Belgian cuisine is a delightful mix of rich flavors and comforting dishes that make every meal a special occasion.
From crispy waffles and savory stews to chocolates and sweet treats, Belgium has something to tantalize every taste bud.
Dive into this collection of 50 authentic Belgian recipes and discover the heart of Belgian cooking right from your kitchen.
1. Belgian Waffles
Belgian Waffles are the epitome of breakfast bliss.
Imagine golden, crisp exteriors with a fluffy interior that’s perfect for soaking up maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
They’re often larger and lighter than regular waffles, thanks to the yeast in the batter.
Serve them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast that feels like a treat every time.
2. Moules-Frites (Mussels and Fries)
Moules-Frites is the Belgian equivalent of a classic fish and chips, but with mussels and fries.
Tender mussels are steamed in a savory broth of white wine, garlic, and herbs, and served alongside crispy, golden fries.
It’s a match made in heaven – the richness of the mussels and the crunch of the fries make for an unforgettable meal, especially when paired with a cold Belgian beer.
3. Carbonade Flamande
Carbonade Flamande, or Flemish Beef Stew, is a rich and hearty dish that screams comfort food.
Slow-cooked beef is simmered in a dark beer sauce with onions, brown sugar, and mustard, creating a deep, complex flavor.
The result is a thick, satisfying stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Serve it with some crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug.
4. Stoofvlees
Stoofvlees is Belgium’s take on beef stew, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Tender chunks of beef are slowly braised in a rich, dark beer sauce with a touch of sweetness from caramelized onions and a bit of tang from vinegar.
The end result is a savory, hearty stew that’s perfect for pairing with a side of fries or creamy mashed potatoes.
It’s a classic Belgian comfort food that’s sure to please.
5. Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a comforting Belgian stew that’s all about creamy goodness.
Originally made with fish, this version features tender chicken simmered in a luscious broth with vegetables and cream.
It’s light but satisfying, and the vegetables add a fresh, healthy touch.
Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce – it’s a dish that feels like a cozy blanket in a bowl.
6. Speculoos
Speculoos are spiced shortcrust biscuits that are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
These cookies are loaded with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, giving them a rich, aromatic flavor.
They have a lovely crisp texture and are often shaped into festive designs.
Enjoy them on their own or crumbled over ice cream for a deliciously crunchy topping.
7. Belgian Chocolate Mousse
Belgian Chocolate Mousse is a dessert that’s as rich and indulgent as it sounds.
Made with high-quality Belgian chocolate, this mousse is smooth, creamy, and deeply chocolatey.
It’s light and airy, yet decadently satisfying.
Top it with some whipped cream and a few chocolate shavings, and you’ve got a dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or just a treat for yourself.
8. Endive and Ham Gratin
Endive and Ham Gratin is a classic Belgian dish that combines slightly bitter endive with savory ham, all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce.
The endive is blanched to mellow its bitterness, then wrapped in ham and baked until bubbly and golden.
It’s a comforting dish with layers of flavor and texture – creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit indulgent.
9. Liège Waffles
Liège Waffles are the sweet, caramelized cousins of the classic Belgian waffle.
They’re made with a yeast-leavened dough studded with pearl sugar that caramelizes as they cook, creating a crispy, sweet exterior with a soft, fluffy interior.
These waffles are perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet treat.
Enjoy them plain or with toppings like fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
10. Shrimp Croquettes
Shrimp Croquettes are a beloved Belgian appetizer that’s both crispy and creamy.
These bite-sized delights are filled with a rich shrimp filling encased in a golden breadcrumb coating.
The shrimp mixture is seasoned and cooked until creamy, then shaped into croquettes and fried until crispy.
They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal, and they pair wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce.
11. Witloof (Belgian Endive) Salad
Witloof, or Belgian endive, is a crisp and slightly bitter vegetable that’s perfect for salads.
In this recipe, endive is combined with sweet apples, toasted walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette.
The result is a salad that balances bitter, sweet, and tangy flavors perfectly.
It’s a refreshing side dish that adds a touch of sophistication to any meal.
12. Belgian Meatballs
Belgian Meatballs, or Boulettes, are a staple of Belgian cuisine.
These meatballs are typically made from a mix of beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices, and then simmered in a savory tomato or beer-based sauce.
They’re tender, flavorful, and perfect when served with fries or mashed potatoes.
It’s a dish that’s hearty and satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
13. Flemish Rabbit Stew
Flemish Rabbit Stew is a rustic Belgian dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Rabbit is simmered in a rich beer sauce with vegetables and herbs until tender.
The beer adds a deep, complex flavor to the stew, making it both hearty and flavorful.
Serve it with some crusty bread or potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce.
14. Filet Américain
Filet Américain is Belgium’s take on steak tartare, a raw beef dish that’s seasoned and served as a spread or on its own.
The beef is finely minced and mixed with onions, capers, and a blend of spices.
It’s often served with a raw egg yolk on top and accompanied by toast or fries.
It’s a dish that’s bold, flavorful, and definitely a Belgian classic.
15. Tomato Shrimp Cocktail
Tomato Shrimp Cocktail, or Tomate Crevettes, is a refreshing Belgian dish that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Juicy shrimp are served in a tangy tomato sauce with a touch of lemon and herbs.
It’s often served chilled and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
It’s light, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy seafood.
16. Vol-au-Vent
Vol-au-Vent is a classic Belgian dish featuring a flaky pastry shell filled with a creamy chicken and mushroom mixture.
The pastry is crisp and buttery, while the filling is rich and savory, making for a delightful contrast in textures.
It’s often served as a starter or a main course and is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal.
17. Stoemp
Stoemp is a hearty Belgian dish that’s all about comfort.
