Käsespätzle – German Cheesy Spaetzle

Ever stumble upon a dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate? Well, let me share the experience of Käsespätzle with you! This classic German masterpiece marries spaetzle dumplings, gooey cheese, and crispy fried onions for an unbeatable comfort food combo. 

Whether taking center stage during the holidays or just jazzing up a weeknight dinner, this German Cheesy Spaetzle dish promises to be a palate-pleaser. Dive in, give it a whirl, and let’s share this food journey together with my Käsespätzle recipe.

🧀 What makes this recipe special?

You might think, “With all the dishes out there, why Käsespätzle?” Let’s unwrap that mystery. The beauty of this dish lies in its authentic roots. 

When you whip up this recipe, you’re not just crafting a meal but weaving a tapestry of tradition. Our homemade German spaetzle recipe is fresh and homey, reminiscent of the care with which our grandmas would make pasta. For Käsespätzle, it takes a few more steps.

Cheese. Oh, we’ve taken it to another level. The Swiss and Smoked Gouda duo is like a symphony for the taste buds – each bringing their unique notes to the cheesy ensemble.

And let’s not forget those onions. They’re not just a topping; they’re the finishing touch, the cherry on the cake, adding a crispy, golden layer of delight. When all these elements come together, it’s not just special; it’s Käsespätzle magic. And sharing that magic? Well, that’s the best part.

I love foods from my German heritage. Check out one of my favorite dishes in the world, Knoephla soup, which has a dumpling that is a close cousin to Spaetzle. Or serve this as a side to this delicious Rouladen recipe or this Easy Pork Schnitzel recipe? We love German Recipes. 

🧅 Ingredients

Spaetzle is the star, but there are other recipes you will need. 

• Spaetzle (see Spaetzle recipe here)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Swiss Cheese
• Smoked Gouda Cheese
• Parsley
• Onion
• All-purpose flour
• Oil for frying onions

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍲 Instructions

Alright, let’s dive in. We’re going to start with getting those onions all crispy and golden. Grab yourself a large bowl or even a sealable plastic bag, and mix your flour and salt together inside. 

Now, take those sliced onions and give them a quick rinse under cold water. Once they’re all fresh, toss them into your flour mix. Give the bowl a shake or the bag a good jiggle to ensure those onion slices are nicely coated.

Time for some frying fun. Pour your oil into a pan – and here’s a little tip: cast iron skillets work wonders for this. Get that oil all warmed up to medium-high heat. 

Now, in they go, those flour-coated onions. Fry them in batches so they don’t crowd each other. Watch for that perfect golden brown on one side, which should take around 45 seconds, then flip ’em over for another 45 seconds. 

When they look all crispy and delicious, lay them on paper towels to soak up any extra oil. And if you’re not using them right away, just pop them in a container in the fridge. They’ll be waiting patiently for their grand entrance later on.

Now, for the main event. Warm up your oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Season your spaetzle with some salt, pepper, and a pinch of that cayenne for a little kick. 

Next, it’s all about layering. Imagine you’re creating a cheesy, delicious spaetzle lasagna. Start with half your spaetzle at the base of your container. Sprinkle half your Swiss and Gouda cheese mix on top, followed by a layer of those scrumptious fried onions. 

Repeat with the rest of the spaetzle, cheese, and onions. Pop that beauty in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Once it’s done, serve it up and watch the magic happen as everyone dives in!

🤷 Substitutions and variations

Fancy putting your own twist on this classic? Let’s get those creative juices flowing. After all, food is something we all share, but how we jazz it up? Well, that’s the fun part.

Bacon’s Calling: First off, who can resist a bit of bacon? Sprinkle in some crispy bacon bits. The savory crunch and that unbeatable umami touch? It’s a game-changer.

Cheese, Please: While I adore the blend of Swiss Cheese and Smoked Gouda, the cheese world is your oyster! Feeling spicy? How about some pepper jack? Or, for that rich, creamy melt, cheddar’s a winner. Mix and match, find your cheese soulmate, and create your own cheesy symphony.

Herbal Magic: And for those of you with a green thumb or simply a love for herbs, there’s room for you, too. I’m partial to thyme, but imagine the aromatic dance of parsley, rosemary, or oregano in there. Each adds its unique whisper of flavor, elevating your Käsespätzle to herb-tastic heights.

📦 Storage

Okay, so you’ve whipped up this amazing Käsespätzle, and by some miracle, there’s some left over. Good news. Saving it for later is easy-peasy.

Pop your leftover Käsespätzle in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should stay fresh and tasty for about a day. When you’re ready to have it again, just reheat it in the microwave or oven, and it’ll be like you’re diving into a freshly made plate all over again. And those crispy onions? If you’ve got extras, keep them in a separate container so they stay nice and crunchy.

Remember, food tastes best when it’s fresh, so try to enjoy your Käsespätzle within a day or two. Happy eating!

🎓 History tidbit

Imagine old-timey Germany, where folks were looking for a hearty meal to fill them up after a long day’s work. They combined simple ingredients they had on hand: flour, eggs, and cheese, and voila! Käsespätzle was born!

This dish quickly became a favorite. Why? Because it’s warm, cheesy, and just feels like home. Over time, people added their own twists, like those delicious crispy onions. And now? Well, we’re still in love with this German classic, sharing and enjoying it worldwide. It’s a timeless dish that reminds us of the power of sharing food and stories together.

❓ FAQ

📝 Tips and tricks

• Use my Spatzle Recipe for fresh dumplings, but you might be able to find store-bought Spaetzle at your grocer or local German specialty store. 
•  You can premake your Spaetzle, but I would consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil and mixing if you do. 
•  While the recipe calls for frying your own onion, you could also use store-bought fried onions. 
•  Onions can be made beforehand if kept in a covered container and kept in the refrigerator. 
•  Try substituting different cheeses, adding some bacon, or adding some herbs to change this recipe up.
•  I have eaten this as leftovers and keeps well for a day.

🛠 Products used in this recipe

• Fresh Spaetzle is preferred, but here is some store-bought
•  Homemade Fried Onions are preferred, but French’s works too
•  2 ½ quart Corningware casserole dish

😋 Did you make this recipe?

That is awesome, and thank you so much for giving this Käsespätzle recipe a try. If you could leave a rating in the comment area below, it would be greatly appreciated. This lets me know how I am doing and also helps others decide if they want to make this recipe. Most of all, thanks for visiting Ramshackle Pantry.