Spaetzle (2024)

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Spaetzle (1)Meggan Hill

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5 from 8 votes

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My make-ahead Spaetzle noodles can be formed and boiled up to 3 days ahead. Try my Spaetzle-making trick using a colander if you don’t have (or want to invest in) special equipment to make this classic German side dish recipe.

Spaetzle (2)

If you’ve never had homemade Spaetzle, you’re in for a real treat. These tiny, eggy noodles are extraordinary plain, with a bit of butter and salt, and they can also be elevated with all sorts of fun toppings. Spaetzle mac and cheese? Yes please!

Table of Contents

  1. Recipe ingredients
  2. Equipment and ingredient notes
  3. Step by step instructions
  4. Recipe tips and variations
  5. Recipe FAQs
  6. Spaetzle Recipe

Recipe ingredients

Spaetzle (3)

At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.

Equipment and ingredient notes

  • Spaetzle tools: We tried 3 different tools to see what was easiest for making Spatezle. Our favorite was this lid and scraper set because it was simple to use and easy to clean. We also tried a spaetzle press (it was expensive, heavy, and required a lot of strength) and a spaetzle maker (similar concept to the lid and scraper but more difficult to use). You could also try a colander or potato ricer.
  • All-purpose flour: When a modern recipe calls for sifted flour, it usually means that the recipe requires fluffier, aerated flour, or flour without any lumps. As it is packaged, shipped, and stored, flour settles in the bag. Sifting lightens it up again. Cakes become fluffier, pancakes lighter; you get the idea. To sift flour, over a sheet of parchment paper, foil, or a bowl, add flour (or any dry ingredients) to a fine-mesh strainer and tap the side with one hand. Anything left in the bottom can be pushed through with a spoon.
  • Nutmeg: Freshly-ground nutmeg is warm and nutty, and once heated, lends a lovely clove-like flavor. Find whole nutmeg in most supermarkets or on Amazon.

Step by step instructions

  1. Heat a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling.In the bowl of a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat eggs until light and frothy. Add flour, a little at a time, into eggs, then add salt and nutmeg.
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  1. Pour milk into the mixture, a little at a time and beat on medium speed until well blended, about 8 to 10 minutes.
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  1. Place the spaetzle maker or metal colander over the hot water and scoop some dough into it. Press the spaetzle maker down to squeeze the noodles out into the simmering water. Repeat in batches as necessary.
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  1. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the noodles float to the top.
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  1. Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the spaetzle to a colander and then plunge them in a bowl of very cold water. This firms them up to the desired consistency. Toss with olive oil or melted butter to keep from sticking.At this point, spaetzle will keep in the refrigerator 2 to 3 days until ready to serve.
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  1. To finish the dish, in a skillet, melt butter on medium high heat until brown. Add cooked spaetzle noodles and toss in skillet until coated.
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  1. Season with salt and serve immediately.
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Recipe tips and variations

  • Yield: This Spaetzle recipe makes six hearty side dish servings of about 1 cup each.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Make ahead: Complete steps 1 through 7 up to 3 days ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container until you’re ready to proceed with step 8.
  • Freezer: Cool the boiled spaetzle, then package in freezer-safe containers. Label, date, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the instructions to sauté until golden brown.
  • Make it a meal: Try my homemade Spaetzle recipe with Chicken Schnitzel, Pork Schnitzel, Rouladen, or Swedish Meatballs.
  • Oktoberfest:Plan your own German fall fest with my fullOktoberfest Menu.Start withPork SchnitzelorChicken Schnitzel, a cripsy, crumb-coated, pan-fried cutlet.Serve with Braised Red Cabbage,German Potato Salad, andSoft Pretzelsandhomemade Mustard. Finish the meal withLebkuchen or aBlack Forest Cake, plenty of German beer, and someLemon Spezisfor the kids.
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Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between spaetzle and pasta?

They are made with similar ingredients, but pasta requires a resting period for gluten development. Spaetzle is ready to boil immediately after mixing the dough together.

Do you pronounce “spaetzle”?

Most people pronounce it as “shpeh-tzuhl.” However, it should be pronounced as “shpeh-tzluh.”

More German recipes

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Spaetzle (16)

Spaetzle

My make-ahead Spaetzle noodles can be formed and boiled up to 3 days ahead. Try my Spaetzle-making trick using a colander if you don't have (or want to invest in) special equipment to make this classic German side dish recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings (1 cup each)

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine German

Calories 393

5 from 8 votes

Equipment

  • Spaetzle maker (see note 1)

Ingredients

Instructions

To make the spaetzle dough:

  • Heat a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling.In the bowl of a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat eggs until light and frothy. Add flour, a little at a time, into eggs, then add salt and nutmeg.

