Bitterballen, Dutch-style veal croquettes

Bitterballen, Dutch-style veal croquettes

Snacks

Small, round veal croquettes with Gouda cheese, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, made with a broth and a roux, perfect as an appetizer.

Enlarge photo
↓ Jump to recipe

Bitterballen are small, round croquettes, typically 3 to 5 cm in diameter, made from cooked veal or beef. They are coated in breadcrumbs and then deep-fried, and are usually served as an appetizer.

Ingredients and directions

  • Prep time30 min
  • Cook time15 min
  • Resting30 min
  • Total1 hr 15 min
  • DifficultyMedium
  • CostBudget
  • Cooking methodfrying
  • Estimated cost$15.82 $0.79 / serving Estimated price; varies by store. Converted from euros at the ECB rate of October 7, 2026.

Ingredients

20 people
  • $1.39
  • $8.32
  • $0.80
  • $0.04
  • $0.28
  • $0.97
  • $0.71
  • $0.70
  • $0.20
  • $0.70
  • $0.07
  • $0.29
  • $1.35

Prices from US supermarkets for 11 of 13 ingredients; Belgian prices for the rest.

Directions

  1. Place the cooked meat in a bowl and cut it into small pieces. ≈ 8 min
  2. Prepare a roux with butter and flour, then add broth and season to taste.
  3. Add the grated cheese, diced meat, and a few drops of lemon juice, then let the sauce simmer for a moment. ≈ 3 min
  4. Remove from the heat and mix with the egg yolks. ≈ 3 min
  5. Adjust the seasoning and let it cool slightly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  6. Form the meatballs into round shapes, roll them in flour, then in egg whites, and finally in breadcrumbs. ≈ 10 min
  7. Heat the oil paint to 180 °C.
  8. Place the meatballs in the warm oil paint and let them simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
  9. Drain them on paper towels. ≈ 2 min

The bill

Bitterballen, Dutch-style veal croquettes

  • 500 ml of beef or veal broth$1.39
  • 500 g of cooked and cooled beef or veal$8.32
  • 40 g of aged Gouda, grated (optional)$0.80
  • 30 g of wheat flour$0.04
  • 30 g of butter$0.28
  • 3 egg yolks$0.97
  • A few drops of lemon juice$0.71
  • Freshly ground pepper$0.70
  • salt$0.20
  • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten, with a pinch of salt$0.70
  • 50 g of flour for breading$0.07
  • 100 g of fresh breadcrumbs$0.29
  • deep-frying oil$1.35

Total$15.82

that's $0.79 per person

Estimated price; varies by store.

Before you start

Ingredients

  • 500 ml of beef or veal broth
  • 500 g of cooked and cooled beef or veal
  • 40 g of aged Gouda, grated (optional)
  • 30 g of wheat flour
  • 30 g of butter
  • 3 egg yolks
  • A few drops of lemon juice
  • 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • salt
  • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten, with a pinch of salt
  • 50 g of flour for breading
  • 100 g of fresh breadcrumbs
  • deep-frying oil

The screen stays on while cooking mode is open.

🎬 Have a video of this recipe? Suggest a YouTube link

Did you film this recipe, or do you know a video that shows it? Axelle watches it before adding it to the page.

Nothing is published before approval.

✏️ A mistake, an idea for this recipe? Suggest a correction

Reviews (0)

Rate this recipe Be the first to rate it!

Your rating