Granny's German Spaetzle

With a legacy spanning generations, this traditional German Spaetzle recipe is proudly presented as it was originally passed down by my great-grandparents, who brought their cultural heritage with them when they immigrated to our shores. Savory Spaetzle: A Timeless Treat It’s also easy to make. And you don’t necessarily require any high-tech gadgets to create these treats. To create these German noodles, you can either employ a specialized spaetzle maker or repurpose common kitchen equipment, such as a colander.

Contents

Why Our Recipe Ingredient Notes Spaetzle Makers Makeshift Spaetzle Maker Serving Suggestions Storage & Reheating Instructions

Why Our Recipe

A treasured family tradition: Grandma’s Secret Spaetzle Recipe.
Whether you have a spaetzle maker or not, we’ll guide you on how to create this traditional German dish effortlessly.
Elevating simplicity to new heights, this recipe masterfully combines humble ingredients with time-honored techniques to yield delectable, bite-sized egg noodle dumplings that are sure to delight.

While Spaetzle’s roots stem from Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland, its warm, comforting essence transcends borders, making it a universal culinary delight wherever it’s savored. Savory spaetzle noodles are versatile enough to be elevated by rich sauces and complementary ingredients, but also delightful when simply sautéed in a pat of butter for a comforting, understated dish. This deceptively humble dumpling is capable of elevating its presentation to suit any occasion, effortlessly transitioning from understated simplicity to opulent flair.

Ingredient Notes

An overhead view of measured ingredients and eggs needed to make Granny's German Spaetzle.

You can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour, and feel free to mix things up by experimenting with varying proportions of whole wheat and white flours. While it’s generally agreed that whole wheat flour offers a nuttier and earthier flavor, incorporating too much of it can overpower the other ingredients in your recipe.
Infusing life with vibrant hues and tantalizing tastes. What toppings would you recommend adding to enhance the flavor?
A hint of nutmeg adds depth to this humble German dish.
Will a standard-grade AA large egg suffice?
While whole milk is often considered the gold standard, 2% and 1% varieties can also be effective. You can also use milk alternatives to cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
To finish serving plain spaetzle. If you’re serving the spaetzle with a rich and flavorful sauce, such as chicken or beef gravy, consider skipping the butter altogether to allow the delicate noodles to shine without overpowering competition from the dairy element.

Spaetzle Makers

A spaetzle maker is a practical, metal utensil engineered to simplify the process of crafting traditional German spaetzle noodles. The device features perforations that enable users to deposit the dough mixture into a rolling boil, thereby creating compact, bite-sized dumpling portions. While you may be able to find a spaetzle maker on Amazon, it’s entirely unnecessary for preparing this recipe. Use a colander or slotted spoon, two versatile kitchen tools, to simplify the process.

A collage of pictures showing the process to make Granny's German Spaetzle.

Makeshift Spaetzle Maker

Don’t let the lack of a spaetzle maker deter you from enjoying this German classic – you can easily make spaetzle without one. To shape traditional Asian-style dumplings, a simple, yet essential, metal kitchen tool with evenly spaced perforations is required for creating the ideal tiny pouches. Various kitchen tools such as a colander, cheese grater, or even a slotted spoon can efficiently accomplish this task. Carefully hover your preferred spatula above the vigorously simmering water, allowing the spätzle batter to flow smoothly onto the surface, forming an even layer. Press the batter gently through the holes with the back of a spoon or ladle, applying gentle pressure to release the mixture smoothly. Through this method, small, irregular shapes are created, giving spaetzle its unique charm and flavor.

A fork lifting a bite of Granny's German spaetzle from a plate.

Serving Suggestions

Savory spaetzle, elevated to new heights when sautéed in rich butter and finished with a sprinkle of freshness from fragrant parsley. You can pair it with classic German dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, or accompany roasted meats like roast beef, our slow-roasted pork loin glazed with a sweet apple reduction, or roast chicken for a satisfying combination. Savoring spaetzle’s delightfully tender texture and subtle nutty flavor, it pairs exquisitely with rich and creamy sauces such as our zesty lemon cream sauce, a classic bechamel, or an earthy mushroom gravy. You can easily pair it with sautéed vegetables and crispy bacon for a satisfying and rapid dinner option.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Stored leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for as long as 3 days.

Arrange the cooked spaetzle in a uniform, single layer on a baking sheet, allowing them to freeze completely before proceeding. Store in an airtight, resealable container or plastic bag and keep for up to three months.

Cook over moderate heat with a pat of butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through to a lightly caramelized crispness.

Until the mixture reaches a warm temperature, stir it in 30-second intervals, pausing briefly to allow for even heating.