When it comes to comfort food, Dutch cuisine doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves.
But trust me, once you dive into these hearty, flavorful dishes, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating them your whole life.
From sweet treats to savory delights, Dutch recipes are all about simplicity, warmth, and a whole lot of flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to spice up your weekly menu, these dishes are about to become your new favorites.
Ready to take your taste buds on a trip to the Netherlands? Buckle up, because we’re about to explore over 10 of the best Dutch recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
These dishes are not only delicious but also easy to make, so you can bring a little Dutch charm into your kitchen without breaking a sweat. Let’s get cooking!
1. Stamppot The Ultimate Dutch Comfort Food
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug, Stamppot is it.
This classic Dutch recipe is a mash-up of potatoes and vegetables, often paired with smoked sausage or meatballs.
It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for those chilly nights when you need something comforting.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 lb kale or sauerkraut (chopped)
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: smoked sausage or vegetarian sausage
How to Make It:
Boil the potatoes until tender. In a separate pot, cook the kale or sauerkraut until soft.
Mash the potatoes with milk and butter, then mix in the greens. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with smoked sausage on the side for a traditional touch.
Why We Chose It:
Stamppot is the epitome of Dutch comfort food. It’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your meal without sacrificing flavor.
2. Poffertjes Mini Pancakes, Maximum Delight
Poffertjes are tiny, fluffy pancakes that are a staple at Dutch fairs and markets.
These bite-sized treats are light, airy, and often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a pat of butter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buckwheat flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for frying
- Powdered sugar for serving
How to Make It:
Mix the flours, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the egg and milk, then whisk until smooth.
Let the batter rest for 30 minutes. Heat a poffertjes pan or a regular skillet, add a little butter, and pour small amounts of batter into each cavity.
Flip when bubbles form, and cook until golden. Serve with powdered sugar.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Poffertjes are irresistibly cute and delicious. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
3. Erwtensoep Dutch Split Pea Soup That Warms Your Soul
Erwtensoep, or Dutch split pea soup, is a thick, hearty soup that’s packed with flavor.
It’s traditionally made with split peas, vegetables, and smoked sausage, making it a complete meal in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups split peas
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 leek (sliced)
- 1 potato (peeled and diced)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: smoked sausage
How to Make It:
Rinse the split peas and add them to a large pot with the broth. Add all the vegetables and the bay leaf, then bring to a boil.
Simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the soup is thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with slices of smoked sausage.
Why We Selected It:
Erwtensoep is the ultimate winter warmer. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies!
4. Bitterballen The Dutch Snack You Can’t Resist
Bitterballen are deep-fried, crispy meatballs with a creamy, savory filling. They’re a popular snack in the Netherlands, often enjoyed with a cold drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked beef (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Breadcrumbs for coating
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Melt the butter in a pan, add the flour, and cook for a minute. Gradually add the broth, stirring until thick.
Add the beef, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Chill the mixture, then shape into small balls. Dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Bitterballen are the ultimate party snack. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and downright addictive.
5. Appeltaart Dutch Apple Pie Like No Other
Dutch apple pie, or Appeltaart, is a dessert that’s all about the crust. It’s thick, buttery, and filled with juicy apples and warm spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 4 apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Add the egg and knead into a dough. Press half into a pie dish.
Mix the apples, raisins, cinnamon, and almonds, then fill the crust.
Roll out the remaining dough, cut into strips, and create a lattice top. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Appeltaart is a showstopper dessert. It’s sweet, spiced, and perfect for any occasion.
6. Hutspot A Dutch Classic with a Twist
Hutspot is another Dutch comfort food favorite, similar to Stamppot but with its own unique flair.
This dish combines mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions into a creamy, flavorful mash that’s often served with slow-cooked meat or vegetarian alternatives.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 4 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 onions (chopped)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: slow-cooked beef or vegetarian meatballs
How to Make It:
Boil the potatoes and carrots until tender. In a separate pan, sauté the onions until caramelized.
Mash the potatoes and carrots with milk and butter, then mix in the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with your choice of protein.
Why We Selected It:
Hutspot is a versatile dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
7. Oliebollen Dutch Doughnuts for the Win
Oliebollen, or Dutch doughnuts, are a must-try treat, especially during festive seasons.
These deep-fried balls of dough are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and often filled with raisins or currants.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make It:
Dissolve the yeast in warm milk, then mix with flour, egg, and sugar. Add the raisins and let the dough rise for an hour.
Heat oil in a deep pan, then drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, then dust with powdered sugar.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Oliebollen are the ultimate indulgence. They’re sweet, fluffy, and perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.
8. Kaasstengels Cheesy Dutch Snacks You’ll Love
Kaasstengels are crispy, cheesy sticks that are perfect for snacking. They’re easy to make and incredibly addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup grated cheese (like Gouda)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, cheese, butter, egg yolk, paprika, and salt into a dough. Roll out the dough, cut into strips, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden.
Why We Chose It:
Kaasstengels are the perfect cheesy snack. They’re crispy, flavorful, and great for parties or movie nights.
9. Boerenkoolstamppot Kale and Potato Mash Done Right
Boerenkoolstamppot is a variation of Stamppot that uses kale instead of other greens. It’s a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy your veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 lb kale (chopped)
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: smoked sausage
How to Make It:
Boil the potatoes and kale together until tender. Mash with milk and butter, then season with salt and pepper. Serve with smoked sausage for a traditional touch.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Boerenkoolstamppot is a healthy twist on a classic dish. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a win-win.
10. Speculaas Spiced Dutch Cookies for the Soul
Speculaas are spiced cookies that are a staple in Dutch households. They’re crispy, flavorful, and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
How to Make It:
Mix all the ingredients into a dough, then roll out and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden.
Why We Selected It:
Speculaas are the perfect spiced treat. They’re easy to make and full of warm, cozy flavors.
11. Kroketten Crispy, Creamy, and Totally Dutch
Kroketten are similar to Bitterballen but larger and often served as a main dish. They’re crispy on the outside and filled with a creamy, savory filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked beef or chicken (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup broth
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Breadcrumbs for coating
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Melt the butter, add the flour, and cook for a minute. Gradually add the broth, stirring until thick.
Add the meat, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Chill, shape into logs, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Kroketten are the ultimate comfort food. They’re crispy, creamy, and totally satisfying.
Conclusion
Dutch cuisine is all about comfort, flavor, and simplicity. These 10+ recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the delicious dishes the Netherlands has to offer.
Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, there’s a Dutch recipe here for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, pick a recipe, and start cooking!