Käsespätzle is Germany’s comforting answer to mac and cheese. This traditional dish features tender, homemade spaetzle (German egg noodles) layered with melted cheese and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish at family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- A classic comfort food that’s simple yet delicious.
- Made with wholesome, fresh ingredients.
- Perfect for impressing guests with a taste of authentic German cuisine.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spaetzle: Flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg
- Cheese: Emmental, Gruyère, or any melty cheese you prefer
- Onions: Thinly sliced and fried until golden and crispy
- Butter and salt
The full list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found below.
Directions
Step 1: Make the Spaetzle Dough
In a bowl, combine flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until you have a smooth, slightly sticky dough. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Spaetzle
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the dough into the boiling water. The spaetzle will float to the surface when done, which takes about 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Onions
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add thinly sliced onions. Cook until golden and crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Käsespätzle
In a greased baking dish or skillet, layer the cooked spaetzle and shredded cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake or Melt
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, melt the cheese on the stovetop over low heat.
Step 6: Add the Crispy Onions
Top the Käsespätzle with the crispy fried onions just before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use the right cheese: Emmental or Gruyère are traditional choices, but you can mix in Cheddar or Mozzarella for variety.
- Don’t overmix the dough: It should be smooth but not overly elastic.
- Prep ahead: You can make the spaetzle ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Substitute milk with water or cream in the dough for a different texture.
- Use store-bought spaetzle to save time.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Käsespätzle as a main dish with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables. As a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or bratwurst. For drinks, a cold German beer or a glass of dry white wine like Riesling complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with a bit of butter to keep it moist.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make spaetzle without a spaetzle maker?
Yes! Use a colander with large holes or even a grater to press the dough into boiling water.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for Käsespätzle?
Emmental and Gruyère are traditional, but any good melting cheese will work.
Q3: Can I freeze spaetzle?
Absolutely! Cooked spaetzle freezes well. Just thaw and reheat when ready to use.
Q4: How do I keep the onions crispy?
Fry the onions fresh and add them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Conclusion
Käsespätzle is a delightful dish that brings the taste of Germany to your table. With its tender spaetzle, gooey cheese, and crispy onions, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new family favorite to enjoy again and again!
Print
Käsespätzle (German Cheese Spaetzle)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling and Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Käsespätzle is a cozy and classic German dish featuring soft, homemade egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with golden caramelized onions. Perfect as a comforting main dish or a side, it’s Germany’s answer to mac and cheese!
Ingredients
For the Spaetzle:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups grated Emmental or Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Spaetzle Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and nutmeg. Add the eggs and milk, mixing until you have a thick, smooth batter. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook the Spaetzle:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spaetzle maker, colander, or slotted spoon, press the dough through the holes directly into the boiling water.
- Cook until the noodles float to the top, about 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes.
- Assemble the Käsespätzle:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Layer the cooked spaetzle, grated cheese, and caramelized onions in the dish, repeating until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use pre-made spaetzle to save time.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or as a side dish for roasted meats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 125mg