German Dumplings, Spaetzle
German Dumplings, Spaetzle are soft, tender noodle-like dumplings with a buttery flavor, perfect as a hearty side dish for German meals or comfort food favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs well in a bowl.
- Add flour, salt, milk, and melted butter to the eggs.
- Beat until the dough blisters and is well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into boiling salted water.
- Cook until the dumplings are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the dumplings and toss with melted butter before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter spaetzle, try using a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. If you don't have fresh eggs, egg replacers can work but may alter texture. Ensure the water is at a rapid boil before adding the dough to prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy. You can also add herbs or spices to the batter for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve spaetzle tossed with melted butter or alongside a rich sauce, such as a creamy mushroom sauce. They pair beautifully with roasted meats or a hearty stew. For a vegetarian twist, consider serving them with a Show-Off Vegetable Plate for a colorful and balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaetzle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply sauté in a bit of butter over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if they seem dry. You can also briefly microwave them, but they may lose some texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Dumplings, Spaetzle contains roughly 1534 calories, with 24g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value) and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make spaetzle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spaetzle dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bring the dough to room temperature before dropping it into boiling water for the best results.
What can I add to the spaetzle for more flavor?
You can mix in grated cheese, finely chopped herbs, or spices like nutmeg to the dough for added flavor. Cheese spaetzle, or Käsespätzle, is a delicious variation that many enjoy.
Can I freeze spaetzle?
Yes, cooked spaetzle can be frozen. Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, cook directly from frozen in boiling water or sauté them from frozen in butter.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).