Cheese Spaetzle with Gruyere is a delicious, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe uses dry packaged spaetzle and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with Gruyere or Emmental cheese, known for its creamy texture and excellent melting properties, for a cozy, satisfying meal. German cheese spaetzle is a comforting and authentic dish, similar to mac and cheese, featuring a blend of spaetzle and Swiss cheeses.
This dish is particularly popular during colder months and makes a great addition to holiday tables. Its warm, cheesy goodness is sure to be a hit at family dinners or as a side dish for festive occasions. When cooked to perfection, the spaetzle turns golden brown, adding a delightful crispy exterior to the dish.
This recipe pairs well with this Hungarian Goulash.
Jump to:
- What is Käsespätzle?
- Cheese Spaetzle Ingredients
- German Cheese Spaetzle Recipe Instructions
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Cheese Spaetzle Storage
- Serving Suggestions
- Cheese Spaetzle Pairing
- German Recipe Pronunciation
- More German Recipes
- Cheese Spaetzle Top Tip for Serving Cheese Spaetzle
- FAQ
- Related
- Cheese Spaetzle with Gruyere Cheese
What is Käsespätzle?
Käsespätzle is a traditional German dish that brings together the comforting flavors of small dumplings, known as Spätzle, with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and the sweet, savory touch of caramelized onions. The name “Käsespätzle” translates to “cheese noodle” in German, and it’s a beloved comfort food in southwestern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Often compared to macaroni and cheese, Käsespätzle stands out with its unique Spätzle noodles made from flour, eggs, water, and salt. This dish is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for cozy family dinners and festive occasions alike.
Cheese Spaetzle Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy comfort food recipe. Simple ingredients make this dish easy to prepare while delivering deep, savory flavors.
- 1 package Maggi dry spaetzle
- 1-2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
See recipe card for quantities.
German Cheese Spaetzle Recipe Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a creamy, cheesy spaetzle dish that’s perfect as a main or side.
Hint: For extra creaminess, add a touch more milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Step 1: Cook the Maggi spaetzle according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly nutty.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Add the cooked spaetzle to the saucepan with the cheese sauce and stir until the spaetzle is evenly coated.
- Step 6: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Serve warm.
Hint: For extra creaminess, add a touch more milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
Substitutions
Make this recipe fit your dietary preferences with these simple substitutions:
- Dairy-Free – Use plant-based butter, milk, and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Cheese Variations – Swap Gruyere with cheddar, Emmental, or your favorite melty cheese.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free spaetzle and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.
Variations
Try these variations to suit different tastes and occasions:
- Herbed Spaetzle – Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Spicy – Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Bacon Spaetzle – Stir in crispy, cooked bacon pieces for added savory goodness.
Equipment
For the best results, use the following equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Large pot for boiling spaetzle
- Slotted spoon or colander
- Serving dish
Cheese Spaetzle Storage
Store any leftover cheese spaetzle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
This dish does not freeze well as the cheese sauce may separate upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Käsespätzle is a hearty main course that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a tangy German cucumber salad. In some regions of Austria and Liechtenstein, it’s traditionally served with a side of unsweetened applesauce, adding a unique twist to the meal. This vegetarian delight is a staple in German restaurants and is perfect for an Oktoberfest party or a German-themed potluck. If you prefer to serve Käsespätzle as a side dish, it complements other German recipes like Jagerschnitzel, German Schnitzel, or the succulent German Pork Hock (Schweinshaxe Recipe) wonderfully.
Cheese Spaetzle Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with cheesy spaetzle: Hungarian Goulash, roasted vegetables, or a simple arugula salad. For a more traditional touch, try serving cheese spaetzle with popular German recipes like Jägerschnitzel and Goulash, and complement it with light salads to enhance the meal experience.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes – Quick and Decadent
Hungarian Goulash: Instant Pot Recipe for Rich, Comforting Flavor
Spaetzle and Sausage – German Pasta with Sausage Recipe
German Recipe Pronunciation
The German word for cheese spaetzle is Käsespätzle, pronounced as “kay-spat-zle.” The German language features umlaut letters, which can slightly alter pronunciation. Understanding these nuances can help you appreciate the authenticity of the dish. Compound words like Käsespätzle can have different translations, but they all point to the same delicious, cheesy comfort food.
More German Recipes
If you’re a fan of Käsespätzle, you’ll likely enjoy exploring other traditional German recipes. Here are a few to get you started:
- Jagerschnitzel: A breaded and fried pork or veal cutlet topped with a rich mushroom sauce.
- German Schnitzel: A classic breaded and fried pork or veal cutlet, often served with lemon wedges.
- German Pork Hock (Schweinshaxe Recipe): A slow-cooked pork hock served with sauerkraut and potatoes.
- Hungarian Goulash: A hearty beef stew made with paprika, perfect with crusty bread.
- German Potato Soup: A creamy potato soup made with beef broth and topped with crispy bacon.
These authentic German dishes are sure to bring a taste of Germany to your home kitchen.
Cheese Spaetzle Top Tip for Serving Cheese Spaetzle
For a richer flavor, let the Gruyere melt fully into the hot roux before adding the spaetzle. This step ensures a smooth, velvety sauce every time. Additionally, following a traditional Käsespätzle recipe can enhance the authenticity and flavor of the dish, making it a delightful German version of mac and cheese.
FAQ
Yes, you can use other melty cheeses like cheddar, Emmental, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Cheesy spaetzle pairs well with dishes like roasted chicken, Hungarian Goulash, or a fresh green salad.
Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before serving.
The German cheese spaetzle recipe is a comforting dish similar to mac and cheese, made from homemade spaetzle and grated cheese. It is a popular vegetarian option typically found in German and Austrian cuisine. This delicious dish is easy to prepare, making it suitable for both special occasions and everyday meals.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Cheese Spaetzle with Gruyere Cheese
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon or colander
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 package dry spaetzle (I use Maggi)
- 1-2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz Gruyere cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaetzle: Prepare the Maggi spaetzle according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly nutty.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaetzle to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
This dish pairs wonderfully with mains like Hungarian Goulash or roasted vegetables. This dish is similar to the traditional Käsespätzle German cheese dish, a comforting meal made with caramelized onions and layers of cheesy noodle dumplings. It’s often compared to a German macaroni and cheese casserole.
Rachael says
The gruyere takes this recipe over the top. Such a yummy side or also a stand out on its own.