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Cheesy Spaetzle, or German Cheese Noodles, is a beloved comfort meal that brings together soft noodles, gooey melted cheese, and sweet browned onions. Many folks call it the German take on mac and cheese. This filling dish works great as your main meal or a tasty side. It's sure to make everyone happy, whether you're having a simple family meal or hosting something fancy.
The Unique Charm of Cheesy Spaetzle
Cheesy Spaetzle wows with its mix of smooth, savory, and slightly sweet tastes. The soft, homemade noodles have just the right chew, while the blend of Gruyere and Emmentaler cheese adds a sticky, nutty goodness. The slow-cooked onions bring a lovely sweetness that makes each mouthful amazing. It's down-to-earth yet fancy comfort food that shows off the best parts of German cooking traditions.
What You'll Need for Cheesy Spaetzle
- Noodles: Make your own or buy them ready-made, using flour, eggs, milk (or water), with a bit of nutmeg for extra taste.
- Cheese: Mix Emmentaler and Gruyere for their smooth and nutty flavors; you can throw in some sharp cheddar or Jarlsburg too if you want.
- Onions: Brown or yellow ones, slowly cooked until they turn sweet.
- Butter: You'll need it to brown the onions and coat the noodles.
- Parsley (if you want): Sprinkle on top for a fresh green touch.
- Breadcrumbs (if you want): Brown them in butter for a crunchy top layer.
Steps for Browning Your Onions
- Cut Up Your Onions
- Slice brown or yellow onions into thin pieces. Don't worry about using too many as they'll get much smaller while cooking.
- Take Your Time Cooking
- Melt some butter in a pan over low heat and add your sliced onions. Give them a stir now and then, letting them cook down without burning. Toss in a bit of salt to pull out moisture and boost the flavor.
- Wait for That Golden Color
- Let the onions cook until they turn a deep golden-brown. This takes around 45 minutes but it's worth it for that amazing sweet, rich taste.
Making Your Noodles
Whipping up spaetzle at home isn't hard but tastes amazing. Mix flour, eggs, milk, and a tiny bit of nutmeg until you get a smooth mix. Push this through a spaetzle tool or even a colander into a pot of boiling salty water. They're done when they float to the top. Drain them and toss with butter so they don't stick together. If you bought spaetzle from the store, just follow what it says on the package and finish with butter.
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Putting It All Together
Spread your buttered noodles in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle lots of grated cheese on top, then add your browned onions. For a deeper dish, make layers of noodles, cheese, and onions. Bake it uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese gets all melty and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before you dig in.
Mix It Up and Save Some for Later
Want something different? Throw in some chopped bacon or pancetta with the onions while they cook. Or try Jägerspätzle by adding a mushroom sauce on top. You can keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. This dish freezes well too. Just get everything ready without baking it, freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in your fridge overnight and bake when you're ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cheese melts the best?
Gruyere and Emmentaler are the traditional picks, but feel free to use others like sharp cheddar or Jarlsberg. Opt for high-grade imported cheese to keep the flavors authentic.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble and freeze it, then pop it in the oven for an easy meal later. It's perfect for busy nights.
- → Why are the onions cooked so long?
Caramelizing onions takes around 45 minutes on low heat. This slow process gives them their rich, sweet taste and golden color, so rushing it isn't recommended.
- → What extra ingredients go well?
Try mixing in bacon for extra flavor or a spoonful of mushroom sauce to make it heartier. Buttered breadcrumbs are also a tasty topping.
- → Which onions should I use?
Stick with yellow or brown onions. They caramelize well and deliver the most flavor during the slow-cooking process.
Conclusion
This delicious German classic combines tender spaetzle egg noodles and gooey cheese with caramelized onions baked until golden perfection. Great on its own or enhanced with extras like crispy bacon or mushroom toppings.