And here you found the incredible delicious Dutch snack bitterballen: a crispy shell and molten, savoury fill. Perhaps you saw a foodie post about them on Twitter, tasted them on holiday or even had a Dutch friend go on and on about how good they are. You ask yourself: “How can I get hold of these?” It is the lottery. This guide is all about your bitterballen buy mission, making it simple and stress-free. No more big words: this is simple, cordial, no-nonsense information about finding, making and loving these little chunks of heaven.
What in the World Are Bitterballen?
First of all, we need to unravel the mystery. Bitterballen (pronunciation: bit-ter-bah-len) are very addictive Dutch bar food. Imagine a beautifully shaped ball of fried food enhanced with a breadcrumb crust that is like a supreme crisper. Open it up and you get a piping hot, “incredibly creamy filling”. It is typically hot delicious beef ragout, cooked slowly, and flavored very well with spices such as parsley and nutmeg. Originally they were eaten to go with a piece of a bitter (a Dutch herbal liqueur), which is why they were named, but nowadays a cold beer is the traditional accompaniment. Go to any classic Dutch pub (these are called brown cafes) , go to a street market or attend a festival in the Netherlands and you will discover bitterballen. But they are more than food; they are a cosy hug of Dutchness and even have their own unofficial day on April 1 st!
Where to Buy Bitterballen Online
The best news? You absolutely don’t need to book a flight to Amsterdam to satisfy your craving. Thanks to the magic of the internet, your bitterballen buy is just a few clicks away. Several fantastic online stores specialise in shipping authentic Dutch goodies worldwide. Websites like DutchStore.com or HollandFoodShop.com are goldmines. Look for trusted brands such as Van Dobben or Holtkamp – folks often call Holtkamp the “Rolls-Royce of Dutch snacks” for good reason! Big international retailers can surprise you too. In the UK, check the freezer section of Tesco for international finds. Over in India, keep an eye on Amazon India; search for “bitterballen buy in India” periodically.
Supermarkets and Specialty Shops
Maybe you prefer the thrill of the hunt, scouring physical stores. That’s totally doable too! For your in-person bitterballen buy, head straight for the international or frozen food aisles in larger supermarkets. Courtesy of chains such as Albert Heijn in Europe, or Wegmans in the US they are commonly found kept alongside other European ice creams. Your local specialty stores should not be ignored too. They might make new batches at butchers and delis, and big Dutch cities (such as Chicago or Melbourne) in particular. And there is a local farmers market, or there is a gourmet food market. You might stumble upon amazing artisan versions – think wild mushroom bitterballen or tangy goat cheese delights!
Making Your Own Bitterballen Magic
Having your crafty chef hat on in the kitchen? Trying to make your own bitterballen is a fun (and tastey) project. It lets you control every flavour and create exactly what you love. The heart of a great bitterbal is the ragout filling. Take a tougher picture like beef chuck or brisket, cook it gently over low with onions, stock and comforting spices like star anise until it becomes totally tender, then shred it finely. Then comes the roux – brown up the butter, whisk in the flour – feed in the broth slowly until it is thick, rich and beautifully pourable. Stir your shredded beef into this gravy, then comes the crucial step: chill this mixture overnight in the fridge.
The Right Way to Enjoy
Your bitterballen buy or homemade creation deserves the perfect presentation! First rule: mustard is non-negotiable. Classic yellow mustard or a grainy variety provides that essential tangy kick that cuts through the rich filling. Feeling fancy? Combine a bit of mayo and some Dijon mustard with a little honey in a bowl to make a recipe that will make you swoon with delight. A cold beer naturally goes with the classic Dutch. A clean pilsner such as Heineken works or even better a Dutch craft brewery of a pub such as Brouwerij t IJ. Now, the eating technique is vital: Bite with caution! That centre is molten hot.
Bitterballen Buy Options
| Option | Best For… | Effort Level | Cost Range | Perks | Try If You… |
| Online Dutch Stores 🛒 | Global access | ★☆☆ (Easy) | €8–€15 per pack | • Authentic brands shipped worldwide• Reliable quality (e.g., Van Dobben)• No travel needed! | • Live outside the EU• Want convenience |
| Supermarkets & Delis 🛍️ | Local, instant buys | ★★☆ (Medium) | €4–€12 per pack | • Find same-day in freezer aisles• Discover gourmet twists (goat cheese!)• Support local butchers | • Like hunting in-store• Need snacks NOW |
| DIY Homemade 👩🍳 | Custom flavors & fun | ★★★ (High) | €6–€10 (makes 20+) | • Control ingredients (beef/mushroom!)• Freeze unbreaded for later• Air-fryer friendly for less oil | • Love cooking projects• Want veggie options |
Why Bitterballen Win Hearts
What makes bitterballen so special? It is not only the fantastic flavor. These are local examples of the Dutch word gezelligheid, the comfortable feeling of togetherness and companionship with friends and family, usually over some kind of simple shared food and drink. They are just comfort and happiness in the form of a bite. The beauty is their versatility too. Vegetarian? Swap the beef ragout for a rich blend of wild mushrooms or a gooey cheese filling. Watching your wallet? Supermarket packs offer that authentic taste without breaking the bank. No matter where you hunt them down (or come through with them yourself using a solid recipe and some hard work), having a bite of those bitterballen is coming home with a tangle of Dutch cheer all in your own dining room.
FAQs
1. Where’s the easiest place to buy bitterballen online?
Hunt for websites of Dutch food specialty stores online such as DutchStore.com or HollandFoodShop.com. They ship frozen bitterballen all over the world and keep in stock established brands such as Van Dobben or Holtkamp. You can even find them in the big retailers like Tesco (UK) or Amazon India too!
2. Can I make bitterballen without beef?
Absolutely! Whereas traditional bitterballen have a beef stew filling, it is also very simple to make excellent vegetarian variations. Some of the most well-liked swaps are what you can trade in wild mix of mushrooms for, or get this, a fancy edging of gooey, creamy cheese. The way of cooking doesn’t change!
3. Do I have to deep-fry bitterballen?
Deep frying is the crispiest and most authentic way to have it, but an air fryer is actually quite good! Just cook your breaded balls either frozen or homemade at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shake the basket half way, until brown and hot through.
4. Why do I need to pop the whole bitterbal in my mouth?
That molten, creamy center is incredibly hot! Biting into just half often causes the super-hot filling to burst out, which can burn you. The standard / least messy way to eat them is rather innocently popping the entire ball in your mouth, again not a scalding surprise in case you were wondering.
5. Can I freeze homemade bitterballen?
Yes, freezing is so time saving! The easiest method is to prepare a ragout mixture, roll it into balls, to freeze them and then only add flour, egg and breadcrumb coating. When you’re ready to devour, thaw out the balls, dust them and then fry or ‘fry’ in an air fryer. So convenient as to be there for you at a moment’s notice.