: Use fresh dill and lemon juice just before serving to maintain vibrant flavors.
- Gentle Folding Technique
With a spatula or large spoon, gently fold all components together. Avoid vigorous stirring to keep the mixture chunky rather than mushy. The key to ideal consistency is gentle mixing that retains small herring pieces and evenly distributes the creamy dressing.
- Resting for Flavor Development
Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld beautifully.
| Component | Function | Preparation Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pickled herring | Salty, firm base | Rinsed, dried, chopped uniformly |
| Yellow onion | Sharp tang, crunchy texture | Diced finely |
| Granny Smith apple | Sweetness, crispness | Peeled, cored, diced small |
| Hard-boiled eggs | Creamy texture, richness | Peeled, chopped medium |
| Mayonnaise & sour cream | Creamy dressing | Measured accurately, folded gently |
| Lemon juice | Brightness, acidity | Freshly squeezed, added last |
| Black pepper | Subtle heat | Freshly ground, to taste |
| Fresh dill | Herbal aroma, freshness | Finely chopped, added before serving |
By carefully following these steps, we ensure our chopped herring dish has a harmonious interplay of tangy, creamy, sweet, and herbal flavors with a delightfully chunky texture — perfect for enjoying on rye bread, crackers, or as an enticing appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
To fully appreciate our Chopped Herring Recipe, we recommend several serving options that highlight its bold, creamy, and tangy flavors. Here’s how we suggest enjoying it at your table:
On Rye Bread or Crispbread
Layer the chopped herring generously over dense rye bread or crunchy crispbread. The bread’s hearty texture balances the creamy spread, creating a satisfying bite. Add a few sprigs of fresh dill or thin slices of cucumber for extra freshness.
As an Elegant Appetizer
Spoon the mixture into small endive leaves or onto bite-sized crackers for a refined appetizer. This presentation is perfect for parties or gatherings, offering guests a burst of savory, tangy flavor in each bite.
With Boiled Potatoes
Serve the chopped herring alongside boiled new potatoes, garnished with chopped fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil. The mild creaminess of the potatoes complements the dish’s sharp and sweet elements beautifully.
In a Salad Bowl
For a light meal, toss the chopped herring with mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, and red onions. Dress lightly with lemon juice and a splash of olive oil to enhance the flavors without overpowering the traditional taste.
Flavor Enhancement Tips
| Serving Style | Complementary Ingredients | Texture Contrast | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rye bread or crispbread | Fresh dill, cucumber slices | Crunchy + creamy | Savory, tangy, creamy |
| Elegant appetizer | Endive leaves, bite-sized crackers | Crisp + smooth | Bold, tangy, fresh |
| Boiled potatoes | Fresh dill, olive oil | Soft potato + creamy mix | Mild, savory, herbaceous |
| Salad bowl | Mixed greens, apple slices, red onions | Crisp vegetables + creamy | Tangy, sweet, light |
Pro Tip: Always add fresh dill and lemon juice just before serving to keep the dish vibrant and aromatic.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Proper storage and make-ahead preparation are key to preserving the bold flavors and creamy texture of our Chopped Herring Recipe. Here are essential tips to ensure optimal freshness and flavor:
Refrigeration Guidelines
- Transfer the chopped herring mixture to an airtight container immediately after mixing.
- Store in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature of 35°F to 40°F (2°C to 4°C).
- Allow the dish to rest for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld beautifully.
- Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and food safety.
| Storage Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Airtight plastic or glass container |
| Refrigerator Temp | 35°F to 40°F (2°C to 4°C) |
| Resting Time | Minimum 1 hour |
| Maximum Storage | 3 to 4 days |
Freezing Tips
While we recommend enjoying chopped herring fresh, it can be frozen if necessary:
- Place the mixture in a freezer-safe, airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Note: Texture may slightly soften after freezing; gently stir before serving.
Make-Ahead Preparation
Planning ahead? Here’s how to prepare your chopped herring in advance for stress-free serving:
- Prepare the herring, onions, and apples separately and keep refrigerated.
- Chop hard-boiled eggs and fresh dill just before assembly to maintain freshness.
- Mix the creamy base (sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper) ahead but add lemon juice last, just before combining, to keep brightness intact.
- Assemble the full dish a few hours before serving and refrigerate to let the flavors marry perfectly.
“Make-ahead assembly enhances the depth of flavor due to extended marination but always keep fresh herbs and lemon juice added last to preserve vibrancy.”
Additional Tips for Optimal Flavor
- Use plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface of the chopped herring if no airtight container is available to minimize oxidation.
- Keep the mixture chilled until serving to maintain its creamy and tangy profile.
- Avoid over-mixing as it can create a mushy texture and diminish the characteristic chunkiness of the dish.
By following these Storage and Make-Ahead Tips, we ensure our Chopped Herring Recipe stays flavorful, fresh, and ready for any occasion.
Conclusion
Chopped herring is a timeless dish that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. With the right ingredients and careful preparation, it transforms into a versatile spread that fits perfectly on appetizers, sandwiches, or even as a snack.
By mastering this recipe, we open the door to a flavorful tradition that’s both simple and impressive. Whether serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a quick treat, chopped herring offers a unique taste experience worth exploring and sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chopped herring made of?
Chopped herring typically includes pickled herring fillets, yellow onion, Granny Smith apple, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, and black pepper, creating a tangy and creamy spread.
How do you prepare the pickled herring for this dish?
Rinse the pickled herring fillets to remove excess brine, pat them dry, check for bones, then chop into small, uniform pieces without crushing to maintain the texture.
What equipment do I need to make chopped herring?
You’ll need a sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, measuring tools, and a whisk or fork for mixing, plus plastic wrap or an airtight container for storage.
How should I chop the additional ingredients?
Dice yellow onions and Granny Smith apples into small, even pieces to ensure a balanced blend of flavors and textures in the dish.
How do you mix the ingredients without making the dish mushy?
Gently fold the chopped herring, onions, apples, and eggs, then add mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, and pepper carefully to maintain a chunky, cohesive texture.
What are some popular serving suggestions for chopped herring?
Serve chopped herring on rye bread, crispbread, crackers, in endive leaves, alongside boiled potatoes with dill, or in a salad with mixed greens and apple slices.
How long should chopped herring rest before serving?
It’s best to refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the dish’s taste.
How long can chopped herring be stored in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container at 35°F–40°F and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Can chopped herring be made ahead or frozen?
Yes, it can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for flavor development. Freezing is possible but may slightly affect texture; consume soon after thawing.
Why is fresh dill important for chopped herring?
Fresh dill adds a bright, herbal aroma and flavor; adding it right before serving keeps the dish vibrant and aromatic.