Bitterballen
Bitterballen
Details
Bitterballen are crispy, deep-fried Dutch snacks with a crunchy breadcrumb coating and a creamy, savory beef filling inside. They’re usually served hot with mustard and are a classic party food in the Netherlands.
Recipe by
Victor
Ingredients
330 grams of Beef
440 millilitres of Beef Broth
1 Onion
0.5 teaspoons of Nugmeg
1 pinch of Salt
Pepper
60 grams of Butter
160 grams of Flour
1 tablespoon of Parsley
2 Eggs
150 grams of Breadcrumbs
Method
1
Make the filling: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft (2–3 minutes). Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until thick and smooth.
2
Add the meat: Stir in the chopped beef, parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined. The mixture should be thick and paste-like.
3
Shape: Take small portions and roll into balls (about 3–4 cm wide).
4
Coat: Roll each ball in flour. Dip into beaten eggs. Coat with breadcrumbs. (Optional: repeat egg + breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
5
Fry: Heat oil until bubbling. Fry the Bitterballen in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes
VERY IMPORTANT: If the filling isn't staying together chill for around an hour or slightly less and you can put it in the pan immediately even when cold. Serve immediately while hot, they should be crispy outside and soft inside. Traditionally served with mustard for dipping. Don’t overcrowd the fryer, it lowers the oil temperature and makes them greasy.
Last edited on Monday 27 April 2026