Anke
My German cheese spaetzle recipe is a classic German dish that I crave every time I visit my homeland.
Since I got my spaetzle maker, it’s so easy to prepare this comforting dish at home whenever I want a rustic vegetarian dinner. If you don’t have a spaetzle maker, you can make them by hand or order a reasonably priced one on Amazon (#affiliate link).
Spaetzle is a type of egg noodle with a thick and slightly chewy texture and is made with only eggs, flour, a bit of salt, and water.
Spaetzle are originated in the south of Germany but is enjoyed all over Germany.
Spaetzle on its own is great as a side dish served with meaty dishes like beef roulade for instance, or as a vegetarian main dish, as you can see in my German cheese spaetzle recipe.
Other German recipes that might interest you: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, German Potato Pancakes, or delicious German Apple Cake.
Table of Contents
Ingredients For German Cheese Spaetzle Recipe
The Cheese
If you are in Germany, a common cheese to use in the German cheese spaetzle recipe is Bergkaese (mountain cheese), which has a strong and slightly nutty flavor.
Unfortunately, in New Zealand, I am unable to buy this type of cheese. Therefore, I am using a combination of Colby and Tasty cheese.
You can use any type of cheese you prefer and is available to you. Why not try different types of cheese and see what you enjoy most?
The Flour
To make the spaetzle I am using standard flour also known as all-purpose flour.
The Eggs
I always use and highly recommend free-range or organic eggs because the quality is much better, and you can really taste the difference.
I’m fortunate to get my eggs from a friend who raises happy chickens in his backyard.
How To Make German Cheese Spaetzle In A Few Simple Steps
Step 1 – Prepare The Spaetzle Batter
To prepare the spaetzle batter, start by mixing the flour with salt. Then, add the eggs one at a time, stirring them into the flour using a wooden spoon. Gradually incorporate water until you achieve a thick batter.
Be sure to beat the batter vigorously with the spoon until it reaches a smooth, elastic consistency free of lumps.
Tip: The batter or dough is ready when you see bubbles forming on the surface.
Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 2 – Prepare The Ingredients For The Cheese Spaetzle
While the dough rests, it’s time to prepare the other ingredients. Finely chop the chives, grate the cheese, and slice the onion.
Fill a large pot with water, add some salt, and bring it to a boil.
Step 3 – Fry The Onion
In a large skillet ( I am using my 12-inch cast iron skillet), melt the butter and saute the onions until soft and golden brown. Set aside for later, when the spaetzle are done.
Step 4 – Make The Spaetzle
Fill part of the batter into the Spaetzle hopper. Place the spaetzle maker on top of the pot with boiling water and slide the hopper back and forth.
You can see how the spaetzle drop into the hot water.
Let the spaetzle simmer in the hot water for around 2 minutes.
Remove the spaetzle with a slotted spoon and add them to the cast iron skillet. Repeat the process until all the batter or dough is used.
Tip: If you plan to use the spaetzle later, rinse them with cold water and drain. Once the spaetzle have cooled down, store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge or the freezer.
Step 5 – Make The Cheese Spaetzle
Sauté the spaetzle with the onion for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, add the grated cheese and stir it in, frying for a few more minutes until the cheese melts.
Finally, incorporate the chives, reserving some for garnish, and mix everything.
Step 6 – Serve Immediately
Serve the cheese spaetzle while still hot garnished with chives and roasted crispy onions ( I use store-bought once). Complete the meal with a green salad on the side. Guten Appetit!. Enjoy!
Pro Tip
You can store the spaetzle in the fridge for a few days, or freeze them. This way, you’ll always be prepared for a quick and delicious dinner.
You can also use spaetzle as a side dish. Simply reheat it by frying the spaetzle in butter.
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Let’s Make Our Homemade German Cheese Spaetzle Recipe
I hope you enjoy my recipe for our German Cheese Spaetzle. The spaetzle are very easy to make using a spaetzle maker, and they cook in about 2 minutes.
