scrape the wet dough off a board straight into the rolling water in thin ragged strands, working fast in batches so the spätzle set into tender irregular squiggles instead of a dense lump
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook20 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineGerman
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Beat the doughWhisk flour, eggs, milk and salt hard with a spoon for several minutes until the batter is smooth, elastic and forms bubbles when you lift it.
Brown the onionsSlice onions thin and cook in butter over low heat 20 minutes until deep amber and sweet.
Scrape and boilPush the dough through a spätzle press or off a wet board into boiling salted water. When the strands float, lift them out with a spider.
Layer and meltIn a warm dish alternate hot spätzle and grated cheese, cover a minute to melt, then pile the onions over the top.
Can you make Käsespätzle in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze Käsespätzle? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Käsespätzle ahead of time? — Partly
The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.
Is Käsespätzle gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Käsespätzle vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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