...

Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle - Austrian National Food

Made with soft, homemade egg noodles (Spätzle) and piled with melted cheese, Käsespätzle, a hearty and mouthwatering Austrian dish, is sometimes referred to as the alpine cousin of mac and cheese. A topping of crispy fried onions adds a great crunch, making it a beloved comfort food in Austria and the surrounding Alpine areas.

Käsespätzle

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: MainCuisine: AustrianDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

Käsespätzle is a substantial dish from Austria, characterized by its soft homemade egg noodles combined with melted cheese, serving as a quintessential comfort food. People often describe this dish as the alpine version of mac and cheese. The process involves making the dough, building the cheese sauce, and adding the toppings. Among the ingredients are all-purpose flour, eggs, water, salt, Emmental and Gruyère cheese, milk or cream, and nutmeg. The toppings call for fresh parsley, butter or a neutral oil, and thinly sliced onions. Combine flour, salt, eggs, and water to make sure the dough comes out as a smooth batter. Boil salted water; then, arrange the dough on a spätzle press or colander. Pull the noodles out of the water and set them aside for later use. Start with heating butter or oil in a pan; then, add the sliced onions and let them cook until they have a crispy, golden brown texture. Set the oven to 180°C (350°F), then arrange the dough in an oven-safe dish. Cook for ten to fifteen minutes, closely watched until the cheese shows a bubbly texture and turns golden. You can serve Käsespätzle fresh or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This event highlights the rich traditions of the Alpine region and emphasizes robust flavors, resulting in a meal that is both satisfying and suitable for various occasions.

Ingredients

  • For the Spätzle
  • 300 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour

  • 4 large eggs

  • 100 ml (½ cup) water (adjust as needed)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • For the Cheese Sauce
  • 200 g (2 cups) grated Emmental cheese

  • 150 g (1 ½ cups) grated Gruyère cheese

  • 100 ml (½ cup) milk or cream

  • 1 pinch of nutmeg (optional)

  • For the Topping
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp butter or neutral oil

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Spätzle
  • In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add eggs. Gradually add water while mixing, until you achieve a smooth, thick batter that can drip off a spoon. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place the batter on a Spätzle press or colander with large holes and press it into the boiling water.
  • When the noodles float to the surface, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl of cold water. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Fried Onions
  • Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
  • Step 3: Assemble the Käsespätzle
  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, layer the Spätzle, grated cheeses, and a splash of milk or cream. Repeat until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer. Sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.
  • Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Step 4: Serve
  • Remove from the oven, top with crispy fried onions, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot, preferably with a side salad or pickled vegetables.

Notes

  • Cheese Variations: While Emmental and Gruyère are traditional, you can use Bergkäse or any Alpine-style cheese for authenticity.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute cheese with vegan alternatives and eggs with a mix of flour and plant-based milk for the batter.
  • Storage: Käsespätzle tastes best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Austrian National Food - World Of Food
World Of Food

Austrian National Food

Explore Austria's rich culinary heritage with iconic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte. Dive into the flavors that define Austrian cuisine and its timeless traditions.

Read More
Most Popular Foods In Austria
Marillenknödel

A classic Austrian dessert, Marillenknödel, or apricot dumplings, reflects the tastes of the area. Usually derived from potatoes or quark, this Central European dish comprises…

Marillenknödel - Austrian National Food
Kartoffelknödel

Kartoffelknödel, or potato dumplings, are a staple of Austrian cooking. Present these soft, pillowy dumplings with great roasts or stews or as part of a…

Kartoffelknödel - Austrian National Food
Kaiserschmarrn

Considered a delicacy in Austria and other former Austro-Hungarian Empire, Kaiserschmarrn is a sumptuous and lavish gastronomic creation distinguished by its interesting historical background and…

Kaiserschmarrn - Austrian National Food
Topfenstrudel

Topfenstrudel is a traditional Austrian dessert made of a buttery, flaky pastry filled with creamy topfen (quark cheese). In Austria, people often present this dish…

Topfenstrudel - Austrian National Food