I would love for you to leave a rating and a comment with your feedback and any questions. Your feedback will help me improve my recipes even more.
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Additionally, the recipe card includes affiliate links for equipment in case you need any kitchen gadgets.
Are you feeling hungry? Then put on your apron and start making our amazing homemade cheese spaetzle recipe.
Delicious Homemade German Cheese Spaetzle
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Spaetzle Batter
- 300 grams all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 150 ml water
To Cook The Spaetzle
- 2 to 3 liter water depending on the size of your pot
- 1 tbsp salt
To Make Cheese Spaetzle
- 1 medium brown onion
- 50 grams butter
- 3/4 cup grated Colby cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Tasty cheese
- 1/2 bunch chives, finely chopped leave some for garnish
- 1/2 cup roasted crispy onions for garnish
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
The Spaetzle Batter/Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt until well combined. Add the eggs, one by one, and stir them in with a wooden spoon.300 grams all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs
- Now it is time to gradually add the water, stirring the mixture consisten150 ml water
- We want the batter to be lump-free with a thick but also elastic consistency. Tip 1: The amount of water you need to add depends on the flour you are using. Therefore I recommend adding the water slowly as mentioned in step 2.Tip 2: to make the batter/dough, you can also use a stand mixer or hand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Once the batter has the right consistency, vigorously work the batter for around 5 more minutes (or longer)with a wooden spoon until you can see bubbles appear.
- Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for around 15 to 30 minutes.
- While the batter is resting, bring salted water in a large pot to a boil.2 to 3 liter water, 1 tbsp salt
- Place the spaetzle maker on top of the pot and fill the batter/dough into the hopper with a large spoon.
- Move the hopper back and forth – that way the dough will be pressed through the wholes and forms small dumplings – our spaetzle.
- Let the spaetzle simmer in the boiling water for 2 minutes and take them out with a slotted spoon.
- At this point, you can either put the spaetzle straight into the skillet or rinse them in cold water, drain off the water, and store them in the fridge.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter/dough.
Get Everything Ready To Make The Cheese Spaetzle
- While the dough/batter rests, slice the onion and fry the butter in the skillet.1 medium brown onion, 50 grams butter
- Add the sliced onion to the butter. Add a pinch of salt and saute the onions until soft and golden brown. Turn off the heat and wait until the spaetzle are ready.
- Grate the cheese and chop the chives. Set aside for later.3/4 cup grated Colby cheese, 3/4 cup grated Tasty cheese, 1/2 bunch chives, finely chopped
How To Make The Cheese Spaetzle
- As mentioned before, we use a slotted spoon to take out the cooked spaetzle. Add them straight to the skillet and fry them with the onions for a couple of minutes.
- Add the grated cheese (as much or as little as you like), the chives, and season with salt and pepper.salt and pepper to taste
- Stir everything until the cheese is melted and fry for a few minutes.
- Serve while it is still hot. Garnish with more chives and sprinkle with the roasted onions.1/2 cup roasted crispy onions
- I like to serve the cheese spaetzle with a green salad on the side. Guten Appetit!
Video
German Cheese Spaetzle Recipe FAQ’s
Can You Make Spaetzle Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. After cooking the spaetzle, rinse them in cold water and let them drain. Once the spaetzle are cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat the spaetzle by frying them in butter.
Can You Freeze The Spaetzle?
Of course, you can. Once the cooked spaetzle are cooled, put them in a suitable container and put them in the freezer. They can be stored for up to three months.
What Can You Serve With The Spaetzle?
Cheese spaetzle are a main dish on its own. You can add fried bacon or ham for the meat lovers in your family.
Spaetzle (without cheese) are a great side dish that goes well with lots of meat dishes like beef stew, beef roulades, or pork schnitzel served with jaeger sauce (hunter sauce).
You could also include them in a hearty and flavorful chicken soup, for instance.
German Cheese spaetzle is one of my favorite German dishes. They are super easy to make and absolutely delicious.