Croquettes
Alongside frikandellen, croquettes are among the most popular snacks in the Netherlands. For many Dutch people living abroad, a croquette sandwich reminds them of life in the Netherlands. A croquette is in the top 5 of most missed products for many Dutch expats.
But how did croquettes become so popular? What varieties can you try? You can learn more about the history of this tasty snack, the most well-known brands, and how you can order this typical Dutch product through Mr. Dutch Food. At the bottom, you’ll also find frequently asked questions about croquettes.
Buy croquettes online at Mr. Dutch Food
Have you emigrated from the Netherlands? Or are you living and/or working in another European country and missing the real Dutch croquette? Are Dutch croquettes or bitterballen not available in your country? Would you like to have these products where you live now? You can! You can order these products through Mr. Dutch Food.
You can order all kinds of Dutch croquettes, as well as other Dutch products, through Mr. Dutch Food. The selection is vast. You make your product choices on the website of the Dutch store(s). We collect the products for you at the chosen store(s) and ship them carefully packed to you, anywhere in the EU.
How can you order?
- Go to the website of the Dutch store from which you want to buy croquettes. You can find it at Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS.
- Fill your shopping cart on that website with croquettes and other groceries of your choice.
- Share your shopping cart with us via the order form on the order page.
- (Instructions on how to complete the order form can be found under the section "Order Instructions." There are instructional videos to make it as easy as possible for you.)
- After submitting the order form with your shared shopping cart, you will receive a quote from us.
- If you agree, you pay via the payment link provided.
- We will buy the delicious croquettes and other products for you from the store.
- We pack your groceries carefully and send them by express shipment to your address in the EU! Read more about this on the page "Chilled and frozen products".
Mr. Dutch Food delivers Dutch products to both individuals and businesses. Larger quantities are also possible. We offer bulk packages from wholesalers like Sligro and Makro. Please contact us.
Famous croquette brands in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there are several brands that produce croquettes:
Mora
Mora is one of the most well-known croquette brands in the Netherlands. Their beef croquettes are famous for their firm filling and are popular both at home and in snack bars. Mora also offers special variants, such as the satay croquette.
Beckers
Beckers is known for its affordable and accessible croquettes. They offer both classic beef croquettes and goulash croquettes. Beckers croquettes are popular in supermarkets and are also found in fast-food restaurants.
Kwekkeboom
Kwekkeboom specializes in oven and air fryer snacks. In addition to the classic beef croquette, they also have varieties like the Old Amsterdam croquette, available at Albert Heijn and Jumbo.
Van Dobben
Van Dobben is almost synonymous with the traditional Dutch croquette. With a rich, flavorful ragout and a firm crust, this brand is a favorite among croquette lovers.
Supermarket private labels
Albert Heijn, Jumbo en PLUS each offer their own private label croquettes, providing a good balance between quality and price. These croquettes come in various flavors.
Different types of croquettes
Dutch croquettes come in many shapes and flavors. Through Mr. Dutch Food, you can order all types, such as:
Beef croquette
The most common variety, filled with a firm ragout of beef. Often flavored with bay leaf, pepper and nutmeg.
Veal croquette
A classic croquette with a soft ragout of tender veal, often combined with a rich broth and herbs.
Goulash croquette
A spicy variant filled with a seasoned goulash ragout.
Satay croquette
An Asian twist with a filling of satay sauce and chicken.
Shrimp croquette
A specialty from Belgium, filled with a creamy filling of North Sea shrimp. This croquette is rich and full of flavor, ideal for seafood lovers.
Oven croquette
A croquette that doesn’t need to be prepared in a deep fryer but can be baked in an oven or air fryer.
Vegetarian and vegan croquette
Ideal for vegetarians, usually filled with various vegetables or meat substitutes. Often called a vegetable croquette.
Cheese croquette
Another vegetarian option. This croquette is filled with melted cheese, usually a mix of aged and young cheeses. Perfect for cheese lovers.
Gluten-free croquette
Instead of wheat flour, the ragout is often thickened with rice flour or another gluten-free alternative, and the breadcrumb coating is made from gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Halal croquette
Mekkafood is a brand known for its halal products. Their beef croquettes are one of their popular snacks. Mekkafood is available at Albert Heijn among others.
Some advantages of Mr. Dutch Food
Large assortiment
A large assortment of Dutch supermarkets is available for you, including a wide selection of croquettes.
Take advantage of store promotions!
Buy one, get one free at Jumbo? 50% off at Albert Heijn? Most stores have different promotions every week. Take advantage of the store promotions!
Always personal contact
You can call, email, chat or WhatsApp us for all your questions or requests. If there's an issue with your order, we'll personally contact you.
Combine orders of different stores
Do you want products from different Dutch stores or even webshops? We collect them and ship them in one box to you, so you only pay shipping costs once.
