We make our own noodles. Our family makes Knöpfle noodles using a grater-style Spätzle maker. But you can make this recipe using a press-style Spätzle maker, or a collander with wide holes, or just buy the noodles at the store. We will get you a Knöpfle grater for your birthday.
There are two options for how to cook the Käsespätzle listed below but you can do any variation of this.
Ingredients
Spätzle Noodles
| Flour | 1 1/2 Cups |
| Nutmeg (ground) | 3/4 tsp |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/8 tsp |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Milk (2%) | 3/8 Cup |
Käsespätzle (Option 1)
| Spätzle Noodles (from this recipe) | All of them |
| Butter | 3 Tbsp |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 large |
| Emmentaler Cheese (shredded) | 1 1/2 Cups |
| Chives (minced) | Up to you |
Käsespätzle (Option 2)
| Spätzle Noodles (from this recipe) | All of them |
| Butter | 2 Tbsp |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1/2 medium |
| Vegetable Oil | Enough for frying |
| Emmentaler Cheese (shredded) | 1 1/2 Cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1/4 Cup |
| Chives (chopped) | 2 Tbsp + More for garnish |
Directions
Spätzle Noodles
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Sift together the flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
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Beat the eggs in a medium mixing bowl.
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Alternating, to the eggs add a bit of the flour mix, then a bit of the milk, and mix until smooth.
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Cover with a towel and let the batter stand for 30 minutes.
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Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Put the batter into the Spätzle grater and drop the noodles into the boiling water. When the Spätzle noodles float, move them to a bowl using a slotted spoon.
✦If you are using Käsespätzle Option 1, add 1 cup of the shredded Emmentaler cheese to the warm noodles at this step.
Käsespätzle (Option 1)
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-heat.
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Add the onion and cook until golden.
✦You can reduce the heat to medium-low/low in order to carmelize the onion more thoroughly.
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Stir in the Spätzle noodles and the remaining Emmentaler cheese until well blended.
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Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chives.
Käsespätzle (Option 2)
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Heat the oil in a pot over medium. Fry the onions for 2-4 minutes, until browned and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towel.
✦You can use an air fryer if you want to be more healthy. Put a little oil on the onion slices and cook for 20-30 minutes or until crispy at 270°, stirring every 5 or so minutes.
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Combine the cheese, cream, and chives in a bowl.
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Melt the butter in a 9" cast iron pan over medium heat.
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Add the Spätzle noodles to the hot butter and cook until they are golden brown on the edges and slightly crispy.
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Add the cheese mixture to the hot Spätzle and stir until melted and everything is evenly coated.
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Put the whole pan in the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
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Sprinkle with crispy onions and chives.