How to Make Authentic Spätzle with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Cheese

Simple Summary

Spätzle with Caramelized Onions and Cheese is a comforting German dish featuring homemade egg noodles smothered in sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese. This hearty meal combines rustic flavors with a touch of indulgence.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and nutmeg.

2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk until combined.

3. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour, stirring until a smooth, thick batter forms. Let rest for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until deeply caramelized. Set aside.

5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

6. Place the spätzle batter in a spätzle maker or a colander with large holes. Hold it over the boiling water and push the batter through the holes into the water.

7. Cook the spätzle for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

8. Drain the spätzle well and pat dry with paper towels.

9. In a large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the spätzle and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and crispy, about 5 minutes.

10. Add the caramelized onions to the skillet and toss to combine.

11. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese over the spätzle and onions. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

12. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

13. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

Chef's Notes

• If you don't have a spätzle maker, you can use a colander with large holes or a potato ricer.
• For a lighter version, you can use milk instead of cream in the batter.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Emmentaler or aged cheddar for varied flavors.
• Leftover spätzle can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of butter.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 550 calories. This dish is rich in protein from the eggs and cheese, and provides complex carbohydrates from the flour. The caramelized onions offer antioxidants and fiber, while the Gruyère cheese contributes calcium and vitamin B12.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spätzle as a main course alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. It pairs wonderfully with a cold German lager or a dry Riesling. For a complete German-inspired meal, consider serving it with schnitzel or bratwurst. Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.