The making of croquettes
In this funny Dutch video from Het Klokhuis, it is explained how croquettes are made in the Netherlands.
The history of croquettes
The croquette has a long history that begins in France in the 17th century. The first mention of the croquette comes from the French chef François Massialot in 1691, who developed the snack for Louis XIV. It was intended to use up leftover meat by incorporating it into a ragout, wrapped in a breadcrumb layer, and then deep-fried.
The croquette made its way to the Netherlands, where it became popular as a luxury dish in the 19th century. In the 20th century, companies like Van Dobben and Mora began mass-producing croquettes, turning them into an everyday snack.
Today, the Dutch croquette is a national icon, with many variations such as the veal croquette, beef croquette, goulash croquette, and vegetable or vegetarian croquettes. With the rise of frying technology and fast-food restaurants, the croquette became one of the most popular snacks in the Netherlands, and even for expats worldwide, it remains a beloved dish.
Croquettes abroad
For many Dutch expats, finding croquettes abroad can be difficult. In countries outside the Netherlands, this snack is often unknown, making it hard to find an authentic Dutch croquette. However, in areas with large Dutch communities, you can often find eateries that serve croquettes, referred to as ‘Dutch croquettes.’
Fortunately, there are now online stores like Mr. Dutch Food, where you can order your favorite croquettes and have them delivered within the EU. Whether you’re craving a croquette sandwich or simply want to enjoy a croquette with fries, you can now savor this Dutch treat anywhere and anytime.
Mr. Dutch Food can deliver croquettes from various stores. The more luxurious brands can be purchased from wholesalers like Sligro or Makro. Contact us to discuss your needs, and we will explore the possibilities.
Pnoto: Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
From which stores can I order croquettes?
You can order croquettes from supermarkets like Jumbo, Albert Heijn, or PLUS. Click the links below to go to the stores’ websites, where you can fill your shopping cart. Then, you can share your cart with Mr. Dutch Food. Read the instructions on the Order Instructions page to learn how to do this.
Order croquettes from Albert Heijn
For larger quantities, you can also contact us. We offer bulk packaging from wholesalers like Sligro and Makro. Please contact us.
Can I buy croquettes at a discount?
Yes! There are regular promotions at Dutch supermarkets. You can benefit from these promotional prices at Mr. Dutch Food. Check the Rates page to see how this works. View the stores’ advertising brochures to see the current or upcoming deals.
How do you ship croquettes?
Read all about the packaging and express delivery of croquettes and other frozen or chilled products here.
Are oven croquettes really healthier than regular croquettes?
Oven croquettes are often seen as a healthier option than regular deep-fried croquettes, as they are prepared without additional oil in the oven or air fryer. However, many oven croquettes are pre-cooked in fat or oil to retain their crispy texture during baking. While the fat content may be slightly lower than deep-fried croquettes, oven croquettes remain a snack and are not necessarily low in calories.
What is the difference between croquettes and bitterballen?
A croquette is larger and cylindrical and is often eaten as a meal or lunch snack, usually on a sandwich. A bitterbal is smaller, round, and typically served as a bar snack. Their composition and flavor are the same or very similar.
Do Dutch people eat 'from the wall'?
Yes, Dutch people sometimes eat “from the wall,” a unique concept where hot snacks like croquettes, frikandellen, and cheese soufflés are sold through vending machines in snack bars. The so-called automatiek became popular in the 1950s and is still a well-known part of Dutch food culture. Snack bars like FEBO are famous for this. Customers can choose a snack, insert money into the machine, and immediately retrieve a hot snack from a small compartment. Its convenience and speed make it very popular, especially in busy city centers.
Are there vegetarian or vegan croquettes?
Yes, there are. Vegetarian croquettes contain no meat but are filled with plant-based ingredients like vegetables, cheese, or a meat substitute. Brands like Van Dobben and Kwekkeboom offer vegetarian options, such as the popular vegetable croquette and cheese croquette, which have a creamy and flavorful filling without animal products.
The filling of vegan croquettes is often based on vegetables, legumes, or meat substitutes, and the crust is made without animal fats. These croquettes are ideal for people who eat a fully plant-based diet and are becoming increasingly popular.
Vegetarian croquettes from Jumbo
Vegetarian croquettes from Albert Heijn
Vegan croquettes from Albert Heijn
Are there gluten-free croquettes?
Most croquettes contain gluten. However, there are also gluten-free croquettes, specifically made for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Instead of wheat flour, the ragout is often thickened with rice flour or another gluten-free substitute, and the breadcrumb coating is made from gluten-free breadcrumbs.
One example of gluten-free croquettes available at Albert Heijn is the Consenza beef croquette, offered by stores like Albert Heijn and Jumbo. You can purchase these croquettes through Mr. Dutch Food. Read our Order Instructions page to learn how.
How are croquettes made?
Watch this fun video from Het Klokhuis to see how croquettes are made.
