Käsespätzle (German Cheese Noodles)

Tap an ingredient or step to check it off.

1. 1Step 1: Making Spaetzle from scratch is optional, you can also use store-bought Spätzle. Cook them according to the packet instructions then proceed with the recipe.
2. 2Step 2: Make Spätzle dough:
3. 3Step 3: Add all ingredients except the butter to a mixing bowl.
4. 4Step 4: Stir with a wooden spoon until roughly combined.
5. 5Step 5: Continue beating the dough with the wooden spoon or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment (speed 2) for about 7-10 minutes. The dough should be well-combined and smooth. It will be very sticky so it’s not possible to knead it by hand (try to not add any more flour).
6. 6Step 6: Leave the batter to rest for 15 minutes.
7. 7Step 7: Cook Spätzle:
8. 8Step 8: While the dough is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
9. 9Step 9: Working in batches, press the dough through a ‘Spätzle press/maker’, a large-holed colander (photo 4), or a slotted spoon with large holes (photo 5). Push the batter with the back of a metal spoon directly into boiling water.
10. 10Step 10: Cook Spaetzle in batches so they won’t stay in the water for too long.
11. 11Step 11: When the Spätzle come to the water surface they’re done – remove them from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl with 2 tablespoons of butter.
12. 12Step 12: While you’re adding Spaetzle to the bowl, stir them to coat them in butter – it will prevent them from sticking to each other.
13. 13Step 13: Make crispy onions: cut onions into thin slices, toss with the flour and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a frying pan or a medium pot and add the onions (I like to use a medium pot and fry the onions in batches - the layer of oil is thicker so the onions are frying rather than just pan-frying). Fry, stirring often, until light golden brown in color. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle immediately with salt.
14. 14Step 14: Make Käsespätzle: Add Spätzle to a large bowl or frying pan and add the cheese and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted (if the cheese is not melting, maybe because the Spätzle are too cold, heat them over low heat until the cheese is melted). Season with salt and pepper.
15. 15Step 15: Transfer to plates and sprinkle with chives and crispy onions.
16. 16Step 16: Enjoy!