Homemade spaetzle is a classic German dumpling, simple to make from scratch, and it lends itself well for use in a variety of dishes.
Spaetzle doesn’t get enough respect. As the noodle’s ugly cousin, it has been relegated to the Rodney Dangerfield status of the pasta world. In reality, it can be wonderfully flavorful, simple to make from scratch, and it lends itself well to browning... try browning macaroni noodles in a skillet!
What is Spaetzle?
Spaetzle is essentially a pasta style dumpling, similar to gnocchi but smaller and without potato. Unlike gnocchi, spaetzle only takes minutes to make, but it is equally filling. You will find it is the ideal side dish for many German-themed meals, though I would happily enjoy it as a fine substitution in any fusion dish where one may expect to find gnocchi.
However, if you are looking to create authentic German cuisine, I also recommend conjuring some of my fermented sauerkraut to incorporate into your dish. The tart, clean, flavor is far superior to than anything you will ever buy from the store!
Spaetzle Ingredients
The primary ingredients for spaetzle are flour, eggs, milk, and seasonings. Salt is the main seasoning used, however, I also add in black pepper and a touch of nutmeg. Nutmeg can be omitted if you don't have it on hand, but it does add a nice flavor.
How to make Homemade Spaetzle
Homemade spaetzle is made by dropping small gobs of raw dough into boiling salted water. It cooks quite quickly and will rise to the surface when it is done, at which point it can be removed from the water and served or browned in butter to add additional flavor and texture. Personally, I recommend browning it.
You don’t need a fancy pasta maker, stand mixer, or any expensive equipment to make spaetzle, however you cannot make it easily by hand. To get the small dough droplets you need for proper spaetzle it is best to push the dough through the large holes of a slotted spoon, or a flat large holed grater. However, they do sell spaetzle makers if you are so inclined. Personally, I use the slotted spoon method, as it is readily available and is a great multitasker.
More German recipes
- German Cucumber Salad - A bright and tangy summer salad.
- Wiener Schnitzel - A perfect pairing for spaetzle.
- German Potato Pancakes - pancakes made with grated or shredded potatoes.
- Grilled brats - Grill bratwurst perfectly every time.
How to Make Homemade Spaetzle
Ingredients
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter (for browning spaetzle)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir together.
- Create a well in the dry mixture.
- Add milk and eggs to a bowl and mix to combine.
- Add milk mixture to the dry ingredient's well and gently stir to combine.
- Mixture should be smooth and thick when everything is fully incorporated.
- Let dough rest 15 minutes as you bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Working in small batches gently push scoops of dough through a large slotted spoon, or large holed grater, with a spatula, into the boiling water.
- When spaetzle floats to the surface it is done and can be removed with a slotted spoon.
- Keep working in batches until all spaetzle has been boiled.
- Place half of the butter in a hot 12" skillet and add half of the spaetzle once butter has melted.
- Toss to coat spaetzle with butter and let sit in the pan to brown slightly.
- Once the spaetzle has browned, remove and set aside.
- Add remaining butter to the skillet and repeat browning with the remaining spaetzle.
- Serve along side your favorite German entree.
Nutritional Information
This recipe was originally published October 16, 2015 on FoxValleyFoodie.com.
alicia beatriz busso
Los hago habitualmente y esta también me parece una hermosa receta!!!
Nancy
Looking for a dish recipe using spaetzle it had bacon and sauerkraut and I believe onions.
Patricia L Rose
I've enjoyed Spaetzle many times in good German restaurants! I've been looking for a good recipe to make my own! I'm so addicted to these wonderful dumplins! It's a cold winter day here and a big snow is coming! I need my comfort foods! : ) Thank You!
Pamela
This recipe worked really well - I used a colander and had lovely little spaetzle- yours looked much larger. I would have been interested to see a video or at least a photo of the slotted spoon you used so that I could see wherein the difference lies. In any case, a good recipe, served with your cucumber salad, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. What a good evening we have had thanks to your inspiration.
Mike Grawvunder
Mom's dumplings for sauerkraut and dumplings are just very over sized spaetzel.
James Woznicki
Instead of just browning the spaetzle, I add it to some lightly fried onions with butter.
Tony Harvey
These little German/Polish dumplings (pronounced 'spetsul') go brilliantly with well-seasoned home-made soups, especially chicken soup. I sometimes use the slotted spoon method, which works well, but a 'potato ricer' (mashed potato press) will prove very suitable for making spaetzle too, particularly larger quantities. With the ricer, obviously the dough must be firm enough to not run through the holes until pressed through, but you soon learn the necessary stiffness. I make chicken soup in my Instant Pot, dropping the spaetzle in at the end of cooking. It's ready as soon as the pasta floats.
Platter Talk
I've heard of spaetzle before but believe it or I've never tried it! Your dish looks really good and your photos are wonderful!
Fox Valley Foodie
I highly recommend trying it! If you want to try it but don't want to cook it, check out Old Bavarian downtown Appleton.