Irresistible Savory Fritters: Cheese & Garlic Butter Poffertjes for a Delightful Meal

Imagine tender, fluffy fritters, also known as Dutch Poffertjes, baked to golden perfection with savory cheese melting directly into the batter, creating a wonderfully crispy texture and rich flavor. Now, picture these warm, bite-sized delights generously slathered with homemade garlic butter, infusing every mouthful with a full, creamy, and aromatic finish. This is not just a dish; it’s an experience – a delicious savory fritter that transforms a simple meal into something truly special.

In many households, lunch often defaults to the familiar bread and spreads. While there’s comfort in tradition, breaking the routine with something exciting can bring immense joy, especially to the younger ones. On our lunch menu, we frequently feature beloved alternatives like fluffy pancakes, savory omelets, gourmet toast, and special sandwiches. But among these cherished options, one stands out as a true staple, deeply ingrained in Dutch culinary culture: fritters.

For me, nothing embodies a quintessential Dutch treat quite like these small, puffy pancakes. Traditionally served sweet with powdered sugar and butter, they hold a special place in the hearts of many. However, we’re about to explore a delightful twist that elevates these classic treats into an extraordinary savory sensation, perfect for a satisfying lunch or a hearty snack.

A Match Made in Heaven: Dutch Fritters and Delicious Cheese

The Netherlands is renowned for many things, and its cheese is undoubtedly near the top of that list. From the mild, creamy Gouda to the more aged and pungent varieties, Dutch cheese is a cornerstone of our culinary identity. It’s a natural fit for so many dishes, and it got us thinking: if fritters are profoundly Dutch, and cheese is equally so, could these two national treasures come together in a truly spectacular savory lunch? Add a hint of fragrant garlic butter for that ultimate finishing touch, and you have a recipe for success.

The experiment was, without a doubt, a resounding hit. The serving bowl was emptied faster than anticipated, and every single fritter vanished. The kids, with their bellies full and smiles wide, were ready to head back to school after a lunch break that felt more like a mini-celebration. This recipe proved that sometimes, combining two beloved classics in an unexpected way can create a new favorite that’s both comforting and exciting.

Why These Savory Cheese & Garlic Butter Fritters Will Be Your New Favorite

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The sharpness of melting cheese perfectly complements the soft, airy texture of the fritters, while the rich, aromatic garlic butter adds an incredible depth of flavor.
• Crispy Cheese Perfection: As the cheese bakes into the fritters, it caramelizes slightly at the edges, creating a delightful crispy texture that adds another layer of sensory pleasure.
• Creamy, Luscious Garlic Butter: Our homemade garlic butter recipe is designed to melt beautifully over the hot fritters, delivering a luxurious, smooth, and deeply satisfying creamy finish.
• A Unique Savory Twist: Moving beyond the traditional sweet fritter, this savory version offers a fantastic alternative for any meal of the day, proving that fritters are versatile and can be enjoyed in many forms.
• Kid and Adult Approved: This dish has been tested and adored by even the pickiest eaters. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes lunch or snack time an event.
• True Dutch Comfort: Combining two iconic Dutch food elements, this recipe offers a taste of home and tradition with a modern, savory twist.

Mastering the Art of Homemade Savory Fritters

Making delicious fritters might seem intimidating at first, but with the right ingredients and a few key techniques, you’ll be churning out perfect batches in no time. The secret lies in balancing the batter, allowing it to rise properly, and mastering the temperature of your fritter pan (or “poffertjespan”).

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Fritters

• Flour Blend: Our recipe uses a combination of buckwheat flour and regular flour. Buckwheat flour lends a slightly nutty flavor and a characteristic texture often associated with authentic Dutch poffertjes, while regular flour ensures a light and fluffy consistency.
• The Cheese: Opt for a cheese that melts well and offers a good flavor profile. A classic Dutch Gouda is an excellent choice, providing a mild, creamy taste that turns deliciously crispy when cooked. Finely grating the cheese ensures it melts evenly throughout the batter.
• Instant Yeast: This is crucial for giving the fritters their signature airy, puffy texture. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise.
• Homemade Garlic Butter: While store-bought garlic butter can work, making your own allows you to control the freshness and intensity of the garlic flavor. A simple blend of softened butter with minced fresh garlic and a pinch of salt and herbs (like parsley) will elevate this dish tremendously.
• Milk and Egg: These bind the ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the richness and structure of the fritters. Using a large egg helps with consistency.

