Austrian National Food
Käsespätzle
Last updated: 2026-02-28 23:10:32
Recipe at a glance
Käsespätzle
Key recipe details from the source.
- Servings
- 4
- Preparation
- 20 minutes
- Cooking
- 30 minutes
- Calories
- 450 kcal
Austrian recipe
Käsespätzle
Käsespätzle arrives at the table as a modest celebration of Alpine sustenance. Soft strands of egg-enriched noodles emerge from a batter of all-purpose flour, water, salt and eggs, pressed through a spätzle device or colander into gently boiling salted water. As each ribbon surfaces, it is lifted out and laid aside, awaiting its moment in the oven. A marriage of Emmental and Gruyère cheese unfolds in a creamy sauce stirred with milk or cream and a whisper of freshly grated nutmeg. Layers of noodles and molten cheese assemble in an oven-proof vessel set to 180 °C (350 °F). Thinly sliced onions sizzle in butter—or a neutral oil—until edges turn crisp and gold, their savory sweetness ready to crown the gratin. After ten to fifteen minutes beneath the heat, the cheese bubbles and browns in mottled patches. A final scattering of chopped parsley imparts a bright note to the robust profile. Served immediately, the dish offers deep, resonant flavors drawn from Alpine tradition. Kept in an airtight container, leftovers rest for up to three days, ready to reheat into the same gratifying warmth.
01 · Overview
Overview
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.
02 · Ingredients
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)
03 · Directions
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.
04 · Nutrition
Nutrition
- Calories
- 450 kcal