German Cheese Spaetzle (Käsespätzle) Recipe

German Cheese Spaetzle (Käsespätzle) is a comforting dish made with soft, homemade spaetzle noodles layered with rich, melted cheese and topped with crispy caramelized onions. This cheesy and savory German classic is perfect for a hearty meal or as a flavorful side dish.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple ingredients: The basic spaetzle dough requires just flour, eggs, milk, and salt. You likely already have these pantry staples at home, making it an easy, go-to recipe.
• Rich flavors: Combining caramelized onions, Swiss or Gruyere cheese, and the soft, homemade spaetzle creates a version of mac and cheese that’s deeply comforting.
• Versatile dish: This cheese spaetzle recipe can be served as a comforting main dish or a hearty side dish to pair with sausages, making it a great option for any meal.

What is Spätzle?

Spaetzle is a type of German egg noodle or dumpling that’s simple to make and incredibly versatile. These small, tender noodles are made from a sticky dough and boiled to perfection. Once cooked, they are soft and chewy, and in this recipe, they’re turned into cheesy goodness known as Käsespätzle — Germany’s version of mac and cheese. It’s a comfort food classic loaded with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and plenty of flavor.

Spaetzle is often found in southern Germany and Austria, and it’s a popular side dish served with stews or roasted meats. In this recipe, we’re transforming homemade spaetzle into a cheesy, onion-topped main dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Supplies Needed

To make spaetzle, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Depending on what you have, there are several ways to create these little noodles:

• Spaetzle Maker: A specialized tool designed for this job. It works much like a grater with large holes and lets you press the dough directly into boiling water.
• Colander: If you don’t have a spaetzle maker, you can use a colander with large holes. Pressing the dough through with a spoon works just as well.
• Pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the spaetzle in salted water.
• Slotted Spoon: This will help you scoop the spaetzle out of the boiling water once it floats to the top.
• Large Skillet: For caramelizing onions and tossing the spaetzle with cheese and onions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make German cheese spaetzle:

For the Homemade Spätzle Dough:

• Flour: The base of the dough. All-purpose flour works perfectly here.
• Eggs: These give the spaetzle its soft and chewy texture. You can substitute with a plant-based egg alternative if needed.
• Milk: This helps create a smooth dough. Water works as a substitute, but milk adds a richer flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.

For the Käsespätzle (Cheese Spaetzle):

• Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced and caramelized to add sweetness. Sliced onions bring depth and richness to the dish. You can also top the cheese spaetzle with crispy fried onions too.
• Butter: Used for caramelizing the onions and adding flavor to the dish.
• Swiss Cheese or Gruyere: Both kinds of cheese melt beautifully. You can also try Emmental cheese or a combination of cheeses for a stronger flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

How to Make Spaetzle

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by caramelizing the onions. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaetzle Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together, then slowly add this to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough is thick and sticky, but still able to flow off a spoon slowly. Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Spaetzle

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spaetzle maker or a colander, press the dough through the holes and into the boiling water. The dough will form small dumplings that will rise to the top in about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked spaetzle to a bowl of ice water, then drain well and set aside.

Making Spaetzle Mac n Cheese (Käsespätzle)

Now it’s time to assemble your Käsespätzle or German cheese spaetzle. This dish is similar to a comforting version of mac and cheese but with egg noodles.

1. In the same skillet where you caramelized the onions, place the onions back over medium-low heat.
2. Add the cooked spaetzle to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions.
3. Slowly add the grated cheese (Swiss, Gruyere, or Emmental cheese), stirring as it melts and coats the noodles.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For a baked version of Käsespätzle, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish and layer half of the cooked spaetzle, sprinkle with half the cheese, then repeat with the remaining spaetzle and cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown top.

What to Serve with Cheese Spaetzle

Käsespätzle is a rich and hearty dish, perfect as a comfort food on its own. However, it can also be served as a side dish with various options:

• Schnitzel: Pork or Chicken are great options. Try my take on German jagerschnitzel with mushroom gravy.
• Smoked Sausages or Bratwurst: These pair perfectly with the creamy cheese and caramelized onions on top of the spaetzle. Throw some pellet smoker brats onto the grill (or use this faster air fryer brat recipe) for the perfect pairing.
• Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the cheese spaetzle.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.

This German cheese spaetzle recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main meal or as a side dish, its combination of homemade spaetzle, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese makes it an irresistible comfort food.

More Recipes To Try

Crispy Egg Noodles

Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Steak Sauce

Grilled Brat Burgers

Brat Sliders

Smoked Beer Cheese