5 Ingredient Spaetzle Recipe

I remember looking through several recipes on the internet and comparing them with Grandma Betty’s notes and recipes. All in all, things were similar, but it seemed John was not following the directions properly.

He’s an efficient cook, but that can lead to mistakes. Over the last few years, he’s learned to slow down and all of recipes have improved as result.

Enough about all that, how about we get to the reason you’re here; the easy spaetzle recipe!

How to Make Spaetzle:

First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. I like to add a tablespoon of salt to mine for flavor.

Next, while you wait for the water to boil, make the batter. In a medium bowl, combine flour, eggs, milk, salt, and nutmeg. The mixture will be very sticky.

How to Cook Spaetzle:

After that, place the spaetzle maker over the pot of boiling water. Carefully fill the open compartment on the top with a few spoons of batter, but don’t overfill the pot.

Then, slowly push the chamber back and forth across the grate to press the mixture into the holes. As the mixture falls into the boiling water, it will sink.

Once the batter floats to the top of the water, it is cooked. It will appear puffy and larger in size. This process takes less than 30 seconds.

Afterward, remove the spaetzle maker from the pot and using a slotted spoon, scoop the cooked spaetzle out of the water.

Last, place cooked spaetzle in a large bowl. Repeat the process until batter is gone. After all the spaetzle is cooked, toss with butter.

That’s it!  You have a simple, easy to make, comfort food. It can be eaten alone, with chicken, beef, or even as a side for a hearty beer and brats dinner.

Chicken paprikash was the first recipe of Grandma Betty’s that I attempted to make.  

To my amazement, John and Kale both loved it. It’s one of their favorite recipes using spaetzle noodles.

Homemade Spaetzle Tips:

• If you don’t have a spaetzle maker, you can use the back side of a cheese grater and push the batter through with a wooden spoon.  This method tends to take a little longer and is a bit messier but is still effective. That’s how John’s Grandmother made it for him.
• I’ve since purchased a Danesco Stainless Steel Spaetzle Maker.  Now I can make an entire batch of these awesome little dumplings in less than 15 minutes and with minimal mess.
• You can toss the spaetzle with margarine or another butter replacement for that extra kick of flavor.

More Pasta Recipes

• Shrimp and Pasta
• Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Pasta with Peas
• Cream Cheese Pasta