Spaetzle Recipe – German Special
Spaetzle is a classic German dish made from a simple dough of eggs, flour, water, and salt. These small, tender dumplings are boiled and then often pan-fried with butter for extra flavor. Spaetzle is traditionally served as a side dish with meats, stews, or gravies, and it can also be enjoyed as a main dish with cheese, like in Kasespatzle, a cheese and onion version. This comforting dish is a staple in German-speaking countries and offers a hearty, satisfying addition to many meals.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time25 min
Spaetzle Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for serving)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, eggs, salt, and water.
Stir until you get a thick, sticky batter.
You may need to add more water to achieve the desired consistency.
The dough should be smooth but thick enough to hold its shape.
Boil water:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Form the Spaetzle:
Use a Spaetzle maker, colander with large holes, or a flat surface with a knife to drop spoonfuls of dough into the boiling water.
The dough will form into small, irregular dumplings.
Cook the Spaetzle:
Once the dumplings float to the surface, they are done.
This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water.
Optional – Saute in butter:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and saute the cooked Spaetzle for a few minutes until they are lightly golden and crispy on the edges.
Serve:
Serve hot, optionally topped with butter and grated Parmesan cheese or alongside your favorite meats or stews.
Recipe Notes:
Dough: Make sure the dough is thick but smooth. Add more water if it’s too thick.
Boiling: Use boiling water when adding the dough so the Spaetzle cook properly.
Shaping: If you don’t have a Spätzle maker, use a colander or slotted spoon to drop the dough in the water.
Cooking: Once the Spaetzle float to the top, they’re ready. Don’t cook them too long.
Serving: Serve with butter, cheese, or alongside your favorite dish.
