spaetzle
Spaetzle is a type of soft, egg-based noodle or dumpling popular in Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Unlike traditional Italian pasta, the dough is typically made from flour, eggs, and a little liquid, then scraped or pressed into boiling water, resulting in irregular, bite-sized shapes with a tender, chewy texture. It is considered classic comfort food and is often served as a side dish to hearty meat plates like schnitzel or goulash. A common variation, Käsespätzle, involves layering the cooked noodles with copious amounts of grated cheese and caramelized onions, essentially serving as a German version of macaroni and cheese.
In conversation
Planning dinner
Should we make spaetzle to go with the roast?
Should we make spaetzle to go with the roast?
Yes, please! I'll grate the Emmental for the topping.
Yes, please! I'll grate the Emmental for the topping.
Shows spaetzle being used as a side dish.
At a restaurant
I recommend the homemade spaetzle with mushroom gravy.
I recommend the homemade spaetzle with mushroom gravy.
That sounds perfect, I'll take that.
That sounds perfect, I'll take that.
Shows spaetzle as a menu item.
Examples
We ate spaetzle with our dinner.
We ate spaetzle with our dinner.
My grandmother taught me how to scrape the spaetzle dough into the boiling water.
My grandmother taught me how to scrape the spaetzle dough into the boiling water.
The secret to the perfect Käsespätzle is using a blend of mountain cheeses and plenty of crispy fried onions.
The secret to the perfect Käsespätzle is using a blend of mountain cheeses and plenty of crispy fried onions.
