Knoedel(German Bread Dumplings)

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: German

Knoedel are soft German bread dumplings with a hearty texture, perfect served with rich gravy and flavorful meats, ideal for comforting family meals or festive occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 dozen day-old hard rolls (like Kaiser rolls)
  • 3 to 4 eggs
  • milk, warmed
  • gravy

Instructions

  1. Cut off crusts from the bottoms and tops of the rolls.
  2. Dice the rolls with a knife.
  3. Put the roll pieces in a kettle with eggs and warmed milk.
  4. Mix until the roll pieces are moist and stick together; the mixture shouldn't be soupy.
  5. Let sit in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best texture, use rolls that are truly day-old, as fresh rolls can make the dumplings too soggy. If you don't have day-old rolls, you can lightly toast fresh ones to dry them out. Consider adding herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor. If you want a richer taste, substitute some of the milk with cream. You could also try using leftover bread from bread recipes like Cheesy Vegetable Stir-Fry.

Serving Suggestions

Knoedel pairs beautifully with rich gravies or sauces, making them a perfect side for meats like roast pork or beef. They can also be enjoyed with sautéed mushrooms or a side of sautéed vegetables for a lighter meal. For a heartier option, consider serving them with Wontons For Soup Or Frying for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Knoedel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them gently or place them in a covered dish with a splash of water in the microwave to keep them moist. Avoid reheating them in a dry pan, as this can cause them to become hard.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Knoedel(German Bread Dumplings) contains roughly 390 calories, with 8g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value).

390 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.7g 15% DV
Total Fat 6.5g 8% DV
Carbs 76g 28% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 362.2mg 16% DV
Potassium 435.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 206.1mg 69% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 50.9mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 190.9mg 15% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

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 freeze Knoedel?

Yes, you can freeze Knoedel. After they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then steam or microwave as needed.

What can I use instead of eggs?

If you need an egg substitute, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer. Each egg can be replaced with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, which will help bind the dough similarly to eggs.

How do I know when the Knoedel are done cooking?

Knoedel are typically done when they float to the surface of the boiling water, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. To ensure they are cooked through, you can cut one in half; it should be firm and not doughy in the center.

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).

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