Spatzle
Spätzle are soft, egg-based German noodles with a tender texture and mild flavor, perfect as a comforting side or main dish. This recipe produces light, delicate dumplings that pair beautifully with chicken or rich sauces, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings seeking hearty, satisfying fare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of water to a boil.
- Put flour in a large bowl.
- Make a well in the flour center and add beaten eggs.
- Slowly whisk in the milk or water, carefully avoiding lumps.
- Press dough through a colander or sieve into the boiling water quickly, or shred dough into water off a dish.
- Ensure dough is more liquid-like than firm and is tricky to control.
- Boil for 5 minutes or until the spätzle rise to the surface of the water.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spätzle to a warm serving platter.
- Top with cooked chicken.
- Serve with sauce on the side.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a mix of all-purpose and pastry flour. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend. It’s important to mix the wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough spätzle. Experiment with adding herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Spätzle pairs beautifully with cooked chicken, making for a comforting meal. Consider serving with a rich gravy or sauce on the side, such as a mushroom or cream sauce, to enhance the dish. This versatile pasta can also be served alongside sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spätzle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply boil water and add the spätzle for a minute or two until warmed through, or sauté in a pan with a little butter for added flavor and texture. Avoid freezing, as it can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spatzle contains roughly 313 calories, with 5g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1959mg per serving (85% 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 spätzle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply bring it to room temperature before boiling. Alternatively, you can cook the spätzle and reheat them as needed, though fresh spätzle will always have the best texture.
What can I use if I don't have a colander?
If you don't have a colander, you can use a large slotted spoon or a spatula to press the dough into the boiling water. Another option is to use a potato ricer, which can create perfectly shaped spätzle. Just ensure whatever tool you use allows the dough to drop into the water easily.
Can I add ingredients to the spätzle dough?
Absolutely! You can mix in ingredients like grated cheese, chopped herbs, or sautéed onions to the dough for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content since additional ingredients may require slight adjustments to the liquid in the recipe.
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).