The History of the Croquette
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A Dutch Classic Reimagined
The croquette is more than just a snack; it’s a culinary tradition steeped in history. Born in 17th-century France as a way to repurpose leftover meat, the croquette quickly became a European staple, with its creamy ragout filling, breadcrumb coating, and golden, crispy exterior.
When this delightful snack reached the Netherlands, it found its true home. After World War II, croquettes became a nationwide favorite, with millions consumed annually. Over time, the Dutch adapted the croquette into a smaller, bite-sized version called the bitterbal, designed for sharing during social gatherings and perfectly paired with mustard.
Introducing Our Bites
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A New Take on Tradition
At Master Bites UK, we’ve embraced the essence of the croquette while giving it a modern twist. We don’t just make croquettes—we craft bites, designed specifically for the British market. These are not just snacks; they are bites of joy, combining authentic Dutch heritage with innovative flavors tailored for contemporary tastes.
Our bites are smaller, more versatile, and perfect for pubs, bars, and sharing platters. Here’s what makes our bites stand out:
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Master Veal Bite: Succulent, slow-cooked veal in a rich, creamy ragout, coated with a delicate, crispy panko crust.
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Master Beef Bite: A hearty, savory filling of braised beef in a perfectly seasoned ragout, encased in a golden crunch.
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Master Vegan Bite: A plant-based snack made with fresh vegetables and herbs, delivering bold flavors with every crispy bite.
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Master Cheese Bite: Creamy, indulgent cheese in a light breadcrumb coating—perfect for vegetarians and cheese lovers alike.
Our bites bring a unique, bitesize snack experience to the UK, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and quality in every serving.
Master Bites
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Bringing Dutch Quality to Britain
Dutch croquettes and bitterballen are regarded as the best in Europe, celebrated for their creamy interiors, crispy exteriors, and perfectly balanced flavors. At Master Bites UK, we uphold this tradition of excellence with every bite we create.
Whether you’re craving a beef bite, a cheese bite, or a vegan bite, our snacks are crafted with care to deliver the authentic flavors of the Netherlands in a way that’s perfect for British tastes.
Experience the rich history and bold flavors of the croquette, reimagined for Britain. Discover Master Bites today—authentic Dutch tradition, now in bite-sized perfection.
Fun Facts
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Croquettes and Bitterballen
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The Dutch eat over 350 million croquettes every year—enough to circle the Earth if lined up end-to-end!
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The bitterbal is considered the ultimate bar snack in the Netherlands, always served with a side of mustard.
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The most popular croquette filling in the Netherlands is beef ragout, but unique flavors like satay and goulash have gained popularity.
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Croquettes are such a cultural staple in the Netherlands that McDonald’s created the "McKroket", a croquette on a bun, just for the Dutch market.
"YOU
DON'T
EVEN
NEED
TO
BE
HUNGRY"
The Popularity of Croquettes in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the croquette is a cultural icon. With 350 million croquettes consumed each year, they are a national treasure. From high-end restaurants to humble snack bars, the croquette is everywhere. Even global chains like McDonald’s have embraced it, offering the "McKroket" as a nod to its popularity.
The smaller bitterbal, however, holds a special place in Dutch hearts. It’s the ultimate bar snack, served with mustard and shared among friends during celebrations, receptions, and cozy gatherings.It’s this bite-sized concept of the bitterbal that inspired us to create Master Bites—snacks designed for modern British dining while staying true to their Dutch origins.
Why We Don’t Call Them Croquettes
At Master Bites UK, we believe our snacks are more than croquettes. While inspired by Dutch tradition, our bites are crafted to offer a fresh, versatile, and premium experience tailored to the British palate.
The name "bites" reflects their smaller size, shareable nature, and the innovation we bring to this timeless snack.
By focusing on bites, we’ve redefined how you enjoy croquette-inspired snacks. Perfect as a bar snack, a party dish, or an on-the-go treat, our bites fit seamlessly into modern dining culture.
"MADE FOR THE UK"