German food is so hearty and comforting, I can never get enough. A few more great recipes to try if you love it as much as I do: schnitzel, German potato salad, or stollen bread!
Easy German Spaetzle
If you’ve ever been eating at a German restaurant, chances are your entree was served with a side of small, knot-shaped noodles. These are called spaetzle, or spätzle! They’re simple yet delicious and a great way to make any dish a little more filling. You can serve spaetzle plain with some herbs and salt and pepper, or coat in butter or your favorite sauce. Gravy, specifically mushroom or onion gravy, is a pretty common thing to serve it with. This is called jagerspatzle! No matter how you choose to serve your spaetzle, one thing is for sure. It’s super easy and will have everyone hooked with its dumpling-like texture!
Spaetzle Ingredients
The best thing about spaetzle is that you can make it with ingredients you already have on hand. Just a couple eggs, some flour, salt, and milk! See the recipe card below for measurements.
All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that gives our spaetzle a solid structure and also a satisfying chewy texture. Salt: Just a pinch of salt will boost the spaetzle’s favor. Large Eggs: Help bind everything together, so your spaetzle dough holds up like a champ. Whole Milk or Water: This is going to add some moisture to the spaetzle mix. Using milk will give your spaetzle a creamy and tasty twist. (That’s what I used!)
Let’s Make Spätzle!
Making homemade pasta is actually a lot easier than you’d think. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll end up with the perfect German side dish!
Flour Consistency: Make sure to have a smooth and lump-free spaetzle dough. Mix the flour and other ingredients gradually, adjusting the liquid as needed, until you get a thick, but still pourable consistency. Boiling Water: When boiling the spaetzle, use a large pot of generously salted water. This helps prevent the spaetzle from sticking together and enhances their flavor. Spaetzle Maker or Grater: If you have a spaetzle maker, great! Otherwise, you can use a coarse box grater or a slotted spoon to push the dough through into the boiling water. This creates those charming little dumplings. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the spaetzle while boiling, as they cook quickly. As soon as they float to the surface, give them a minute or two more and then scoop them out. Overcooking can make them mushy. Rinse and Oil: After scooping them out, give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drizzle a little oil to keep them from clumping together. Toppings and Sauces: These simple German egg noodles are an amazing base for any of your favorite sauces. Experiment with different sauces, gravies, herbs, or toppings like cheese, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms to make your dish extra flavorful. You can even have them plain with a little olive oil and some seasoning! Toast: You can fry them up a bit in a skillet with butter, until they have begun to crisp. Once they are cooked to your liking, you can serve just as you would mentioned above.
Best Ever German Oven Pancakes
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Air Fryer Brats
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Pork Schnitzel
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German Potato Salad
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