Spaetzle And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For The Dish

Käsespätzle, or German Cheese Spaetzle, is a comfort food from the Swabia region in southwestern Germany. It is often compared to Mac and Cheese, but it is so much more than that. Spaetzle are German egg noodles that are mixed with white European cheeses and topped with crisp-fried onions. The best cheeses to use are Emmentaler, Bergkäse, Gruyere, or Gouda.

Emmentaler, Bergkaese, Gruyere, or Gouda?

Emmentaler, Bergkäse, Gruyère, or Gouda?

When it comes to choosing the best cheese to pair with spaetzle, the options of Emmentaler, Bergkäse, Gruyère, and Gouda are all excellent choices and can be used interchangeably depending on your preference for taste and texture. Here's a more detailed breakdown of each cheese:

Emmentaler

Emmentaler is a traditional choice for spaetzle, especially in Germany. It is a Swiss cheese with a mild, nutty flavour that melts easily, making it perfect for creating a creamy texture in dishes like spaetzle. It is widely available in Europe and is considered the best cheese for authentic spaetzle.

Bergkäse

Bergkäse, or "mountain cheese," is produced in the Alps and has a more mature, strong flavour than Emmentaler. It is another traditional option for spaetzle, especially in the Alpine regions. Bergkäse adds a robust taste to the dish and is ideal if you prefer a stronger cheese flavour.

Gruyère

Gruyère is an aged Swiss cheese with a rich, savoury flavour. It is a popular choice for spaetzle, as it melts well and adds a distinct, full-bodied taste to the dish. Combining Gruyère with Emmentaler or Jarlsberg is also a great option for an extra flavour boost.

Gouda

If you prefer a milder taste, Gouda is a good choice. It is a semi-soft Dutch cheese that comes in young and aged varieties, with the young version being milder. Gouda melts well and is a versatile option, especially when serving spaetzle to children or those who prefer a less intense cheese flavour.

In conclusion, all four cheeses—Emmentaler, Bergkäse, Gruyère, and Gouda—are excellent choices for spaetzle, each offering a unique flavour and texture. Consider the intensity of flavour and melting qualities when making your selection, and feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairing!

Heavy cream for extra creaminess?

Adding heavy cream to spaetzle is a great way to make the dish extra creamy and indulgent. While spaetzle is often likened to mac and cheese, the addition of cream takes it to another level of decadence.

Heavy cream is a popular and important dairy ingredient in the kitchen, adding thickness, creaminess, and flavour to sweet and savoury recipes. It has a high-fat content of 36-40%, giving it a rich, creamy texture. When making spaetzle, a little heavy cream goes a long way in making the dish even more luscious.

In a cheese spaetzle recipe, the cream is added to the shredded cheese and chives before being mixed with the cooked spaetzle. The cream helps to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the noodles. This extra step elevates the dish, making it even more comforting and delicious.

For those who prefer a lighter option or are unable to consume dairy, there are several substitutes that can be used in place of heavy cream. Milk and butter, for example, can be combined to create a stand-in for heavy cream. Simply melt butter and whisk in milk until smooth. Greek yoghurt is another option, adding a tangy twist to the dish while keeping it light and filling.

Other dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternatives include coconut cream, almond milk with a neutral oil, cashew cream, and soy milk with olive oil. These substitutes allow those with dietary restrictions to still enjoy a creamy spaetzle dish without compromising on taste or texture.

Whether made with heavy cream or a suitable substitute, spaetzle is a comforting and indulgent dish that is sure to satisfy any craving for cheese and noodles.

Broil or no broil?

The answer to this question depends on the type of cheese spaetzle you want to make. If you're short on time and want to make a quick and easy version of this German comfort food, then you can simply layer cooked spaetzle with shredded cheese and bake it in the oven. This method doesn't require broiling.

However, if you want to make a more authentic and traditional version of cheese spaetzle, you'll need to follow a few extra steps. First, cook the spaetzle according to the package instructions or make a homemade batch. Then, melt butter in a skillet and add onions, cooking until they are caramelized. Next, layer the hot noodles with shredded cheese, ending with a layer of cheese. Finally, place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Broiling the cheese spaetzle gives it a crispy, golden-brown top and ensures that the cheese is fully melted and combined with the noodles. It adds a layer of texture and flavour that you don't get from simply baking the dish.

That being said, broiling is not a necessary step. If you're short on time or don't have access to a broiler, you can still enjoy a delicious plate of cheese spaetzle. The dish will still be comforting and tasty, but it may lack the crispy, gooey cheese factor that makes the broiled version so special.

Ultimately, the decision to broil or not comes down to personal preference and the amount of time and equipment you have available. Both methods will result in a delicious, cheesy dish that is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings!

Homemade or store-bought spaetzle?

There's no denying that homemade spaetzle is superior in taste to store-bought, but if you're short on time, the store-bought alternative is still delicious and can be dressed up with toppings and seasonings.

Homemade spaetzle

Homemade spaetzle is the best way to enjoy this German dish. It's easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a stress-free option for family meals. The dough is made from a simple combination of eggs, flour, and milk or water, with the option to add herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. The easiest way to make spaetzle at home is by using a spaetzle maker, but a colander or steamer with large holes will also do the trick.

Store-bought spaetzle

If you're short on time or don't have the right equipment, store-bought spaetzle is a convenient alternative. It can be found in the grocery store, usually in the fall months, in the ethnic food aisle or the pasta section. Dried spaetzle typically takes about 20 minutes to cook until soft, and it's important to rinse it with cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Toppings and seasonings

Whether you choose to make your own spaetzle or buy it pre-made, the key to taking this dish to the next level is in the toppings and seasonings. Butter is a must, giving the spaetzle a crispy texture and added flavour. Cheese is also a popular addition, with traditional options including Emmentaler, Bergkäse, Gruyère, and Gouda. Finally, caramelised onions are a classic topping, providing a crispy, crunchy texture and that extra something that will keep you coming back for more.

Toppings: bacon bits, parsley, or crispy onions?

When it comes to toppings for your spaetzle, you can't go wrong with bacon bits, parsley, or crispy onions.

If you're feeling meaty, bacon bits will add a delicious, savoury twist to your dish. Or, for something a little lighter, go for parsley. This fresh herb will add a burst of colour and a subtle flavour to your spaetzle.

But if you're looking for that perfect balance of sweet and crisp, crispy onions are the way to go. They're the traditional topping for a reason—that caramelised flavour is irresistible!

Frequently asked questions