The Netherlands may be a small country, but its cuisine is big on flavor and tradition.
Dutch recipes are known for their simplicity, comfort, and the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or something in between, these Dutch recipes will have you wanting more.
1. Stamppot
Stamppot is a traditional Dutch dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables such as kale, carrots, or sauerkraut.
It’s often served with rookworst (smoked sausage) and a drizzle of gravy.
This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for cold winter nights.
2. Erwtensoep
Erwtensoep, also known as snert, is a thick and hearty pea soup made with split peas, pork, and vegetables like carrots, leeks, and celery.
It’s typically enjoyed during the winter months and is best served with a slice of rye bread.
3. Bitterballen
Bitterballen are deep-fried, bite-sized meatballs filled with a rich, creamy ragout made from beef or veal.
They’re often served as a snack or appetizer with a side of mustard for dipping.
4. Hutspot
Hutspot is a classic Dutch dish made from mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions.
It’s often served with a piece of meat such as hachee (a type of beef stew) and is a staple comfort food in Dutch households.
5. Poffertjes
Poffertjes are small, fluffy pancakes that are traditionally served with powdered sugar and a knob of butter.
They’re a popular treat at Dutch fairs and markets and are loved by both kids and adults.
6. Kroketten
Kroketten are similar to bitterballen but are larger and often served as a main course.
These deep-fried, breaded rolls are filled with a savory meat ragout and are usually enjoyed with mustard.
7. Boerenkool
Boerenkool, or kale stew, is another version of stamppot where mashed potatoes are mixed with kale and served with rookworst.
It’s a nutritious and filling meal that’s especially popular during the colder months.
8. Appeltaart
Dutch Apple Pie is a classic dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a buttery and crumbly crust.
This traditional Dutch recipe involves filling a pie crust with a mixture of sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or currants.
The pie is then topped with a layer of buttery crumble made from flour, sugar, and butter.
Baked until golden brown and fragrant, Dutch Apple Pie is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
It’s a comforting and irresistible dessert that showcases the deliciousness of Dutch baking.
9. Haring (Dutch Herring)
Haring, or Dutch herring, is a beloved street food in the Netherlands.
Fresh herring is typically served raw with onions and pickles.
It’s a must-try for seafood lovers and is often enjoyed during the herring season in the spring.
10. Ontbijtkoek
Ontbijtkoek is a spiced breakfast cake made from rye flour, honey, and a mix of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
It’s often served with butter and enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
11. Rookworst
Rookworst is a traditional Dutch smoked sausage made from pork.
It’s typically served with stamppot or pea soup and has a smoky, savory flavor that pairs well with hearty dishes.
12. Speculaas
Speculaas are spiced cookies made from a mixture of flour, butter, brown sugar, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
They’re traditionally baked in wooden molds that imprint intricate designs onto the cookies.
13. Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese is one of the most famous Dutch exports.
This semi-hard cheese has a rich, creamy flavor and can be enjoyed on its own, with crackers, or melted in various dishes.
14. Patat (Dutch Fries)
Patat, or Dutch fries, are thick-cut fries that are typically served with a variety of toppings and sauces, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, curry ketchup, or peanut sauce.
They’re a popular street food and a staple of Dutch cuisine.
15. Kruidnoten
Kruidnoten are small, round spiced biscuits that are traditionally enjoyed during the Sinterklaas holiday.
They’re similar to speculaas but smaller and often coated in chocolate.
16. Zuurkool
Zuurkool, or sauerkraut, is a type of fermented cabbage that is often used in Dutch stamppot dishes.
It has a tangy flavor that adds a delicious contrast to the rich, creamy mashed potatoes.
17. Pannekoeken
Pannekoeken are large, thin pancakes that can be served sweet or savory.
They’re typically enjoyed with toppings like powdered sugar, syrup, bacon, cheese, or apples.
18. Eierkoeken (Egg Cakes)
Eierkoeken are light and fluffy egg cakes that are often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item.
They have a subtle sweetness and are often eaten plain or with a bit of butter.
19. Uitsmijter
Uitsmijter is a traditional Dutch breakfast or lunch dish consisting of fried eggs served on bread with ham and cheese.
It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
20. Bossche Bol
A Bossche Bol is a large, cream-filled pastry covered in chocolate.
It’s a specialty of the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch and is similar to an éclair but larger and rounder.
21. Muisjes
Muisjes are anise seed sprinkles that are traditionally served on buttered bread to celebrate the birth of a baby.
They come in pink and white for girls, and blue and white for boys.
22. Stroopwafels
Stroopwafels are thin, waffle-like cookies filled with a layer of caramel syrup.
They’re best enjoyed warm, with the syrup melted and gooey.
23. Hachee (Dutch Beef Stew)
Hachee is a savory beef stew made with slow-cooked beef, onions, and a mix of spices.
It’s often served with mashed potatoes or rice and is a comforting, hearty meal.
24. Pepernoten
Pepernoten are small, spiced cookies that are traditionally enjoyed during the Sinterklaas holiday.
