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Celebrating Dutch New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve in the US usually calls for champagne, small bites, and a countdown to midnight, often followed by a cheer and maybe some fireworks in the city. Here in the Netherlands, it’s a whole different experience — one that’s loud, lively, and filled with traditions that are fun, daring, and delicious.

The Dutch love their fireworks, and many families and friends gather to light sparklers and fireworks well into the night. Some even embrace the chilly waters with the Nieuwjaarsduik, or “New Year’s Dive,” jumping into freezing lakes or seas at the stroke of midnight. The holiday is called Oude en Nieuw, literally “Old and New,” marking the farewell to the old year and welcoming the new with friends, family, and festive foods.

Two of my favorite Dutch New Year’s snacks are Bitterballen, savory fried beef croquettes perfect for snacking with mustard, and Appelflappen, sweet apple fritters that make the cold winter night feel warm and cozy.


Bitterballen (Dutch Beef Croquettes)

Makes: ~20 bitterballen


Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 1 tsp mustard

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup cooked beef, finely chopped

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1.  In a saucepan, heat butter and olive oil. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth.

  2. Add mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped beef. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

  3.  Spread mixture in a shallow dish, cover, and chill 2–3 hours until firm.

  4.  Roll chilled mixture into small balls (~1 inch).

  5.  Dip each ball in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.

  6. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with mustard.


Appelflappen


Ingredients:

  • 3-4 Apples

  • 1 cup all purpose flour

  • 1 T sugar

  • 1 t baking powder

  • 1/2 t cinnamon

  • 1 egg

  • 3/4 c milk

  • Oil, for frying

  • Cinnamon, for coating


Instructions:

  1. Peel and core apples, then slice into 1/2 inch thick rings.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add egg and milk, whisking until smooth.

  3. Heat oil to 350 F (175 C).

  4. Dip apple rings in batter, allowing excess to drip off, then fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  5. Remove and drain on paper towels, then immediately toss in cinnamon sugar. Serve warm.


Whether you’re snacking on bitterballen and appelflappen, lighting fireworks, or sipping champagne across the globe, this is a moment to celebrate friends, family, and the adventures ahead.


Here’s to 2026 — may it be full of joy, laughter, love, and delicious meals shared with the people who make life special.

Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! / Happy New Year! 🎉



 
 
 

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