Entree: Germany – Baden – Käsespätzle (Soft egg noodles tossed with melted cheese and topped with caramelized onions)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 35 min

Additional 10 min

Total 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt, plus more for boiling water
- 4 large eggs (approx. 200 g total, without shells)
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water, as needed
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter
- 10 oz (280 g) Emmental, Gruyère, or aged mountain cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced, approx. 12 oz (340 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter (for frying onions)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and 1 tsp (5 g) salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and 2 tbsp (30 ml) water. Stir the wet ingredients into the flour until a smooth, thick but elastic batter forms; allow to rest 10–15 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Working in batches, press the spätzle batter through a spätzle maker or a colander with large holes (or cut from a board with a knife) into the boiling water. Cook until the spätzle float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl; keep warm.
3. In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole, melt 3 tbsp (45 g) butter over medium heat. Add half the cooked spätzle, sprinkle with half the grated cheese, then top with remaining spätzle and cheese in a second layer.
4. Preheat the broiler (grill) or place the skillet in a 375°F (190°C) oven just long enough to melt and lightly brown the cheese, about 5–7 minutes under the broiler or 10–12 minutes in the oven.
5. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp (30 g) butter and 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper.
6. Remove the melted cheese spätzle from the oven or broiler, top generously with the caramelized onions, sprinkle with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately.