Käsespätzle
A beloved comfort food from Southern Germany, Käsespätzle features soft, chewy egg noodles (Spätzle) layered with savory melted Alpine cheeses and crowned with crispy, golden-brown fried onions. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a cozy meal, traditionally served with a simple green salad.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Crispy Onions (Röstzwiebeln)
- b.In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- c.Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they are deep golden brown and crispy.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the onions to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Sprinkle lightly with salt and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Spätzle Batter
- b.While the onions are cooking, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and nutmeg powder in a large bowl.
- c.Make a well in the center and add the eggs and milk.
- d.Using a wooden spoon or a sturdy whisk, mix from the center outwards until a smooth, thick, and viscous batter forms. It should be stretchy and fall slowly from the spoon in a ribbon. Do not overmix.
- e.Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Spätzle
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- c.Press the batter through a spätzle maker, a colander with large holes, or a potato ricer directly into the boiling water. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes. The spätzle are done when they float to the surface.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked spätzle and transfer them to a large bowl. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pot.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Käsespätzle
- b.Preheat your oven's broiler. In a large oven-safe skillet (or the one used for the onions, wiped clean), melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- c.Add half of the cooked spätzle to the skillet, then top with half of the shredded Gruyère and Emmental cheese. Season with black pepper.
- d.Add the remaining spätzle, followed by the rest of the cheese. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved spätzle cooking water.
- e.Gently stir everything together until the cheese begins to melt and create a creamy sauce.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Melt and Serve
- b.Place the skillet under the preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- c.Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with a lid and continue to heat on the stovetop over low heat for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted through.
- d.Remove from the heat, top generously with the crispy fried onions and freshly chopped chives.
- e.Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For lighter, fluffier spätzle, substitute half of the milk with sparkling water.
- 2Don't overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough noodles.
- 3Resting the batter is a crucial step. It allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender spätzle.
- 4Grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- 5Cook the onions low and slow for the best crispy, sweet result without burning them.
- 6Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese
Experiment with other melting cheeses from the Alpine region like Appenzeller or Raclette for different flavor nuances.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Add crispy bacon lardons or sautéed mushrooms when layering the dish for extra savory depth.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Mix 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley into the spätzle batter for a fresh, herby flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
With eggs and two types of cheese, this dish provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, crucial for muscle maintenance and repair.
Bone-Strengthening Calcium
Gruyère and Emmental cheeses are excellent sources of calcium, a mineral essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the flour in the spätzle provide a lasting source of energy, making this a very filling and satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
Käsespätzle is a traditional German dish, especially popular in the regions of Swabia, Bavaria, and Austria. It consists of soft egg noodles called Spätzle, layered with grated cheese (typically Emmental and Gruyère) and topped with crispy fried onions.