5 European Recipes I’m Adding to My Holiday Cookbook

Hello, Tripsiders! As many of you know, over the past three weeks, I’ve been traveling through the cities of Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna. It’s been nothing short of a culinary adventure. Each city has its own unique charm, but what ties them together are the vibrant and stunning offerings at their Christmas markets. From the sweet aroma of Dutch Apple Pies in Amsterdam to the irresistible sugar-coated Traditional Belgian Waffles in Brussels, every market visit left me with a newfound appreciation for European holiday traditions. 🤤

I still have 5 nights left in Europe. I’m doing my best to try all the foods I can but I find myself more excited to recreate treats in my own home. 💕 So, I’m sharing five delightful European recipes that I’m adding to my recipe box this holiday season. Let me know which ones you’re interested in too!

Table of Contents

5 European Recipes I’m Adding to My Holiday Cookbook

Recipe 1: Dutch Apple Pie

I got the pleasure of trying a traditional Dutch apple pie at a “koffee shop” on the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam. The café is called DIKK and they have an Instagram but not a website. They are eclectic and the all-pink vibe is everything. They serve espresso and lattes in thrifted floral tea cups.

The Dutch apple pie was handmade by a local. She’s either the koffee shop owner or she works there. Either way, it was so good! I love the idea of a deep dish pie and can’t believe I’ve never thought of it before because I love a thick crust and anything to do with a tart.

Recipe: Smitten Kitche’s Dutch Apple Pie

Recipe 2: Traditional Belgian Waffles

I genuinely believe this will be the hardest one to make because a traditional Belgian waffle in the US isn’t a traditional Belgian waffle in Belgium. First of all, the serving size is ridiculous. Second, I need to figure out how they make that beautiful sugar crustation on the outside.

Recipe: Savoring the Good’s Liege Waffles (Authentic Belgium Waffles)

Recipe 3: Rievkooche (Potato Pancakes)

These are such a freakin’ treat and I really want to learn to make these at home but I don’t like frying anything. So, this may be a culinary adventure when I’m with my family so we can all be cautious together. Anyway, what’s a potato pancake? One might ask, well, how is it different from hashbrowns?

I wish I had answers. I don’t. They’re both good. Both dangerous. I’m willing to risk it all to debate which is better. For science.

Obviously.

Recipe: Love & Good Stuff’s German Potato Pancakes

Recipe 4: Laugenbrezeln (aka Big Soft Warm Pretzels)

I’ve been wanting to learn to make pretzels for years. After training through Germany, it is officially my mission to learn to make these. There is nothing better a soft warm pretzel. I want to make a ton and freeze them for dark and gloomy seattle winter nights so I’m reminded of being happy and adventuring through Munich.

Recipe: Recipes From Europe’s German Pretzel

Recipe 5: Apfelstrudel (German Apple Strudel)

Ohhhh guys, I had a traditional Apfelstrudel at the Munich Christmas Market and it was drowned in some kind of white sauce pudding. When I tell you I was SO joyful… I HAVE to learn to make this! I can tell you that a US apple studel is different. It’s more like a handpie but a traditional Apfelstrudel is not something you’d try to eat with your hands without making a mess.

I am very intrigued by this desert and think it would be fun to have an apple party next autumn (where everyone brings an apple dish!).

Recipe: House of Nash Eats’ Authentic German Apple Strudel

Let me know which recipes your adding to your holiday cookbook this year!

May your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and the delightful tastes of the world! 💖