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Käsespätzle

A traditional German comfort food that features soft egg noodles mixed with melted cheese and sautéed onions, all made in one pot.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Spätzle
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides the base for the noodles.
  • 4 large eggs Binds the mixture and gives the noodles a rich flavor.
  • 1/2 cup water Adjusted for desired dough consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg Adds a wonderful warmth.
For the Assembly
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Traditionally Emmental or Gruyère for rich melt.
  • 1 large onion, sliced To be sautéed until caramelized.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter For sautéing and for flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, eggs, water, salt, and nutmeg until a thick batter forms. The consistency should be somewhat stretchy but still thick enough to hold.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This will be used to cook the spätzle.
Cooking
  1. Using a spätzle maker or a colander, press the dough through the holes into the boiling water. Cook until the noodles float to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Sauté until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a large mixing bowl, layer the cooked spätzle with the sautéed onions and shredded cheese. Toss gently to combine.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish. If desired, sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Make sure your water is vigorously boiling before adding the spätzle. If you don’t have a spätzle maker, a slotted spoon or even a cutting board can work as substitutes. Experiment with different cheeses to find the perfect melt for your taste buds.