Knödel
Hearty, tender bread dumplings with a golden crust and soft, pillowy interior. These Bavarian-style knödel are made from day-old bread, soaked in warm milk, and bound with eggs and fresh herbs. Perfect alongside roasts, stews, or pan-fried in butter for a crispy finish.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prepare the bread and soak in warm milk.
1.Place the cubed stale bread in a large mixing bowl.2.Pour warm milk evenly over the bread.3.Gently toss and let it soak for 10 minutes until softened but not mushy.TIPThe bread should be slightly stale — fresh bread will turn to mush. If using fresh bread, dry the cubes in a low oven for 10 minutes first. - saute · ~7 min
Sauté the onion until golden.
1.Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.2.Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.3.Remove from heat and let cool slightly.TIPDon't rush — fully softened, golden onions add sweetness and moisture to the dumplings. - mix · ~2 min
Combine the dumpling mixture.
1.Add the sautéed onions, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the soaked bread.2.Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, mix well until everything is evenly combined.3.If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash of milk.TIPThe mixture should hold its shape when squeezed gently in your palm. Adjust moisture before shaping. - prep · ~5 min
Shape the dumplings.
1.With damp hands, scoop a palm-sized portion of the mixture.2.Firmly press and roll into a smooth, round ball about the size of a tennis ball.3.Repeat to form 8 equal dumplings, placing them on a clean plate.TIPRoll the dumplings tightly with some pressure — cracks will cause them to break apart while boiling. - boil · ~15 min
Boil the dumplings in salted water.
1.Bring a large pot of water with 1 teaspoon salt to a gentle simmer — not a rolling boil.2.Carefully lower the dumplings into the water using a slotted spoon.3.Simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 minutes. The dumplings will rise to the surface when done.4.Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on a clean kitchen towel.TIPKeep the water at a gentle simmer. A vigorous boil will break the dumplings apart before they set. - fry · ~6 min
Pan-fry for a crispy golden crust.
1.Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.2.Add the boiled dumplings and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully until evenly golden brown.TIPAvoid overcrowding the pan — fry in batches if needed. A golden crust adds nutty flavor and contrasts the pillowy center. - serve
Serve hot with your favorite gravy or roast.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old bread with a firm crust; fresh bread will turn mushy during soaking.
- 2Warm the milk slightly before pouring—this helps the bread absorb evenly without becoming soggy.
- 3Sauté the onion until deep golden, not just soft, for extra sweetness and depth.
- 4Dampen your hands before shaping to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- 5Roll each dumpling firmly so there are no cracks—cracks cause breakage during boiling.
- 6Simmer gently, never boil hard; a rolling boil will make dumplings fall apart.
- 7Pan-fry in batches to avoid crowding and ensure an even, golden crust.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb & Garlic
Swap half the parsley for fresh chives and add 2 minced garlic cloves with the onion for a more aromatic dumpling.
Bacon OnionBacon-Onion
Cook 100g of diced bacon with the onion until crispy—this adds smokiness and richness, perfect with lighter sauces.
Low FatLow-Fat
Use skim milk and skip the pan-frying step; simply serve the boiled dumplings with a light tomato or mushroom sauce to reduce fat.
VeganVegan
Replace eggs with 3 tbsp of ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tbsp water (let sit for 5 min) and use plant-based milk and vegan butter—ideal for plant-based diets.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free stale bread or rolls, and add 1 tbsp of gluten-free breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet—great for those avoiding gluten.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Carbohydrates
Day-old bread provides a slow-release energy source, ideal for sustaining energy throughout a meal.
Contains Calcium from Milk
Whole milk adds a modest amount of calcium, which supports bone health.
Fresh Parsley Adds Vitamin K
Parsley contributes vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you must dry the cubes in a low oven (150°C/300°F) for 10 minutes first, or the dumplings will become too soft and fall apart.
