Belgium might be a small country, but it packs a huge punch in the food department.
From crispy waffles to decadent chocolate dishes, the cuisine is a melting pot of flavors that can charm anyone who gives it a try.
If you’ve ever wondered why Belgian food is so revered worldwide, you’re about to find out.
This exclusive list of Belgian recipes will make you want to roll up your sleeves and get cooking right away.
Each dish is carefully selected, with easy-to-follow instructions and ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. Let’s dig in!
1. Belgian Waffles
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Start by preheating your waffle iron. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown. Serve with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey.
Why did this make it to our list? Nothing screams “Belgium” like waffles. These aren’t your average diner-style waffles—they’re crispy, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible.
2. Moules-Frites (Mussels with Fries)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh mussels
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into fries
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Start by prepping the fries. Cut the potatoes into thick slices, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then fry until golden brown.
For the mussels, heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
Add the mussels and stock, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until the mussels open. Toss in parsley and serve with the fries.
Why did this make it to our list? Mussels and fries are a dynamic duo that shows off Belgium’s seafood game—comforting and hearty without being too fussy.
3. Stoofvlees (Belgian Beef Stew)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef chuck, cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef on all sides. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions until soft.
Add the beef back, then pour in the broth. Stir in mustard, bay leaves, sugar, and vinegar.
Simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens. Serve with crusty bread or fries.
Why did this make it to our list? It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s rich enough to impress at any dinner table.
4. Waterzooi (Belgian Chicken Stew)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 leek, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Melt butter in a large pot and sauté the chicken until golden. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the leek, carrots, and celery until tender.
Add the chicken back, then pour in the broth. Simmer for 20 minutes, then stir in heavy cream. Season to taste and serve with crusty bread.
Why did this make it to our list? Waterzooi is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s light, creamy, and perfect for chilly nights.
5. Belgian Endive Gratin
Ingredients:
- 6 Belgian endives, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or similar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Steam the endives for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
Pour the sauce over the endives, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
Why did this make it to our list? It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something spectacular. The cheesy topping seals the deal.
6. Belgian Frites (Fries)
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Peel and cut the potatoes into thick slices. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 325°F and fry the potatoes for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool.
Increase the temperature to 375°F and fry again until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
Why did this make it to our list? Belgian fries are legendary for a reason—double frying gives them that perfect crunch.
7. Speculoos Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the flour, baking powder, and spices in a bowl. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in the egg, then gradually add the dry ingredients. Roll the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list? These spiced cookies are a Belgian classic that’s hard to resist.
8. Liege Waffles
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup pearl sugar
How to Make It:
Mix flour and yeast in a bowl. Warm the milk and add it to the mix, followed by eggs and butter.
Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise for an hour. Fold in the pearl sugar, divide into balls, and cook on a hot waffle iron.
Why did this make it to our list? The caramelized sugar bits in these waffles are out of this world.
9. Tomato Shrimp Stuffed with Mayo
Ingredients:
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Slice the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the insides. Mix the shrimp with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the mixture into the tomatoes and chill before serving.
Why did this make it to our list? It’s a refreshing and light dish that’s easy to whip up.
10. Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate
- 2 eggs, separated
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
How to Make It:
Melt the chocolate and let it cool. Beat the egg yolks with sugar, then fold in the melted chocolate.
Whip the cream and fold it in. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the mixture. Chill for 2 hours before serving.
Why did this make it to our list? It’s indulgent, rich, and everything you could want in a dessert.
11. Belgian Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Heat the milk in a saucepan, then stir in the chocolate, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
Why did this make it to our list? Belgium is known for its chocolate, and this creamy drink showcases why.
Conclusion
Belgium has more to offer than just waffles and chocolate, though those are reason enough to dive into this culinary adventure.
Try these recipes, and you’ll experience why Belgian cuisine is so beloved. Ready to start cooking? Grab your ingredients and get started!