Rugbrød Open Sandwich with Smoked Herring and Pickled Cucumber

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Danish open sandwich featuring hearty rye bread topped with smoked herring, tangy pickled cucumber, and fresh herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, pairs rye bread (rugbrød) slices, smoked herring fillets, cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 small cucumber into thin half-moons and place in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt; stir until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumber slices and let them pickle for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Lightly butter 4 slices of rye bread with 2 tbsp butter, then arrange 8 oz smoked herring fillets evenly on top.
  4. Step 4: Drain the pickled cucumber and distribute over the herring along with 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and freshly ground black pepper over each sandwich as a finishing touch.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately for a flavorful taste of Nordic open-faced sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rugbrød Open Sandwich with Smoked Herring and Pickled Cucumber take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rugbrød Open Sandwich with Smoked Herring and Pickled Cucumber?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rugbrød Open Sandwich with Smoked Herring and Pickled Cucumber?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rugbrød Open Sandwich with Smoked Herring and Pickled Cucumber for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rugbrød Open Sandwich with Smoked Herring and Pickled Cucumber?

Mediterranean sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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