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
- 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. - Boil Water:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - 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.) - 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. - 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!