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Bitterballen
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4.44 from 16 votes

Dutch Bitterballen recipe

Want to try a classic savory Dutch snack? Try Bitterballen! These fried meatballs are made from a thick, meaty gravy that is rolled in breadcrumbs for a crispy bite. A perfect snack to enjoy and easy to make!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Resting time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 18 servings

Ingredients 

Filling

  • 350 ml beef broth with at least 20% meat
  • 2 gelatin sheets
  • 80 grams unsalted butter
  • 80 grams of all purpose flour
  • handful of finely chopped parsley
  • 2 tsp mustard
  • 75 ml whipping cream

For breading

  • olive oil to grease your hands with
  • breadcrumbs
  • 2-3 beaten eggs M

Instructions

  • Strain the finished broth and collect the meat. If necessary, cut it into smaller pieces. Soak the gelatin in water.
  • Melt the butter, add the flour and cook this mixture, the roux, while stirring. When the flour begins to color, the roux is ready.
  • Add the broth in 2-3 parts to the roux. Bring to the boil and simmer, stirring constantly, until you have a smooth and thick paste. Stir the rest of the ingredients in the meat mixture: chopped parsley, mustard and whipping cream. Remove pan from heat.
  • Finally, squeeze the gelatin leaves and stir them into the filling. Pour it into a oven dish or shallow container and cover with plastic wrap to prevent skin from forming. Leave to cool and chill in the refrigerator for several hours. I made the ragout in the evening and put it in the refrigerator overnight.
  • When the filling has set, cut it into 18 equal pieces. Put some (olive) oil on your hands and roll the ragout pieces into small balls.
  • Prepare a deep plate or bowl with the bread crumbs and another with the beaten eggs. Meanwhile, heat the pan with the oil to an oil temperature of 180°C/350°F.
  • Roll a ball through the breadcrumbs, egg, breadcrumbs, egg, and finish with the breadcrumbs. Repeat for each ball. Each bitterbal will have three layers of breadcrumbs.
  • Fry the bitterballen in small batches for 3.5 - 4 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Scoop them out of the oil and put them on a wire rack or baking sheet with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • Serve immediately.
Tips
I have tested all the breadcrumb combinations out there and found that three layers of breadcrumbs gives the best crust and prevents the bitterbal from breaking in the fryer.