Save A comforting, oven-baked dish of tender German spaetzle noodles layered with creamy cheese and sautéed onions, finished with a golden crust—perfect for a cozy meal.
I enjoyed my first cheesy spaetzle bake at a family gathering, and the rich cheese and golden onions reminded me of cozy evenings at home in Germany.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Emmental cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150 g), grated
- Gruyère cheese: 1 cup (100 g), grated
- Yellow onions: 2 large, thinly sliced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp for sautéing onions, plus 2 tbsp for greasing and topping
- Fresh chives or parsley: Chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep and preheat:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a medium baking dish (about 9x13 inches or similar size).
- Make spaetzle batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and nutmeg. Add eggs and milk. Mix until smooth and thick.
- Cook spaetzle:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spaetzle maker or a large-holed colander, press batter through to form small noodles. Cook 2–3 minutes until spaetzle float. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté onions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add sliced onions. Sauté 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until golden and caramelized.
- Layer ingredients:
- Layer half the cooked spaetzle in prepared baking dish. Top with half sautéed onions and half the cheeses. Repeat with remaining spaetzle, onions, and cheese.
- Add butter and bake:
- Dot top with 2 tbsp butter. Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chives or parsley, serve warm.
Save My kids always ask for second helpings whenever I make this spaetzle bake, and it's become a favorite comfort food in our home.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete vegetarian meal.
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute Emmental and Gruyère with Swiss cheese or mild cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Make It Heartier
For extra richness, layer in some cooked bacon or ham between the spaetzle and cheese.
Save Cheesy spaetzle bake is the perfect dish to warm up any evening, making your kitchen smell irresistible and everyone eager for a taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make spaetzle without a spaetzle maker?
Use a large-holed colander and press the batter through with a spatula to form small noodles.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, Swiss cheese or mild cheddar can replace Emmental and Gruyère while keeping a creamy, flavorful texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the bake uses eggs and dairy but contains no meat. Add cooked bacon for a heartier version as desired.
- → What can I serve alongside this bake?
Crisp green salads or roasted vegetables pair well, balancing richness and adding freshness to your meal.
- → How do I achieve a golden crust on top?
Dot the bake with butter before baking and ensure it cooks until the cheese is melted and golden brown.