Hold on just a second. This is a collection of mega GOODNESS and we need to break it down.
We have the savory snacks that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. We have the vegetable-loaded mashes that make you actually want to eat your greens. We have the sweet spiced cookies that basically taste like the holidays.
You can 100% stop there, or you can be extra and make a whole Dutch feast for your family. It is easy, minimal, and delicious. That is the three-way target I’m looking to land on.
1. Dutch Stroopwafels
Is there anything more iconic than a stroopwafel? I think not. These beauties feature thick, syrupy caramel sandwiched between two thin cinnamon cookies that remind me of waffle cones.
It is sweet, it is flavorful, and it is honestly the best thing ever. Sometimes you even find them dipped in chocolate which is just next level deliciousness. Your taste buds are going to thank you big time.
2. Bitterballen
Bitterballen! These fried meaty balls of goodness are a total snack time win. The running joke is to not ask what is in them, but trust me, they are safe and totally yummy.
Imagine a beef croquette filled with gravy and ground beef that is crispy on the outside but super soft on the inside. I promise you these are highly addictive. Make a big batch because they will disappear fast!
3. Stamppot (Dutch National Dish)
This stamppot recipe is my personal favorite version of the popular Dutch dish. It is steamy, it is hearty, and it is basically mashed potatoes plus veggies like kale.
We are talking flavorful alliums, butter, and milk coming together for a taste that is a lot like Irish colcannon. Plus it is always served with delicious smoked sausage. Yum!
4. Boterkoek
Boterkoek might actually be my number one favorite dish on this list. This butter cake is a cakey cookie situation that is chock full of butter, sugar, and flour.
It is rich, tender, and totally amazing as a pre meal treat with coffee. While this recipe doesn’t use almond, I highly recommend adding a splash of almond extract. It is heavenly!
5. Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)
Poffertjes are mini pancakes that are full of good vibes. They are fluffy and sweet and you will see them all over Europe.
These little guys use a yeasted batter so you need to give it a little time to rise. But they are worth every second of waiting. Serve them up with butter and powdered sugar for the full Dutch experience.
6. Traditional Dutch Split Pea Soup (Snert)
Don’t let the name or the look fool you because snert is absolutely delicious. This traditional split pea soup is loaded with veggies like celeriac, carrots, and potatoes plus flavorful pork products.
It is thick and hearty and totally sticks to your ribs. And the longer it sits the better it gets. Just maybe don’t eat it before a big date if you catch my drift.
7. Appeltaart
I think the Dutch might actually have the best apple pies around. The key to this appeltaart is the sweet shortcrust made with brown sugar instead of white.
It results in a crust that is light and buttery and insanely flavorful. Fill it with cinnamon sugar apples, raisins, and breadcrumbs for the best dessert ever. So good!
8. Dutch Kibbeling
If you are a fan of fish and chips then kibbeling is right up your alley. It is batter fried white fish that is seriously crunchy and usually made with cod.
You make a delicious pickle and mayo sauce to go with it. All you need to add are some Dutch fries and mayo and you are set!
9. Kaassoufflé
Kaassoufflé translates to cheese soufflé and it is literally fried cheese. It is one of my absolute favorite Dutch treats.
Think fried cheese wrapped in puff pastry and breadcrumbs like a Dutch mozzarella stick made with Gouda. I could honestly eat a whole platter to myself.
10. Hachee (Dutch Beef and Onion Stew)
Hachee is comfort food at its finest. It is a thick and creamy beef and onion stew that features slow cooked beef and caramelized onions.
A little red wine vinegar cuts through the richness to create the perfect bite. It might not win awards for presentation but who cares when it tastes this good? This is just what you need for winter.
11. Oliebollen
Ring in the New Year with these fabulous fried treats called Oliebollen. They are like the Dutch cousins of donuts and are wonderfully indulgent.
Sometimes filled with fruit but always topped with cinnamon and sugar. The key is to eat them fresh out of the fryer. You will want to double the batch because you will need as many as you can get!
12. Homemade Dutch Frikandellen
Let’s unravel the mystery of the frikandel. This homemade skinless sausage is made with fatty pork, chicken, breadcrumbs, and lots of spices.
You just roll it into a hotdog shape and boil it before storing. When you are ready to eat just deep fry them until they are golden and delicious. Super easy!
13. Tompouce
You cannot have a list of Dutch foods without this classic King’s Day treat. Tompouce is a layered dessert with puff pastry and cream filling covered in a bright orange sugar glaze.
You can use any color but orange is the national color for the King’s birthday. Good luck finding it in stores on the big day so making it yourself is the way to go!
14. Broodje Rookworst
Broodje rookworst is basically a smoked sausage and sauerkraut sandwich. It is uniquely Dutch and reminds me of stadium food.
It is best served with a cold Radler. So simple and so good.
15. Dutch Hutspot
You know winter is coming when the hutspot comes out. It is a specific type of stamppot made with potatoes mashed with carrots and onions.
It is well seasoned and loaded with butter and milk. You can add bacon bits if you want and it is almost always served with smoked sausage. Delish!
16. Ontbijtkoek
Ontbijtkoek is a little breakfast cake that is often served with coffee. This spiced loaf cake reminds me of pound cake but with different ratios.
It is dense and dark and totally delicious. If you like gingerbread you will definitely like this scrummy cake.
17. Dutch Almond Paste-Filled Pastry Log (Banketstaaf)
The Dutch really do dessert well and this holiday treat is proof. Banketstaaf features buttery flaky puff pastry stuffed with rich almond paste.
They baste the pastry with apricot jam and it is fantastic. I guarantee you will not want to share this one.
18. Macaroni Schotel
This macaroni schotel is like the love child of quiche and baked mac and cheese. Every bite is chewy and creamy and cheesy.
It has lots of protein from eggs and cheese and shredded chicken so it is practically a whole meal. Add a veggie on the side and you are good to go. Amazing!
19. Huzarensalade
Huzarensalade is classic party food that is popular at barbecues. This Dutch potato salad is loaded with beef, pearl onions, carrots, pickles, and apples.
Everything is covered in Dutch mayo for a total umami bomb. It sounds a little weird but I would never steer you wrong. This stuff is lekker!
20. Dutch Vegetable Soup with Meatballs
The Dutch are big fans of meatballs especially in their soup. This vegetable soup is a perfect example of that tasty tradition.
Every spoonful is brimming with veggies and noodles and flavorful broth along with a tender meatball. It is healthy and hearty and your family will love it.
21. Saucijzenbroodjes (Dutch Sausage Rolls)
You will find fresh saucijzenbroodjes in any grocery store in the Netherlands. These sausage rolls feature ground meat wrapped in puff pastry and baked to golden perfection.
They are very popular for snacks or a quick lunch on the go. You really can’t go wrong with these babies.
