Smørrebrød (; originally
smør og brød, "butter and bread") usually consists of a piece of buttered rye bread (
rugbrød), a dense, dark
brown bread.
Pålæg (literally "on-lay"), the topping, then among others can refer to commercial or homemade
cold cuts, pieces of
meat or
fish,
cheese or
spreads. This daily practice is the base of the famous Danish
open sandwich,
smørrebrød: a slice or two of
pålæg is placed on the buttered bread, and then
pyntet (decorated) with the right accompaniments, to create a tasty and visually appealing food item.