5 Ingredient Spaetzle Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.

Skip to Recipe

A homemade spaetzle recipe based on a Grandmother’s recipe that was handed down through two generations of children. It’s perfect for Chicken Paprikash!

John grew up eating Hungarian and German dishes. His Grandma Betty often cooked large family meals consisting of bean soup, chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbage, and of course, her own spaetzle recipe.

As an adult, he tried to recreate some of his favorites but never could make them the same.After I had become more skilled in the kitchen, I decided to try my luck at some of John’s favorites.

I remember looking through several recipes on the internet and comparing them with Grandma Betty’s notes and recipes. All in all, things were similar, but it seemed John was not following the directions properly.

He’s an efficient cook, but that can lead to mistakes. Over the last few years, he’s learned to slow down and all of recipes have improved as result.

Enough about all that, how about we get to the reason you’re here; the easy spaetzle recipe!

How to Make Spaetzle:

First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. I like to add a tablespoon of salt to mine for flavor.

Next, while youwait for the water to boil, make the batter. In a medium bowl, combine flour, eggs, milk, salt, and nutmeg. The mixture will be very sticky.

How to Cook Spaetzle:

After that, place the spaetzle maker over the pot of boiling water. Carefully fill the open compartment on the top with a few spoons of batter, but don’t overfill the pot.

Then, slowly push the chamber back and forth across the grate to press the mixture into the holes.As the mixture falls into the boiling water, it will sink.

Once the batter floats to the top of the water, it is cooked. It will appear puffy and larger in size. This process takes less than 30 seconds.

Afterward, remove the spaetzle maker from the pot and using a slotted spoon, scoop the cooked spaetzle out of the water.

Last, place cooked spaetzle in a large bowl. Repeat the process until batter is gone. After all the spaetzle is cooked, toss with butter.

That’s it! You have a simple, easy to make, comfort food. It can be eaten alone, with chicken, beef, or even as a side for a hearty beer and brats dinner.

Chicken paprikash was the first recipe of Grandma Betty’s that I attempted to make.

To my amazement, John and Kale both loved it. It’s one of their favorite recipes using spaetzle noodles.

Homemade Spaetzle Tips:

  • If you don’t have a spaetzle maker, you can use the back side of a cheese grater and push the batter through with a wooden spoon. This method tends to take a little longer and is a bit messier but is still effective. That’s how John’s Grandmother made it for him.
  • I’ve since purchased a Danesco Stainless Steel Spaetzle Maker. Now I can make an entire batch of these awesome little dumplings in less than 15 minutes and with minimal mess.
  • You can toss the spaetzle with margarine or another butter replacement for that extra kick of flavor.

If you like this spaetzle recipe, please leave us a comment and rate the recipe card. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram searching for Berly’s Kitchen!

5 Ingredient Spaetzle Recipe (6)

Spaetzle Recipe

4.9 from 8 votes

Print Pin

Author: Kimberly

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • cup milk
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. The batter will be very sticky.

    2 cups all-purpose flour

    4 large eggs

    ⅓ cup milk

    1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

    ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Using a spaetzle maker, slowly drop batter into a pot of boiling water.

  • The mixture will initially sink to the bottom, but when it floats it is thoroughly cooked.

  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked spaetzle from the pot.

  • Place cooked spaetzle in a large bowl.

  • Repeat process until all the batter is used.

  • Add butter to taste to the cooked spaetzle.

  • Enjoy!

Suggested Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 629mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg

Don’t Lose This Recipe!Save it on Pinterest! Follow us at @berlyskitchen!

5 Ingredient Spaetzle Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is German spaetzle made of? ›

Spätzle is a German egg noodle pasta with a chewy, dumpling-like texture. The short noodles are usually irregularly shaped and made from a simple batter of eggs mixed with flour (all-purpose or semolina) and milk or water.

