National Dish Netherlands: Frikandelbroodjes (Recipe)
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Say hello to Frikandelbroodjes, one of the most moreish snacks the Netherlands has to offer. These golden little pastry parcels wrap a crisp, flaky crust around the spiced, savoury frikandel sausage the Dutch adore. They are wonderfully simple to put together and just as at home on a party platter as they are as a quick bite between meals. Bring a taste of the Netherlands straight to your own kitchen.
About Frikandelbroodjes
Frikandelbroodjes are a hugely popular Dutch snack with a habit of turning into a guilty pleasure. These delicious pastry parcels are filled with the hearty, well-seasoned frikandel sausage that is famous for its one-of-a-kind flavour. They are easy to make and suit all sorts of occasions, whether as a party nibble or a fast pick-me-up on the go. The pairing of crisp puff pastry and a juicy filling makes them a genuine treat, loved by little and grown-up food fans alike.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 250g frikandel or a similar sausage
- 1 egg (for glazing)
- A little flour (for rolling out)
- Spices to taste (e.g. paprika, pepper)
Shopping for the ingredients
The first step towards making Frikandelbroodjes is gathering everything you need. It is best to buy your ingredients fresh from a supermarket or a specialist food shop. The frikandel itself is stocked by most larger supermarkets. If you would rather make the frikandel from scratch, you can also pick up fresh puff pastry from the chilled section. Much like the dough used for Brabantse Worstenbroodjes, good-quality pastry makes all the difference here.
Preparing the dish
Before you start assembling the Frikandelbroodjes, heat the oven to 200°C. This temperature ensures the puff pastry rises properly and bakes up beautifully crisp. While the oven warms, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface. This makes folding the parcels easier later on and gives you an even thickness with neat, tidy edges.
Step-by-step instructions
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured work surface and cut it into rectangles.
- Cut the frikandel into smaller pieces and place them in the centre of each pastry piece.
- Fold the pastry around the filling and press the edges down firmly.
- Lay the parcels on a baking tray and brush them with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you want to avoid gluten or lactose, there are plenty of alternatives for making Frikandelbroodjes. For the pastry, use a gluten-free puff pastry, available from many health-food shops or online. There are also lactose-free options for the filling, such as special lactose-free sausages. That way this tasty dish can be enjoyed by anyone with a food intolerance too.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Marinated vegetable or plant-based sausages make an excellent vegan alternative to the classic filling. Be sure the pastry you choose is vegan and free from animal products. Many supermarkets now offer a range of convincing plant-based products, so vegetarians and vegans can enjoy the same crisp pastry parcels that make snacks like Bitterballen so popular, without having to compromise.
More tips and tricks
A few practical pointers can make your Frikandelbroodjes even better. Use a pastry brush to coat the dough evenly with egg so it takes on a lovely colour as it bakes. If you like things on the spicy side, lift the filling with extra spices for added flavour. It also helps to rest the parcels briefly in the fridge before baking, so the pastry stays stable and rises better in the oven.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Frikandelbroodjes are highly adaptable and easy to tailor to personal tastes or diets. If you have a soft spot for particular spices, simply work them into the filling. You might experiment with chilli or other fiery seasonings to give the dish a bit more kick. Whether you prefer more or less filling is entirely up to you as well.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot track down frikandel or fancy a different kind of sausage, feel free to swap it for any sausage you enjoy — much like the filling in a classic Saucijzenbroodje. The choice of pastry matters too; many people use pizza dough or homemade yeast dough in place of puff pastry. To ring the changes, you could also add vegetables or cheese as an extra filling.
Drink pairing ideas
The right drinks round off the Frikandelbroodjes experience perfectly. A cold beer works wonderfully to underline the savoury flavours. For an alcohol-free option, sparkling water with lemon or a fruity juice is a good choice. These drinks help the dish shine, both on the palate and on the table.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can lift the whole Frikandelbroodjes experience. One easy approach is to arrange the parcels on a pretty serving plate and garnish with fresh herbs. A small dip, such as a garlic sauce or a sweet-and-sour chutney, makes the dish even more inviting. You could also lay out small portions creatively as finger food on platters — perfect alongside other Dutch favourites at a gathering.
A bit of history
Frikandelbroodjes originate in the Netherlands, where they are a genuine tradition. They have been beloved for many years and are sold in countless canteens and snack bars. The basic idea grew out of the classic frikandel, served here in a crisp pastry casing. This delicious snack has since spread internationally and is just as popular with tourists as it is with locals.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Frikandelbroodjes
To sum up, Frikandelbroodjes are a tasty, versatile dish that is wonderfully simple to make. With so many ways to adapt them, they are ideal for snackers and food lovers alike. Whether as a bite between meals or as the highlight of a celebration, these pastry parcels bring Dutch indulgence straight to your plate. Let the variety of fillings and that irresistible flavour win you over.
