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.

Course 30 minute meals, Side Dish

Cuisine German

Keyword German Cheese Spaetzle (Käsespätzle) Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Servings Servings

Calories 187kcal

Author Bon Appeteach

Ingredients

Spaetzle Dough:

2 cups Flour
1 tsp Salt
4 Eggs
1/2 cup Milk

Other Ingredients:

1 large Yellow Onion thinly sliced
2 tbsp Butter
1.5 cups Swiss Cheese or Gruyere shredded
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Spaetzle Dough:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and the salt.
Beat the eggs and milk (or water) together in a separate bowl, then gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring to form a sticky dough. It should be thick, but still flow slowly off a spoon.
Let the dough rest 10-15 minutes.

Cook the Spaetzle:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the dough into the boiling water in batches. Cook the spaetzle until they float to the top (about 2-3 minutes), then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool briefly. Drain well and set aside.

Assemble the Käsespätzle:

Place the pan of caramelized onions back onto the stove over medium-low heat.
Add the cooked spaetzle into the pan and toss until combined with the onions.
Slowly add handfuls of the cheese to the spaetzle and mix until melted and combined.
Remove from the heat and serve with smoked sausages or bratwurst, and garnish with parsley and enjoy.

Notes

You can also bake this dish (like a baked mac n cheese)-

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a large baking dish.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaetzle, sprinkle with half of the cheese, then repeat with the remaining spaetzle and cheese.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition