Cozy Kasespatzle: The German Cheese Spaetzle Recipe You’ll Love

Curious culinary adventurers adore kasespatzle, a hearty German comfort dish bursting with cheesy goodness.

Melted cheese cascades over handmade egg noodles, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Regional traditions inspire this classic recipe passed through generations of home cooks.

Mountain regions in southern Germany celebrate this simple yet extraordinary meal.

Farmers and alpine communities have perfected these tender, soft noodles for centuries.

Crispy caramelized onions add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy cheese base.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this soul-warming delicacy.

Grab a fork and experience Germany’s most beloved pasta specialty!

Käsespätzle (German Mac & Cheese) Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: The base for creating the spaetzle dough, provides structure and texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Nutmeg: Adds a warm, subtle spice to the spaetzle mixture.
• Eggs: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, pliable dough consistency.

• Cheese: Adds creamy, melty goodness to the final dish, traditional German cheese preferred.

• Onions: Provides sweet, caramelized flavor and texture to the dish.
• Butter: Helps caramelize onions and adds richness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish, adds color and light herbal note.

Käsespätzle (German Spaetzle) Cooking Steps

Step 1: Whip Up the Noodle Base

Create a smooth, silky dough by combining flour, salt, and a hint of nutmeg in a mixing bowl.

Crack eggs into the mixture and pour in milk.

Blend everything until the batter looks thick and creamy.

Let the mixture rest and relax for a short while.

Step 2: Boil the Homemade Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Use a special spaetzle maker or a colander to push the dough through into the bubbling water.

Watch as the noodles dance and float to the surface.

Scoop them out after 2-3 minutes and set aside.

Step 3: Transform Onions into Golden Delights

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in sliced onions and let them cook slowly.

Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to turn a beautiful golden brown color.

This process takes about 15-20 minutes of patient cooking.

Step 4: Layer the Cheesy Creation

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a light grease.

• Cooked noodles
• Grated cheese
• Caramelized onions

Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all ingredients, making sure to end with a generous cheese topping.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbling, golden blanket.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

German Cheese Pasta Cooking Advice for Kasespatzle

• Adjust the milk or flour to create the perfect spaetzle batter – it should be thick enough to hold shape but still flow through holes smoothly.
• Practice pressing dough through a colander or spaetzle maker to create uniform, bite-sized noodles that cook evenly in boiling water.
• Caramelize onions slowly and patiently to develop deep, sweet notes that complement the rich cheese and tender spaetzle.
• Select a combination of melting cheeses like emmental and gruyere for maximum flavor complexity and smooth, creamy texture.
• Pat cooked spaetzle dry before layering to ensure crispy edges and prevent excess moisture in the final dish.

Store Kasespatzle with Cheesy Goodness

• Store leftover käsespätzle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors intact and texture fresh.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread käsespätzle in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Place käsespätzle in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst.
• Before serving reheated dish, sprinkle fresh parsley or add a small pat of butter to revive the flavors and enhance the presentation.

Kasespatzle Goes Great With These

Savor Flavor-Packed Pairings: German Käsespätzle Companions

• Crisp Beer Match: Choose a light German pilsner or wheat beer that cuts through the rich, cheesy dish and refreshes the palate with its crisp carbonation.
• Tangy Salad Sidekick: Prepare a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the heavy, creamy käsespätzle and provide a bright, acidic contrast.
• Wine Wonder: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which complements the dish's nutmeg undertones and cheese complexity with its slightly sweet profile.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top to add a light, zesty note that lifts the dish's richness and adds a pop of color.

German Cheese Spaetzle Served a Few Ways

• Gluten-Free Spaetzle: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour, using xanthan gum for binding. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Cheese Variation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives. Use plant-based milk and egg replacer to create the spaetzle dough.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Create spaetzle using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional flour. Top with low-fat cheese and reduce onion quantity for fewer carbohydrates.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate protein powder into the dough or add grilled chicken, tofu, or lean ground turkey between spaetzle layers to increase protein content.

FAQs

• What are spaetzle?

Spaetzle are small, soft German egg noodles or dumplings made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk. They have an irregular, rustic shape and are traditionally made by pushing dough through a special tool or colander into boiling water.

• Is Kasespatzle difficult to make at home?

Not at all! Kasespatzle is a straightforward dish that requires basic ingredients and simple cooking techniques. The most challenging part might be forming the noodles, but using a spaetzle maker or colander makes it easy for home cooks.

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes use Emmental or Gouda, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. The key is to choose cheese that melts well and adds rich flavor.

• Is Kasespatzle a main dish or side dish?

Kasespatzle is hearty enough to be a main course, especially when served with caramelized onions. It’s a comforting, filling meal that’s popular in southern German regions like Bavaria and Swabia.

Käsespätzle (German Cheese Spaetzle) Is Cheesy, Buttery, and Easy

• Comfort Food Champion: Transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming German classic that hugs your taste buds with cheesy, carb-loaded goodness.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Takes just about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious homecooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Requires minimal technical skills with straightforward steps that even novice cooks can master, guaranteeing a successful dish every single time.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Allows easy ingredient swaps like using different cheese types or adding crispy bacon bits, ensuring it adapts to personal preferences and pantry availability.

Kasespatzle (German Cheese Spaetzle) Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory kasespatzle dances with creamy German cheese, creating a comfort classic that warms hearty souls. Handmade noodles nestled in rich, melted cheese invite you to savor authentic alpine flavors with every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Spaetzle Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Cheese and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 grams) grated Emmental or Gruyere cheese

Caramelized Onion Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft the dough by blending flour, salt, and nutmeg in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate eggs and milk, whisking until achieving a silky, dense consistency. Allow the mixture to relax and settle for 10-15 minutes.
2. Activate a generously salted water bath, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Utilize a spaetzle maker or alternative perforated tool to force the dough through its openings, creating delicate noodle strands directly into the roiling liquid.
3. Monitor the spaetzle closely, removing them with a perforated utensil once they buoyantly emerge to the water’s surface, typically after 2-3 minutes of cooking. Transfer the noodles to a separate container.
4. Transform onions into a golden delicacy by melting butter in a substantial skillet. Gradually caramelize the onion slices, stirring periodically to ensure even browning, which requires approximately 15-20 minutes of patient cooking.
5. Prepare a baking vessel with a light grease coating. Construct layered strata alternating between cooked spaetzle, grated cheese, and caramelized onions. Conclude the architectural process with a crowning cheese layer.
6. Slide the assembled dish into a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C). Allow the creation to bake until the cheese melts into a bubbling, enticing surface, typically requiring 15-20 minutes.
7. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley fragments. Serve immediately while the dish radiates warmth and aromatic charm.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice or almond flour for celiac-friendly version.
• Creating smooth dough requires consistent whisking to prevent lumps and ensure perfect texture.
• Rest spaetzle batter at room temperature to help develop better elasticity and smoother noodle consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyere or emmental for enhanced flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 437
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 505 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 132 mg