Homemade Spätzle (German Egg Noodles) – How to Make Spätzle with a Spätzle Maker

Homemade Spätzle (German Egg Noodles) are soft, pillowy noodles that are a staple side dish in German cuisine. They’re perfect for soaking up rich sauces like Jägersauce or Zwiebelsauce, and making them at home is easy—especially with a Spätzle maker. Get a Spätzle maker on Amazon to make the process even simpler!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for tossing cooked Spätzle)

Instructions

  1. Make the Batter:
    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and milk. Stir until a thick, sticky batter forms. The dough should be looser than bread dough but thicker than pancake batter. If too thick, add a splash more milk.
  2. Boil Water:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  3. Shape the Spätzle:
    Place a portion of the batter into a Spätzle maker (like this one on Amazon). Slide the hopper back and forth over the pot, letting small dumplings drop into the boiling water. (If you don’t have a Spätzle maker, you can use a colander with large holes or a sturdy slotted spoon.)
  4. Cook:
    Let the Spätzle cook for 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl. Repeat with remaining batter.
  5. Finish:
    Toss the hot Spätzle with butter. Serve immediately with your favorite German sauce.

Tips & FAQ

  • Can I make Spätzle ahead? Yes! Cooked Spätzle can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little butter.
  • What if I don’t have a Spätzle maker? Use a colander with large holes or a sturdy slotted spoon.
  • What sauces go best with Spätzle? Try Jägersauce, Zwiebelsauce, or Tomatensauce for classic German flavors.

Looking for more German recipes? Check out our German recipe collection!