  • Pour milk into the mixture, a little at a time and beat on medium speed until well blended, about 8-10 minutes.

To boil the spaetzle:

  • If using a spaetzle maker: place the tool over the hot water and scoop some dough into it. Press the spaetzle maker down to squeeze the noodles out into the simmering water. Repeat in batches as necessary. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the noodles float to the top.

  • If using a colander or steamer with large holes (not mesh): place the colander over the hot water and scoop some dough into it. Press the flat side of a sturdy wooden spoon across the colander to push the noodles out into the simmering water. Repeat in batches as necessary. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the noodles float to the top.

  • Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the spaetzle to a colander and then plunge them in a bowl of very cold water. This firms them up to the desired consistency.

  • Toss with olive oil or melted butter to keep from sticking.At this point, spaetzle will keep in the refrigerator 2-3 days until ready to serve.

To finish the spaetzle:

  • In a skillet, melt butter on medium high heat until brown. Add cooked spaetzle noodles and toss in skillet until coated. Season with salt and serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Notes

  1. Spaetzle tools: We tried 3 different tools to see what was easiest for making Spatezle. Our favorite was this lid and scraper set because it was simple to use and easy to clean. We also tried a spaetzle press (it was expensive, heavy, and required a lot of strength) and a spaetzle maker (similar concept to the lid and scraper but more difficult to use). You could also try a colander or potato ricer. (Culinary Hill may earn money if you buy through these links.)
  2. All-purpose flour: When a modern recipe calls for sifted flour, it usually means that the recipe requires fluffier, aerated flour, or flour without any lumps. As it is packaged, shipped, and stored, flour settles in the bag. Sifting lightens it up again. It also creates space for the other components in the recipe to get in between the flour particles and do their work. Cakes become fluffier, pancakes lighter; you get the idea. To sift flour, over a sheet of parchment paper, foil, or a bowl, add flour (or any dry ingredients) to a fine-mesh strainer and tap the side with one hand. Anything left in the bottom can be pushed through with a spoon.
  3. Nutmeg: Freshly-ground nutmeg is warm and nutty, and once heated, lends a lovely clove-like flavor. Find whole nutmeg in most supermarkets or on Amazon.
  4. Yield: This Spaetzle recipe makes six hearty side dish servings of about 1 cup each.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  6. Make ahead: Complete steps 1 through 7 up to 3 days ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container until you’re ready to proceed with step 8.
  7. Freezer: Cool the boiled spaetzle, then package in freezer-safe containers. Label, date, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the instructions to sauté until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 393kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 12gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 197mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 360IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 4mg

Did you make this recipe?Tag @culinaryhill on Instagram so we can admire your masterpiece! #culinaryhill

Spaetzle (17)

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Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.

Questions and Comments

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Comments

  1. Can you mix the dough with regular beaters? I do not have a pastry hook on my beater. I also have a food processor. Can that be used?

    Reply

    1. Hi Debbie, we just used the regular paddle attachment, no hook needed! Hope this helps. – Meggan

    2. I should have asked if I can use my mixer with the basic mixing tools. I don’t have a paddle or a hook attachment. Thank you!

  2. Thanks for breaking the process into manageable steps. We were stationed in Germany with the military, and this recipe looks the most authentic in the USA. I’m eager to attempt this, and will order the lid/scraper. Do you have a sauce recipe to go with this? What about cheese? Thank you again!Spaetzle (18)

    Reply

    1. Hi Diane, I prefer it with butter, but you can definitely serve it with cheese, or a sauce like gravy or mushrooms. Enjoy! – Meggan

Spaetzle (2024)

FAQs

What to put on spätzle? ›

I've served the dumplings plain with melted butter and chopped chives. I've crisped them in a pan of brown butter and almonds. I've topped them with hearty beef stew. But layered with cheese and caramelized onions is still my favorite variation.

What does spaetzle mean in German? ›

The origin of the word Spätzle comes from Swabian meaning little sparrows. Swabia is a cultural, historic and linguistic region in southwestern Germany. The name is ultimately derived from the medieval Duchy of Swabia.

What can I use if I don't have a spaetzle maker? ›

Although if you don't have one, don't fret! A colander with large holes will work almost as well and lets you enjoy fresh-made spaetzle any time you want! Also, even though the recipe itself is traditional, I make it a bit easier by mixing up the spaetzle batter in my stand mixer rather than whisking it by hand!

What do Germans eat with spaetzle? ›

Spaetzle—also spelled spätzle—originates from Swabia, a region of southwest Germany, and served with hearty dishes like schnitzel and goulash.

