Kässpätzle is a traditional dish from the Allgäu and Swabia regions, consisting of homemade spätzle, melted cheese, and crispy fried onions. The combination of creamy cheese and hearty dough makes it a popular comfort food. Often served with a green salad, it is a true classic of southern German cuisine.
Ingredients (for 4 people):
For the Spätzle:
- 400 g flour (Type 405)
- 4 eggs
- 150 ml water or milk
- 1 tsp salt
- A pinch of nutmeg
For the cheese mixture:
- 250 g strong mountain cheese (e.g., Allgäu mountain cheese or Emmental), grated
- 100 g strong Romadur or Limburger cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
For the fried onions:
- 2 large onions
- 2 tbsp butter or clarified butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter for mixing
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Preparation:
Total time: 1 hour
Make the Spätzle dough:
- Put the flour, eggs, salt, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Gradually add the water or milk, stirring until a thick dough forms. The dough should bubble when you beat it vigorously.
- Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.
Cook the Spätzle:
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
- Press the dough in portions through a Spätzle press or with a Spätzle board into the boiling water.
- Once the Spätzle float to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon and rinse them in cold water.
Prepare the fried onions:
- Slice the onions into thin rings.
- Heat butter or clarified butter in a pan.
- Dust the onion rings with a little flour and fry them until golden brown. Let them drain on paper towels.
Layer and gratinate the Kässpätzle:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) (top/bottom heat).
- Grease a large pan or baking dish with butter.
- Layer the Spätzle and grated cheese alternately.
- Top with small pats of butter and melt in the oven for 10 minutes.
Serve:
- Garnish the hot Kässpätzle with the fried onions and fresh herbs.
- Serve with a green salad or a cold beer.
Utensils:
For preparing the Spätzle:
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spätzle board, Spätzle press, or a scraper board
- Large cooking pot
- Slotted spoon or sieve for draining
For the cheese mixture & preparation:
- Grater for the cheese
- Large pan or baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
For the fried onions:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Paper towels for draining
For serving:
- Plates or serving dish
- Tablespoon or fork for portioning
