From my own adventures in the kitchen, I can honestly say that Netherlands cuisine is truly special. These dishes deliver big time on the comforting, homey flavors.
There are not a ton of Dutch restaurants here, but I have great news: these 21 recipes are pretty simple to whip up in your own kitchen.
1. Oliebollen
What better way to celebrate the New Year than with this awesome fried treat? Think of oliebollen as Dutch-style beignets or donuts. Trust me when I tell you that they are wonderfully rich.
Although you will sometimes find these dusted with cinnamon and sugar, the best way is always to enjoy them right from the fryer. Be sure that you make plenty because these will disappear quickly.
2. Stamppot
Not only is it steamy and hearty, but it can be prepared in a myriad of different ways. However, this particular recipe is the most common and happens to be my favorite.
In its simplest form, stamppot is mashed potatoes with some added veggies. This one calls for kale, a common staple in many Dutch households. To make it even better, this is made with flavorful alliums, butter, and milk.
You can also expect this to be served with tasty smoked sausage.
3. Ontbijtkoek
This scrummy breakfast cake may not be what you eat for breakfast, but it often goes with coffee. In my experience, you just can’t go wrong with it!
You’ll find that this cake is dense, dark, and very yummy. If you enjoy that holiday gingerbread flavor, you will absolutely dig this delicious cake.
4. Macaroni Schotel
This macaroni schotel is a delightful mashup between quiche and baked mac & cheese. It is creamy, cheesy, chewy, and every single bite will bring you right to flavor town. Plus, this is basically a full meal all on its own!
Because there is cheese, eggs, and pulled chicken, you’re getting a ton of protein. I recommend adding some veggies as a side to round it out.
5. Kaassoufflé
One of my favorite Dutch treats? Definitely the Kaassoufflé. Because that literally means fried cheese.
You read that correctly!
This awesome cheese is wrapped with breadcrumbs and puff pastry. I would describe these as sort of like Dutch mozzarella sticks made with Gouda.
You could definitely catch me eating a whole plate of these on the regular.
6. Appeltaart
The crust is what truly brings everything together. Because it calls for brown sugar instead of the white variety, the crust is a shortcrust that is sweet, buttery, and highly flavorful.
You’ll find it filled with cinnamon-sugar apples, breadcrumbs, and raisins. You’ll soon find that this is as great as apple pie gets!
7. Dutch Almond Paste-Filled Pastry Log (Banketstaaf)
Desserts are definitely something that the Dutch do really well.
This special holiday treat is a prime example. The banketstaaf features rich almond paste stuffed in buttery, flakey puff pastry. To finish it off, they hit it with apricot jam.
I can guarantee you won’t be wanting to share a single bite of this amazingness.
8. Huzarensalade
If huzarensalade is on the menu, you know that party time has officially arrived. This yummy stuff is party food at its best, often being served at barbecues and birthday bashes. It is like the Dutch version of potato salad, but trust me, it will blow any others away.
You’ll get a total umami bomb with all the veggies, beef, apples, pickles, and pearl onions. Trust me when I tell you that this is indeed lekker.
9. Dutch Stroopwafels
It might just be the most iconic dessert to come from the Netherlands.
Prepare to have your tastebuds thanking me when you try your first ever stroopwafel. You’ll enjoy every single bite of this caramel sandwich between those thin cinnamon cookies. Sometimes, you’ll find these dipped in chocolate.
Yum!
10. Tompouce
It is impossible to have a Dutch food list without mentioning this truly amazing classic dessert. Because of King’s Day, it’s great to make this yourself! Tompouce has tasty cream filling and puff pastry layers.
Afterwards, you’ll want to make sure that it is topped with a bright orange glaze. Of course, you are free to use whatever color that you want, but the color needs to be bright orange on King’s Day because it is the official color.
11. Broodje Rookworst
In its most simple and basic form, broodje rookworst has sauerkraut plus a smoked sausage.Think of it as sort of like a hot dog combined with a British-style sausage sandwich.But, it’s uniquely Dutch.
This tasty snack is commonly served with a cold Radler in stadiums.
12. Dutch Hutspot
Hutspot is a form of stamppot that appears once winter is on its way.
But, it’s a highly unique form.It is made with mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions, seasoned very well, and has both butter and milk.
Even better, it often has spekjes (bacon bits) mixed right in (feel free to add some if you want).You’ll want to make sure it goes with some smoked sausage as well!
13. Dutch Kibbeling
Any fans of fish and chips out there?
If so, kibbeling is going to be right up your alley! You’ll find this as batter-fried white fish that is seriously crunchy.
While cod is the most common fish used for the recipe, many types of white fish will work just fine. It also comes with a beer-battered cod and pickle and mayo sauce. Top it off with mayo and Dutch fries and you are good to go!
14. Dutch Vegetable Soup with Meatballs
Like the Swedish, the Dutch are major fans of meatballs.You’ll most commonly find these tasty meatballs in soup.Though I was shocked when I first enjoyed tomato soup while in the Netherlands, I must say that it is really yummy.
This vegetable soup is the perfect thing because every spoonful is full of flavorful broth, tender meatballs, and veggies.You can be sure that this will be a family favorite that is both healthy and hearty.
15. Boterkoek
As much as the kaassoufflé is a favorite, boterkoek is THE favorite for me. While this is often enjoyed before the main course with coffee, it is truly heavenly. Though your waistline might not be happy, I am sure that your taste buds will love it.
Because the term boterkoek actually translates to butter cake, you can be sure that it will be chock-full of butter, sugar, and flour. This amazing cakey-cookie thing is rich, buttery, and tender. You may also enjoy a splash of almond extract.
16. Hachee
The plating and presentation may not win any awards, but you should never judge a book by its cover!You’ll find hachee to be comfort food that is rich, creamy, and amazing.For something you need in the winter, hachee is it.
The recipe features slow-cooked beef with a little acid from red wine vinegar to really cut through the richness.Mouthwatering, indeed!
17. Saucijzenbroodjes
In the Netherlands, you’ll be able to find saucijzenbroodjes at any supermarket or gas station. Also known as Dutch sausage rolls, these are especially great for a quick lunch or snack when you are on the go.
Like other sausage rolls, the puff pastry is baked to golden perfection and it is chock-full of ground meat. Without a doubt, these are a win for both children and adults alike!
18. Traditional Dutch Split Pea Soup (Snert)
The appearance of this dish may be less than appetizing and the name might sound funny, but I am telling you: snert is incredibly delicious. As an added bonus, it only gets better the longer it sits.
Snert is packed with pork products and veggies. You’ll find carrots, celeriac, split peas, potatoes, and celery.
I would provide a word of warning that you probably shouldn’t enjoy this before a date. In fact, it is said that snert can power windmills.
19. Poffertjes
Yes, they may be mini pancakes, but in all reality, they bring so much more to the table.These are super sweet, ultra fluffy, and guaranteed to deliver great vibes.
While there are many different versions of this all across Europe, some, including poffertjes, have yeast in the batter.That means you’ll need to wait for it to rise.But don’t worry because these are indeed worth it.
Be sure to enjoy these the Dutch way, with powdered sugar and butter!