Herbed Cheese Spaetzle

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

This Herbed Cheese Spaetzle is a delightful twist on a classic German dish. With its comforting texture and the rich, savory addition of Gruyère cheese, it's a perfect side or main dish for cooler days.

Ingredients for Herbed Cheese Spaetzle

Flour forms the base of the spaetzle, giving it the structure it needs to hold together in the boiling water. The combination of eggs and milk adds richness and helps create a smooth batter. A touch of nutmeg brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile, while salt and black pepper enhance the overall taste.

Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme add a burst of color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the cheese. Speaking of which, Gruyère cheese melts beautifully, providing a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the spaetzle perfectly.

Finally, butter and olive oil are used to sauté the onions, bringing out their sweetness and adding a lovely golden hue to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have a spaetzle maker, a colander or cheese grater with large holes works well in a pinch.
  • For a crispier texture, let the spaetzle sit in the skillet for a few minutes without stirring, allowing them to develop a slight golden crust.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like Emmental or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Herbed Cheese Spaetzle pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork. It also shines as a standalone vegetarian dish, served alongside a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness. A chilled glass of white wine or a light beer makes for an excellent accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make spaetzle ahead of time?
Yes, you can make spaetzle ahead of time. Boil them, then store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Sauté with the other ingredients when ready to serve.
What other herbs can I use?
Basil, oregano, or dill can work well if you want to switch up the flavor profile.

Herbed Cheese Spaetzle Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking the flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This helps to evenly distribute the spices throughout the spaetzle. In another bowl, beat your eggs and milk together until smooth and creamy, then pour this mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir until you have a smooth batter, free of lumps.

Chop up your fresh herbs and stir them into the batter. They will add a beautiful color and fresh flavor. Now, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where the spaetzle will cook, so make sure there's enough room for them to move around.

Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the batter into the boiling water. The spaetzle are ready when they float to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer these to a bowl as they finish cooking.

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown, releasing their sweet aroma. Add the cooked spaetzle to the skillet, tossing them with grated Gruyère cheese until the cheese is melted and coats the spaetzle evenly. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs if you like.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
  • The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh herbs.
  • Great for impressing guests with minimal effort.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs and cheeses.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and thyme), chopped
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk together, then gradually add to the flour mixture, stirring until smooth.
3. Stir in the chopped herbs.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, drop the batter into the boiling water.
6. Cook the spaetzle until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
7. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
8. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
9. Add cooked spaetzle and toss with the grated Gruyère cheese until well combined and cheese is melted.
10. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!