Homemade German Spaetzle are part noodle, part dumpling, and they go with practically anything! Saute them in butter, add cheese, or cover them in sauce! This is one of my favorite traditional German recipes!
If you love German food as much as we do, be sure to also try my Sauerbraten, Red Cabbage (Rotkohl), German Apple Cake, and Apfelstrudel!
If you havent realized yet, Im a huge fan of German cuisine! Its so good and always makes me miss one of my favorite countries Ive ever been to. Every time I go, I make sure to eat my fill of spaetzle while I can!
But really, its not difficult to make spaetzle at home, especially if you have a spaetzle maker. Although if you dont have one, dont 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!
Spaetzle (also spelled spätzle and pronounced SHPEHT-sleh) is a traditional German dish that is similar to American dumplings or egg noodles, although they are some differences in terms of ingredients and method of preparation. Its a carby side, similar in use to rice, potatoes, or any other kind of pasta. It is also lightly flavored with just a small amount of nutmeg.
Spaetzle has a higher egg and liquid to flour ratio than egg noodles or dumplings. This makes for a stickier dough that is pushed through small holes directly into a pot of boiling water to form the dumplings or noodles, rather than being rolled out on a floured surface and cut into strips.
Spaetzle isnt unique to Germany, and you may have seen it if you have visited Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, or Poland.
If you don’t have a spaetzle maker, the batter can be pressed through the holes of a colander with a spatula (just make sure to lift the colander above the boiling water so it doesn’t get clogged with cooked dough). I’ve heard a potato ricer works well, too.
What to serve with spaetzle
Like many pasta dishes, you don’t need much else on your plate because German spaetzle is so filling and delicious on its own. You can make entire meals around the spaetzle by adding cheese or sauteeing in butter with herbs and bacon!
That being said, I love to serve homemade spaetzle with two other traditional German recipes: sauerbraten and rotkohl. Having all three on the plate is my idea of an ideal German-themed dinner.
How to make Spaetzle
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, and nutmeg and stir with the paddle attachment.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and the milk.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the egg mix inside.
- Mix on medium-low speed for about 6-8 minutes until smooth, occasionally stopping to scrape down the paddle.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- While the dough is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat on your stove.
- Prepare a large bowl with an ice bath and set a colander inside of the ice bath.
- Reduce the heat to medium so that the water is simmering.
- Using a spaetzle maker, press the spaetzle into the hot water, working in small batches.
- Cook the spaetzle for -3 minutes until they float to the top and then transfer to the colander that’s in the ice bath using a slotted spoon.
- Lift the colander to drain the spaetzle, and then toss with a drizzle of melted butter so that they don’t stick together.
- Repeat with the remaining spaetzle dough.
- Cold spaetzle can be sauteed in a pan with a little melted butter until hot. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
3 Ways To Make German Spaetzle – Spaetzle Makers Overview
FAQ
What tool can you use to prepare spaetzle if you don t own an spaetzle maker?
How is spaetzle different from pasta?
What’s the difference between macaroni and spaetzle?
What should you do after spaetzle has risen to the surface of the boiling water?
What can I use instead of a spaetzle maker?
Icing bag with plain round nozzle attachment – use this in the same way as mentioned above for the Ziploc bag. Any of the above make good substitutes for a spaetzle maker. If you’re using a grater, colander, or steamer, push and scrape the dough through the holes with a spatula or knife edge.
How to make spaetzles with a substitute?
Let’s make spaetzles with our substitute gadgets! 1. First, make the dough using an authentic German recipe. There are plenty of free ones online, and all you’ll need are plain flour, eggs, salt, and water. Chill the dough to firm it up and make it easier to handle. 2. Next, put a big pot of salted water to boil.
How to make spaetzle without a spaetzle maker?
Melt the butter in a skillet on medium heat. Place the spaetzle that you have just removed from the pot into the skillet. Fry the spaetzle dough for approximately 5 minutes. Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley. This is how you make the delicious recipe Spaetzle without using a Spaetzle maker. Try it out!
Can you use a colander instead of a spaetzle maker?
A colander can also be used as an alternative to a spaetzle maker. Place all your spaetzle dough into the colander and place the colander on top of the pot of boiling water. Slowly push the dough through the holes in the colander and into the water below. Alternatively, a cheese grater can be used.