Top 8 Must-Try Dutch Recipes

Ask anyone from the Netherlands what they would consider the most quintessential Dutch dish and you'll probably hear the word stamppot a few times. The ultimate comfort food, this hearty dish is a mash-up of potatoes and other vegetables. 

It's hard to beat the tender texture and delicate flavor of white asparagus. But it's even harder to beat the way the Dutch enjoy it: swathed in Hollandaise sauce, chopped boiled eggs and slices of ham. This is spring cuisine at its swoon-worthy best.

Advocaat is a sunshine yellow liqueur made from a rich blend of egg yolks, sugar, brandy and a touch of vanilla that's consumed during the darker days around Christmas-time in the Netherlands. And, while you can find some good Dutch exports, it is really easy - and infinitely more delicious - to make your own at home.

This recipe delivers a really big apple pie, with a sandy-crisp, buttery crust and a pretty peek-a-boo lattice pattern on top. We've used speculaas spices instead of the usual cinnamon because we're obsessed with this aromatic spice, but if you prefer it the traditional way, simply use cinnamon instead.

Fruited Dutch bread with a sweet almond paste center is a real winner for the holidays. We've created three variations: a Christmas-themed Kerstbrood, with cranberries and orange liqueur, an Easter-themed Paasbrood with cherries and cherry brandy and a decadent chocolate stol, but you can stick to the traditional raisins, currants and brandy if you prefer.

Bitterballen and croquettes, those deep-fried ragout-filled delicacies, are typically served as snacks in Dutch bars and cafés, and may also form part of a selection of fried finger foods, called bittergarnituur. Dutch Veal Croquettes or our Trendy Pulled Pork Croquettes are tasty choices.

These generously spiced Dutch holiday cookies were once enjoyed only at Sinterklaas, but have become a year-round staple. Because some commercial versions are windmill shaped, they're known as windmill cookies in some parts of the world, but these cookies actually come in a variety of shapes, such as figurines, angels and animals. Almond-paste filled varieties, such as the and gevulde speculaas cookies, are also very popular.

This Dutch split pea soup is traditionally served on New Year's Day in the Netherlands, but is also enjoyed throughout the colder months. Made with split peas, plenty of vegetables and pork, it's hearty and nutritious. You might also want to try our Traditional Dutch Brown Bean Soup Recipe.