Tips for Perfect Fritters Every Time

1. Melted Butter First: Starting by melting butter and mixing it with the flours creates a more tender crumb and prevents dryness.
2. Smooth Batter is Key: After adding milk, egg, and yeast, mix thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps. A smooth batter leads to smooth fritters.
3. Proper Rise Time: Don’t skip the 1-hour rise time in a warm place. This allows the yeast to activate, producing those desirable airy bubbles that make fritters so soft and fluffy. The batter should visibly increase in volume.
4. Pre-heat Your Pan: Ensure your fritter pan is properly heated before adding any batter. This helps in achieving an even cook and that beautiful golden-brown crust.
5. Grease Generously: Lightly oiling each indent of the fritter pan before pouring in the batter prevents sticking and ensures easy flipping.
6. Don’t Overfill: Fill each hole only about two-thirds full. The batter will expand as it cooks, and overfilling can lead to uneven shapes and messy edges.
7. The Flip Test: Wait until the top of the fritter appears mostly dry and small bubbles form before attempting to flip. This indicates the bottom is set and ready to turn. Use a fork or two small skewers for easy flipping.
8. Serve Immediately: Fritters are best enjoyed hot off the pan, especially when topped with melting garlic butter. Have your plates and butter ready!

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

While these cheese and garlic butter fritters are perfectly delicious on their own, a few additions can elevate your meal even further. For a complete lunch, consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will cut through the richness of the fritters, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Thinking about variations? Don’t hesitate to experiment! You could introduce finely chopped chives or spring onions into the batter for an extra layer of savory flavor. A pinch of black pepper or a tiny dash of cayenne for a subtle kick would also be fantastic. For cheese lovers, try blending different types of cheese, such as a mix of Gouda with a little Parmesan or cheddar, to explore new taste dimensions. You could even add some finely diced cooked bacon bits or ham for a heartier option, turning these fritters into a mini meal in themselves. These savory poffertjes also make an excellent appetizer for gatherings, offering a unique and memorable bite-sized treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

📖 Recipe

RECIPE CARD

Fritters with Cheese and Homemade Garlic Butter

Andréa

A truly delicious savory fritter recipe combining fluffy Dutch poffertjes with melted crispy cheese, perfectly finished with creamy, homemade garlic butter.

5 of 3 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Rise time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizers and Snacks, Lunch

Cuisine Dutch

Servings 4 persons

Calories 607 kcal

Equipment

• Fritter pan (Poffertjespan)

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Ingredients

• ▢ 25 grams butter, unsalted
• ▢ 125 grams buckwheat flour
• ▢ 125 grams all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 egg, size L
• ▢ 400 mL milk
• ▢ 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sugar
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 50 grams cheese, like Gouda, finely grated
• ▢ 4 tablespoons garlic butter
• ▢ 3 tablespoons oil, to grease the fritter pan

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Metric – US Customary

Instructions

• ▢
  Melt the butter over low heat.
• ▢
  Combine the buckwheat and all-purpose flours in a bowl, then mix in the melted butter until well incorporated.
• ▢
  Gradually add the milk, egg, and instant yeast to the flour mixture. Whisk everything thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
• ▢
  Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and finely grated cheese. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• ▢
  Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot for 1 hour to allow the batter to rise.
• ▢
  Place your fritter pan (poffertjespan) on the stove over medium heat and allow it to warm up.
• ▢
  After the rising time, stir the batter gently but thoroughly to redistribute the ingredients.
• ▢
  Lightly grease each indent of the hot pan with oil. Pour the fritter batter into the holes, filling each about two-thirds full.
• ▢
  Once the top surface of the fritters appears mostly dry and small bubbles form, carefully turn them over with a fork or two small skewers.
• ▢
  Cook the second side for approximately 1 minute, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
• ▢
  Transfer the hot fritters to a plate and serve immediately with a generous smear of garlic butter. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 607kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 17gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 433mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 853IUIron: 3mg

Keyword a delicious snack with cheese, savory fritters, poffertjes

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