Croatia is a culinary treasure trove, blending Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan flavors into something truly magical.
This country’s cuisine is rich with history and packed with bold flavors that’ll make you wonder how you lived without them.
From fresh seafood along the Dalmatian coast to hearty stews in the inland regions, Croatian food hits every craving.
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Croatia (or you’ve already fallen in love with it), these recipes are the next best thing.
We’re talking about traditional dishes that’ll take your taste buds on a wild ride. Ready to dive into some seriously mouthwatering eats? Let’s go!
1. Peka (Meat and Vegetables under a Bell-Like Dome)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of lamb or chicken
- 1 lb potatoes, sliced
- 1 lb carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
First things first, Peka isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Traditionally cooked under a metal dome covered with hot coals, it creates tender.
Juicy meat and perfectly roasted veggies. If you don’t have a Peka dome (and let’s be real, most of us don’t), an oven will do the trick!
Start by seasoning the meat with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
In a large baking dish, toss the veggies in olive oil and garlic, then layer the meat on top.
Cover with foil to trap the steam, and roast at 350°F for about 2 hours. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to let everything brown beautifully.
The result? Melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Why did this make it to our list?
Peka is the ultimate Croatian comfort food. It’s all about slow cooking and letting the flavors come together in the most delicious way.
Once you taste it, you’ll be hooked.
2. Crni Rižot (Black Risotto)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb squid, cleaned and chopped
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup squid ink
- 1/2 cup white fish stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Don’t let the black color scare you—Crni Rižot is a seafood lover’s dream. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
Add the squid and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and toast it lightly before adding the tomato paste and squid ink.
Slowly pour in the fish stock, stirring frequently until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes creamy. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley.
Why did we choose it?
This dish is a showstopper. The rich, briny flavor and dramatic black color make it an unforgettable addition to any dinner table.
3. Brudet (Croatian Fish Stew)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh white fish (like sea bass or cod), cleaned and cut into chunks
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup fish stock
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste
How to Make It:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce.
Pour in the fish stock and vinegar, then toss in the bay leaf and seasonings. Once the broth starts simmering, gently add the fish chunks.
Cover and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes without stirring (to avoid breaking the fish). Serve hot with crusty bread for soaking up that rich, tangy sauce.
Why did this make it to our list?
Brudet is a coastal classic, perfect for seafood lovers. Its bold, comforting flavors will transport you straight to a seaside Croatian village.
4. Pašticada (Dalmatian Beef Stew)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef roast (chuck or round)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red vinegar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste
How to Make It:
Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it in olive oil until browned. Set it aside and sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic.
Deglaze the pot with red wine vinegar, then add the beef back in with the broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf.
Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and thick.
Why did we select it?
This dish is a labor of love, but the payoff is worth every second. Pašticada is hearty, savory, and absolutely unforgettable.
5. Soparnik (Swiss Chard Pie)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lb Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Mix flour, water, and a bit of salt to form a dough. Let it rest while you sauté the onion and garlic, then add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted.
Divide the dough in half, roll out two thin circles, and spread the chard mixture on one.
Cover with the second dough circle, pinch the edges, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. Brush with olive oil and serve warm.
Why did we choose it?
Soparnik is simple but oh-so-satisfying. It’s perfect for a light meal or snack with a serious Croatian vibe.
6. Fuži with Truffles (Istrian Pasta)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh pasta (fuži or penne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh truffles or truffle oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the pasta until al dente, then melt the butter in a pan and stir in the cream.
Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan, stirring until creamy. Top with shaved truffles or drizzle with truffle oil for an indulgent finish.
Why did this make it to our list?
Croatian truffles are the real deal, and this dish is a luxurious way to enjoy them. It’s rich, earthy, and totally addictive.
7. Gregada (Hvar Fish Stew)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs white fish (like monkfish or sea bass)
- 1 lb potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup fish stock
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley and lemon for garnish
How to Make It:
Layer the fish, potatoes, and onion in a large pot. Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic.
Pour in the fish stock and simmer gently for 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Why did we select it?
Gregada is a light, flavorful stew that captures the essence of Dalmatian cuisine. It’s comfort food at its finest.
8. Čobanac (Shepherd’s Stew)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef and veal chunks
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Paprika, salt, and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sear the meat in olive oil, then set it aside. Sauté the onion and garlic, then stir in the tomato paste and paprika.
Add the meat back in with the broth and bay leaf. Simmer for 2 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Why did we choose it?
Čobanac is a hearty, slow-cooked stew that’s packed with bold flavors. It’s a must-try for stew lovers.
9. Fritule (Croatian Donuts)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make It:
Mix all the ingredients into a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Why did this make it to our list?
Fritule are the perfect sweet treat—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of citrusy goodness.
10. Štrukli (Cheese-Filled Pastry)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lb cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and sugar to taste
How to Make It:
Roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Mix the cheese, egg, and seasonings, then spread it on the dough.
Roll it up, cut into pieces, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Why did we select it?
Štrukli is pure comfort. It’s cheesy, warm, and impossible to resist.
11. Zagorski Štrukli (Baked Cheese Strudel)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lb cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp sugar
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, water, egg, and salt to form a smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, and sugar in a bowl to make the filling.
Roll out the dough into a thin rectangle and spread the cheese mixture evenly across it.
Roll the dough into a log and cut it into pieces. Place the pieces in a greased baking dish, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Why did we choose it?
Zagorski Štrukli is a beloved dish in Croatia’s northern regions. It’s warm, cheesy, and perfect for any time of day—comfort food at its finest.
Conclusion
Croatian cuisine is a delicious adventure full of bold flavors and comforting dishes.
Whether you’re a fan of seafood, slow-cooked meats, or pastries, there’s something for everyone.
Try these recipes at home, and you’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip to the heart of Croatia.