How is spaetzle supposed to taste? ›

Taste: Spatzle taste similar to my beloved egg noodles, with the chewiness of a dumpling.

How to know when spaetzle is done? ›

They are ready when they start floating to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove from the water and either serve right on a plate or place in a bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes to avoid from sticking to each other if you want to finish making the full batch of Spaetzle in one go.

What is a nickname for a spätzle? ›

Spätzle is the Swabian and Alsacian diminutive of Spatz, thus literally 'little sparrow'. They are also known as Knöpfle (diminutive of button). In Switzerland they are called Spätzli or Chnöpfli, in Hungarian Nokedli or Csipetke, in Slovenian Vaseršpacli or vodni žličniki and in Ladin Fierfuli.

What is the best flour for spaetzle? ›

wheat flour. Type 405 wheat flour is probably the most widely used today for spätzle. Type 405 indicates how high the degree of milling and the content of minerals such as magnesium or potassium. 405 indicates that approximately 405 milligrams of minerals are contained in 100 grams of flour.

How to keep spaetzle from sticking? ›

Toss with olive oil or melted butter to keep from sticking.

What is eggs in German slang? ›

Eier sounds very much like "eyes" and means quite innocently "eggs" but is also used as a colloquial term for "testicl*s".

What to put on top of spaetzle? ›

Spaetzle are a sturdy addition to soups — or try them crisped up with a bit of butter and served with sausage. Here, the addition of Gruyère cheese gives these versatile little dumplings extra richness. Get our cheese spaetzle recipe.

Can you make spaetzle with a box grater? ›

There are several approaches to this. Some people like to make a thick dough and grate it through the holes of a cheese grater. But if you keep the spaetzle mix as runny as cake batter, you'll be able to push it through a spaetzle maker (or colander) into a pot of boiling water fairly quickly.

Why is my spaetzle soggy? ›

My Spaetzle are mushy and soggy - There might be too much liquid in your dough. Try adding more flour. Another method you could use is to have a bowl of cold water next to your pan.

What is the English name for spaetzle? ›

Meaning of spaetzle in English

a food, originally from Germany, that is similar to pasta, made with eggs, flour, and milk, and formed into small round or long shapes before being boiled and sometimes fried: Spaetzle may be browned in a little butter before serving.

What do Germans like to eat the most? ›

Whilst there are regional variations in food culture, most German recipes focus heavily on bread, potatoes, and meat, especially pork, as well as plenty of greens such as types of cabbage and kale. Cake, coffee, and beer are all highly popular elements of German cuisine too - which will be good news to most!

What is traditionally served with spaetzle? ›

With Meat Dishes: Spaetzle is the perfect choice to serve with any saucy meat dish like Jagerschnitzel, Rouladen, and Sauerbraten. Pasta Salads: For a variation on traditional pasta salad, toss the spaetzle with fresh vegetables, herbs, a vinaigrette, and some diced cheese and ham.

Is spaetzle the same as gnocchi? ›

What is the difference between gnocchi and spaetzle? The main difference between gnocchi and spaetzle is that gnocchi are made from potatoes while spaetzle noodles are made from flour, originally spelt flour. Gnocchi are also typically much larger than spaetzle, which are fairly small.

Should spaetzle be al dente? ›

Cook the spaetzle:

The water should be very hot but not boiling. Spoon some spaetzle dough into your spaetzle maker and let the batter drop into the simmering water. Cook the noodles al dente – that should only take a few minutes.

Can I freeze spaetzle? ›

Yes! Spaetzle freezes very well. You'll want to stop at this step, drain and allow to air dry. Spread out on a parchment lined sheet pan and freeze until firm.

Is spaetzle Swiss or German? ›

The lumpy, handmade noodles are a staple of German, Austrian, Swiss, Czech, and Hungarian home cooking. Think of them as small, imperfect, not-fussy versions of gnocchi. In German, “spaetzle” (or “spätzle”) means “l*ttle sparrows,” but they usually look more like irregular blobs of dough.

What is the difference between spaetzle and knöpfle? ›

The difference lies in their shape. Whereas spaetzle noodles are usually longer and thinner, knoepfle means 'little knot/ button. ' It refers to a shorter, rounder variety of the noodle, often made using a sliding spaetzle maker, which transfers 'droplets' of dough rather than long noodles into the boiling water.

What does Käsespätzle contain? ›

This käsespätzle, also spelled kaese spaetzle, is a tasty homemade pasta tossed with onion and Emmentaler cheese. It's a German version of macaroni and cheese. The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen.

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