Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Spaetzle dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This step helps the dough settle and makes it easier to work with.
Cook the Spaetzle: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a Spaetzle press or potato ricer, press small portions of the dough into the water.
You can also put the dough on a cutting board and scrape it with a knife straight into the boiling water if you don’t have any of the utensils, or you can drizzle the dough straight from the spoon into the water.
The noodles are ready when they float to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander to drain.
Caramelize the onions: Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This takes about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Combine the Käsespätzle: Add the cooked Spaetzle to the pan with the caramelized onions. Stir in the grated Emmentaler cheese until it melts and coats the noodles. For a crispy finish, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Serve: Serve the Käsespätzle hot, topped with extra caramelized onions if you like. It’s a cozy dish that works as a side for schnitzel or as a satisfying main course on its own. Perfect comfort food!
Expert Tips for Perfect Käsespätzle
Use a Spaetzle Press for Easy Noodles: If you don’t have a spaetzle press, a potato ricer or even a colander can work to create small, evenly sized noodles.
Caramelize Slowly: Take your time caramelizing the onions. The deep, sweet flavor from properly caramelized onions makes a big difference in this dish.
Customize the Cheese: While Emmentaler is traditional, you can mix it up with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or even Cheddar to add more depth to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Käsespätzle is the perfect side dish for many German meals, especially when paired with schnitzel or bratwurst. You can also serve it with a crisp German cucumber salad or alongside crispy bacon for added texture.
For a more traditional meal, serve it with German Jägerschnitzel or a Bratwurst with Sauerkraut. It also pairs wonderfully with a cold German beer or a glass of Riesling.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can make the spaetzle noodles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the spaetzle in a frying pan with butter.
Leftover Käsespätzle can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove with a little bit of butter or in the oven.
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