Imagine a dish so comforting, so irresistibly cheesy, that it transports you straight to a cozy Alpine kitchen with just one bite. Kasspatzen, or Käsespätzle, is the German culinary treasure that combines handmade egg noodles, melted cheese, and golden caramelized onions into a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more. This hearty dish isn't just a meal; it's an experience that promises to warm your soul and satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Emmental or Gruyère)
- Butter for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Spätzle dough by combining flour, salt, eggs, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the batter is smooth and forms thick ribbons when lifted with a spatula. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
- While the dough rests, slice the onion into thin rings. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Slowly caramelize the onion rings, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy (approximately 15-20 minutes). Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare a separate bowl with cold water and ice nearby for stopping the cooking process.
- Using a Spätzle maker, colander, or a wide-holed slotted spoon, drop small portions of the dough into the boiling water. The Spätzle will sink and then float to the surface when they're cooked.
- Remove the Spätzle with a slotted spoon and transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and gently sauté the cooked Spätzle. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the Spätzle, allowing it to melt and coat the noodles.
- Top the cheesy Spätzle with the caramelized onions. Serve hot, ensuring the cheese is melted and the onions are evenly distributed.
Tips
- • For the smoothest Spätzle dough, let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, ensuring tender noodles. • Use a Spätzle maker if possible, but don't worry if you don't have one - a colander or wide-holed slotted spoon works just fine. • Choose high-quality, flavorful cheeses like Emmental or Gruyère for the most authentic taste. • Take your time caramelizing the onions - low and slow is the key to achieving those rich, sweet golden-brown rings. • Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the onions are warm for the best texture and flavor. • For extra indulgence, you can add crispy bacon bits or herbs like chives as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 220mg
