A popular side dish originating in Germany, spaetzle are little noodles or dumplings made from basic ingredients (flour, eggs, milk). They’re often added to soups or crisped up with a bit of butter and served with sausage. Here, the addition of Gruyère cheese gives these versatile little dumplings extra richness.

  • Yield: 2 to 4 servings
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Total: 30 mins 
  • Active: 20 mins 

Ingredients (8)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and half the cheese together in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Making a well in the flour mixture, pour in the egg mixture. Gradually draw flour from the sides into the eggs until well combined; the dough should be smooth and very thick. Let dough rest 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, covered, over high heat. Reduce heat to a low simmer. Set a large-holed colander over the simmering water. Put dough into the colander, and using a rubber spatula or ladle, push the dough through the holes into the water, about 3 to 4 minutes. Cook each batch until the spaetzle float to the surface, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
  3. Use a slotted spoon or small strainer to transfer the cooked spaetzle to another larger strainer or a clean colander to drain, rinsing with cold water. Continue making spaetzle until all the batter is used.
  4. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the spaetzle and cook, tossing to coat evenly, until at least half the spaetzle are browned, about 8 minutes. To serve, sprinkle with the parsley and the remaining cheese.