What primary physical characteristic distinguishes Bitterballen from Kroketten?
Answer
Bitterballen are the smaller, round version of the cylindrical Kroketten.
Kroketten are cylindrical croquettes, typically filled with a savory ragout made from ingredients like beef or veal bound in a thick roux and then breaded and fried. Bitterballen are structurally the same in terms of filling and coating—a savory ragout coated in breadcrumbs and fried—but they are differentiated by their shape and size, being the smaller, round, appetizer version of the kroket. This makes bitterballen ideal for sharing and commonly found on bar menus. Kroketten, being larger, are often served individually, sometimes placed inside a bun to make a broodje kroket, or eaten alone with mustard for dipping.

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