It’s a mash of potatoes combined with other vegetables like carrots, leeks, or Brussels sprouts.
The vegetables are cooked and mashed together with the potatoes, creating a creamy, flavorful side dish.
It’s often served with sausages or meatballs and is a great way to enjoy a variety of veggies in one dish.
18. Belgian Beer Bread
Belgian Beer Bread is a rustic, flavorful bread that uses beer as its main liquid ingredient.
The beer adds a unique depth of flavor and helps create a crusty, hearty loaf.
It’s perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or just with a pat of butter.
The beer’s malty notes and the bread’s crispy crust make for a delicious combination.
19. Gentse Waterzooi (Ghent Stew)
Gentse Waterzooi is a comforting stew from the city of Ghent.
It traditionally features chicken or fish simmered in a creamy broth with vegetables like leeks and carrots.
The result is a rich, flavorful stew that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
It’s often served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
20. Ardennes Ham
Ardennes Ham is a dry-cured ham from the Ardennes region of Belgium.
It’s known for its rich, savory flavor and is typically aged for several months.
The ham is often served thinly sliced as part of a charcuterie board or used in various dishes.
It’s a classic Belgian ingredient that adds a touch of sophistication to any meal.
21. Eel in Green Sauce
Paling in ‘t Groen is a traditional Belgian dish featuring eel cooked in a vibrant green sauce made with herbs like parsley, sorrel, and chervil.
The eel is tender and flavorful, while the sauce adds a fresh, herbaceous kick.
It’s a dish that’s both elegant and uniquely Belgian, perfect for a special occasion.
22. Beef Tartare
Beef Tartare is a classic Belgian dish made from raw beef that’s finely chopped and seasoned with various spices and condiments.
It’s often served with a raw egg yolk on top and accompanied by toast or fries.
The key to a great beef tartare is high-quality beef and careful seasoning.
23. Boulets Liégeois (Liège Meatballs)
Boulets Liégeois are meatballs from the city of Liège, made from a mixture of beef and pork and simmered in a rich, sweet-and-sour sauce made with beer and brown sugar.
The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the sauce adds a delicious, tangy kick.
Serve them with fries or mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
24. Flemish Asparagus
Flemish Asparagus is a dish that highlights the delicate flavor of white asparagus, which is a specialty in Belgium.
The asparagus is typically boiled or steamed and served with a simple sauce made from melted butter and hard-boiled eggs.
It’s a light, elegant dish that’s perfect for showcasing the freshness of the asparagus.
25. Belgian Fries
Belgian Fries, or frites, are a beloved Belgian street food.
They’re double-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Often served with a variety of sauces like mayonnaise or andalouse, these fries are a perfect accompaniment to many Belgian dishes.
They’re addictive and delicious, making them a staple of Belgian cuisine.
26. Paling in ‘t Groen (Eel in Green Sauce)
Paling in ‘t Groen is a unique Belgian dish where eel is cooked in a vibrant green herb sauce.
The sauce is made with a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, sorrel, and chervil, giving it a fresh, earthy flavor.
The eel is tender and the sauce adds a lovely herbal kick, making this dish both flavorful and distinctive.
27. Chicon au Gratin
Chicon au Gratin is a comforting Belgian dish made with endive wrapped in ham and baked in a creamy cheese sauce.
The bitterness of the endive is mellowed by blanching, and the ham adds a savory touch.
The cheese sauce is rich and gooey, making this dish a warm and satisfying option for any meal.
28. Tarte au Riz (Rice Tart)
Tarte au Riz is a delightful Belgian dessert that features a creamy rice filling baked in a crisp pastry shell.
The rice filling is sweet and subtly flavored, making it a comforting and satisfying treat.
This tart is perfect for a special occasion or just as a sweet ending to a meal.
29. Speculoos Ice Cream
Speculoos Ice Cream takes the classic Belgian speculoos cookies and turns them into a creamy, indulgent ice cream.
The ice cream is loaded with bits of the spiced cookies, giving it a delightful crunch and a rich, caramel flavor.
It’s a unique and delicious treat that’s perfect for cooling down on a warm day.
30. Stoemp with Sausage
Stoemp with Sausage is a hearty Belgian dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with various vegetables like carrots or leeks.
It’s served with juicy sausages, making for a satisfying and comforting meal.
The sausage adds a savory touch to the creamy stoemp, creating a well-rounded and flavorful dish.
31. Belgian Apple Tart
Belgian Apple Tart is a sweet and fruity dessert that showcases the simple, delicious flavors of fresh apples.
The tart features a buttery pastry crust filled with a spiced apple mixture.
It’s baked until golden and served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
32. Belgian Chocolate Truffles
Belgian Chocolate Truffles are decadent, rich treats that are perfect for any chocolate lover.
Made from high-quality Belgian chocolate, these truffles are creamy and smooth with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
They’re often rolled in cocoa powder, nuts, or sprinkles, making them a luxurious and delightful treat.
33. Blanquette de Veau
Blanquette de Veau is a creamy French stew that’s also popular in Belgium.
It features tender veal cooked in a rich white sauce with mushrooms and onions.
The sauce is made with cream and broth, giving it a luscious texture.
Serve this comforting stew with rice or potatoes for a satisfying meal.
34. Belgian Hot Chocolate
Belgian Hot Chocolate is a rich, indulgent drink that’s perfect for a cozy evening.
Made with high-quality Belgian chocolate and milk, this hot chocolate is creamy and deeply chocolatey.
It’s often topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, making it a luxurious treat that’s hard to resist.
35. Vlaamse Stoofkarbonaden
Vlaamse Stoofkarbonaden, or Flemish Carbonades, are a hearty beef stew made with dark beer and caramelized onions.
The beer adds a deep, rich flavor to the stew, while the caramelized onions provide a touch of sweetness.
It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold day.