They have a crunchy texture and a warm, spicy flavor.
25. Boterkoek
Boterkoek is a rich, buttery cake with a dense, shortbread-like texture.
It’s made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, and is often flavored with almond extract.
26. Tompoes (Dutch Pastry)
Tompoes is a layered pastry filled with cream and topped with a bright pink glaze.
It’s similar to a mille-feuille and is a popular treat in the Netherlands.
27. Rijsttafel
Rijsttafel, or rice table, is a Dutch-Indonesian feast consisting of many small dishes served with rice.
It includes a variety of flavors and textures, from spicy sambals to sweet and savory meats.
28. Erik’s Poffertjes
Erik’s Poffertjes are a special variation of the traditional poffertjes.
They are made with a secret family recipe that includes a hint of vanilla and a touch of lemon zest for extra flavor.
29. Witte Asperges
Witte Asperges are white asparagus, often served with ham, boiled eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
They’re a seasonal delicacy enjoyed in the springtime.
30. Gebakken Kibbeling
Gebakken Kibbeling is a popular Dutch street food made from battered and fried pieces of white fish, typically served with a tangy tartar sauce.
31. Kaasstengels
Kaasstengels are deep-fried cheese sticks made from a mixture of Gouda cheese and dough.
They’re crispy, cheesy, and perfect for snacking.
32. Spekkoek
Spekkoek is a rich, layered spice cake with a mix of flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
It’s a Dutch-Indonesian treat that’s enjoyed during special occasions.
33. Frikandel
Frikandel is a popular Dutch snack made from minced meat shaped into a long sausage and deep-fried.
It’s often served with curry ketchup, mayonnaise, and chopped onions.
34. Jenever (Dutch Gin)
Jenever is a traditional Dutch gin that’s enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
It has a distinctive juniper flavor and is often sipped slowly to savor its complex taste.
35. Krentenbollen
Krentenbollen are sweet, soft buns filled with currants or raisins.
They’re often enjoyed with a bit of butter and make a delicious breakfast or snack.
36. Gevulde Koeken
Gevulde Koeken are large, almond-filled cookies with a crisp, buttery exterior and a sweet, soft almond paste center.
They’re a popular treat in the Netherlands.
37. Groninger Mustard Soup
Groninger Mustard Soup is a creamy soup made from mustard, leeks, and cream.
It has a tangy, savory flavor and is often served with a slice of crusty bread.
38. Advocaat
Advocaat is a rich and creamy Dutch liqueur made from eggs, sugar, and brandy.
It’s often enjoyed as a dessert drink or used in baking.
39. Oliebollen
Oliebollen are deep-fried doughnuts filled with raisins or currants and dusted with powdered sugar.
They’re a traditional treat enjoyed during New Year’s celebrations.
40. Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a creamy Belgian-Dutch stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and a creamy broth.
It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days.
41. Karnemelk
Karnemelk is Dutch buttermilk, often enjoyed as a refreshing drink or used in baking.
It has a tangy flavor that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
42. Brabantse Worstenbroodjes
Brabantse Worstenbroodjes are soft rolls filled with a savory sausage mixture.
They’re a specialty of the Brabant region and make a delicious snack or lunch.
43. Zeeuwse Bolussen
Zeeuwse Bolussen are sweet, sticky buns rolled in cinnamon sugar.
They’re a specialty of the Zeeland region and are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
44. Gemberkoek
Gemberkoek is a moist and spicy ginger cake that’s perfect for winter.
It’s often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
45. Drop (Dutch Licorice)
Drop is a type of Dutch licorice that comes in a variety of flavors and textures, from sweet to salty.
It’s a popular treat in the Netherlands and is often enjoyed as a snack.
46. Matjes Herring
Matjes Herring is young, mild herring that’s traditionally served with onions and pickles.
It’s a delicacy enjoyed during the summer months and is often eaten as a snack.
47. Saucijzenbroodjes
Saucijzenbroodjes are puff pastry rolls filled with a savory sausage mixture.
They’re a popular snack in the Netherlands and are often enjoyed warm from the oven.
48. Kapsalon
Kapsalon is a Dutch fast food dish consisting of fries topped with kebab meat, cheese, and salad, all baked together until the cheese is melted and gooey.
49. Duivekater
Duivekater is a sweet bread traditionally baked for special occasions like Christmas and Easter.
It’s flavored with lemon zest and almonds, and has a soft, fluffy texture.
50. Limburgse Vlaai
Limburgse Vlaai is a type of fruit pie from the Limburg region, typically filled with fruits like cherries, apricots, or plums.
It has a slightly yeasty dough and a sweet, tangy filling.
Final Thoughts
Dutch cuisine is full of hearty meals, delicious snacks, and sweet treats that are sure to delight your taste buds.
From savory stews to sweet pastries, these 50 authentic Dutch recipes offer a taste of the Netherlands that you can enjoy in your own home.
Whether you’re familiar with Dutch cuisine or just discovering these recipes are a perfect way to explore the cuisines of the Netherlands.