How is spaetzle different from pasta? ›

While the ingredients to make the two are quite similar, the processes aren't so much. To make pasta, you form a firm dough that is kneaded, rested, rolled and shaped however you like. On the other hand, spaetzle is a sort of sticky, wet batter that doesn't hold it's shape like a ball of pasta dough would.

What is the difference between spaetzle and knopfle? ›

Knoepfle is the Swiss version of Spaetzle, an drop noodle made of an egg noodle dough. It's our family tradition and they are the best holiday side dish recipe. It's kind of a labor of love but it's worth every second!

What are the top 3 traditional foods in Germany? ›

These are considered to be national dishes. Of all these regional and national dishes, Germany is most famous for Currywurst, sausages, pretzels and Black Forest Gateau, but as you can see, there is plenty more to German cuisine than just these.

What goes on top of spaetzle? ›

Spaetzle is basically a blank, buttery canvas that will absorb whatever flavorings you care to mix into it. I've served the dumplings plain with melted butter and chopped chives. I've crisped them in a pan of brown butter and almonds. I've topped them with hearty beef stew.

What kind of flour is used in spaetzle? ›

The flour traditionally used for spätzle is bread wheat (not the durum wheat used for Italian pasta); however, a more coarsely milled type is used for spätzle making than for baking. This flour type is known as Dunst, similar to US "first clear" or Czech hrubá type.

What is the main food of Germany? ›

Traditional German fare is hearty, stick-to-your-ribs delicious, and beckons to be enjoyed with a pilsner, helles, or kölsch — and friends! These German recipes celebrate some of the dishes Germany is most known for: crispy fried schnitzel, robust sausages, chewy pretzels, and all manner of mustard-tinged delights.

Is spaetzle Austrian or German? ›

The lumpy, handmade noodles are a staple of German, Austrian, Swiss, Czech, and Hungarian home cooking. Think of them as small, imperfect, not-fussy versions of gnocchi. In German, “spaetzle” (or “spätzle”) means “l*ttle sparrows,” but they usually look more like irregular blobs of dough.

Is spaetzle similar to gnocchi? ›

Gnocchi are dumplings made/shaped by hand from a potato dough, and boiled like pasta. (See history).. Spaetzle is made from a more fluid batter (think pancake batter consistency)with egg, milk/cream, and flour. Not a potato in sight.

Does spaetzle taste like pasta? ›

Taste: Spatzle taste similar to my beloved egg noodles, with the chewiness of a dumpling.

What does spatzl mean in German? ›

German Spätzle, from German dialect, diminutive of Spatz sparrow, dumpling.

What are some fun facts about spaetzle? ›

They say that in earlier times, spaetzle were formed into tiny pieces of dough, either purely by hand, or with the help of a spoon. The result slightly resembled a sparrow (Spatz), which is why they were also called “Spatzen”.

What German dish means little sparrows? ›

Spätzle is a classic dish for those living in the Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria states in the Southern region of Germany. The origin of the word Spätzle comes from Swabian meaning little sparrows.

What is eaten with most German meals? ›

What is eaten with most German meals that is not considered a side dish? Bread. Bread can be made with or without yeast.

What is a traditional accompaniment for schnitzel? ›

Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage, providing a tangy and crunchy contrast to the schnitzel. Bratkartoffeln: Pan-fried potatoes with onions and bacon, offering a hearty and savory side. Spätzle: Soft egg noodles that are a comforting accompaniment to schnitzel. Gemischter Salat: A mixed green salad with a simple vinaigr.

What do Germans eat with Brötchen? ›

for breakfast: you can find fresh bread rolls in every bread basket on German breakfast tables. Germans cut them in half horizontally, smear butter on them, and top them with jams, honey, quark, sliced cheese, or cold cuts. Basically, they eat them as open-faced sandwiches.

Is spaetzle popular in Germany? ›

Today, Spätzle are largely considered a "Swabian speciality" and are generally associated with the German state of Baden-Württemberg. In France, they are associated with Alsace and Moselle. Germany's estimated annual commercial production of spätzle is approximately 40,000 tons.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5825

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.