Cheese And Spatzle: Perfecting The Maggi Kase Spatzle Dish

Käsespätzle, also spelled kaese spaetzle, is a German version of macaroni and cheese. It is a tasty homemade pasta tossed with onion and cheese. The best cheese for this dish is Emmentaler as it is very flavorful and melts easily. However, Gruyere cheese, Bergkaese, Gouda, or Alpine cheese also work well. Maggi Fix Käse-Spätzle is a mix for a hearty Swabian spaetzle sauce with cheese and fried onions.

Emmentaler cheese

Emmentaler, also known as Emmenthal or Emmental, is a medium-hard cheese with Swiss origins dating back eight centuries to the Emme valley. It is often referred to as the "king of cheese" and is famous for its distinctive holes and unique flavour.

The cheese is produced from fresh, raw milk sourced from grass-fed cows on family farms. Expert cheesemakers then age it for a minimum of four months, resulting in a nutty flavour with slight acidity and a hint of herbs. Its texture is firm yet supple, and its colour is yellow.

Emmentaler is a versatile cheese that can be consumed in various ways. It is commonly used in Swiss cuisine, particularly in gratins and fondue, where it is mixed with Gruyère, another popular Swiss cheese. In Germany, it is a key ingredient in the traditional dish Käsespätzle, a German version of macaroni and cheese. This dish combines Emmentaler with egg noodles, roasted onions, and parsley to create a tasty, cheesy meal.

When it comes to wine pairings, Emmentaler is quite versatile and pairs well with both red and white wines. However, the most popular pairings are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Gruyere, Bergkaese, or Alpine cheese

Gruyere, Bergkäse, or Alpine Cheese with Maggi Kase Spatzle

Gruyere, Bergkäse, or Alpine cheese are all excellent choices to pair with Maggi Kase Spatzle. These cheeses offer a unique flavour profile and texture that can elevate this classic German dish.

Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere is a popular choice for Kase Spatzle as it is a rich and flavourful cheese that melts easily. It has a savory but mild taste, and when combined with cream, it creates a creamy, cheesy delight. Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a strong, slightly nutty flavour and a hard texture. It is similar to Emmentaler, which is commonly used in traditional Kase Spatzle recipes.

Bergkäse

Bergkäse, or "mountain cheese," is a hard or semi-hard cheese produced in the Alps, particularly in the Allgäu region of Germany and the states of Vorarlberg and Tyrol in Austria. It has a crumbly, firm, and open texture with a full-flavoured, nutty, and spicy taste. Bergkäse is typically used as a topping for bread, salads, and casseroles, but it can also be a delicious addition to Kase Spatzle.

Alpine Cheese

Alpine cheese is a generic term for Swiss-type or Alpine-style cheeses produced in the Alps or Alpine regions. These cheeses resemble the Swiss or Alpine varieties in taste and texture but may not come from traditional cheese-making regions. They have a strong, nutty flavour and a rather hard texture, sometimes with small holes or cracks. Using an Alpine cheese from Switzerland or Austria in Kase Spatzle can add a delicious, nutty flavour to the dish.

Using a spaetzle maker

A spaetzle maker is a handy tool to have in your kitchen if you're a fan of the German noodle dumplings known as spaetzle. While it may seem like a unitasker, a spaetzle maker can help you create perfectly uniform dumplings with ease. Here's a step-by-step guide to using a spaetzle maker:

Step 1: Prepare the Spaetzle Dough

Start by mixing up your spaetzle dough. A typical recipe might include flour, eggs, salt, milk, and butter. You can also add various ingredients to your dough to create different flavours of spaetzle, such as spinach or cheese.

Step 2: Set Up Your Spaetzle Maker

There are a few different types of spaetzle makers to choose from, including presses, graters, and boards. Whichever type you have, make sure it is securely positioned over a pot of bubbling water. If your spaetzle maker has a hopper, fill it with your prepared dough.

Step 3: Create the Spaetzle Noodles

For press-style spaetzle makers, slide the hopper back and forth to push the dough through the holes, creating uniform noodles that fall directly into the boiling water. If you're using a grater or board, you'll need to use a spatula or scraper to push the dough through the holes.

Step 4: Cook the Spaetzle

Once the noodles are in the water, they will only need a few minutes to cook. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the cooked spaetzle when it floats to the top of the water. You can then serve the spaetzle with your choice of toppings or mix-ins, such as butter, cheese, or caramelized onions.

Tips for Using a Spaetzle Maker:

• If you don't have a spaetzle maker, you can use a potato ricer, colander, or cheese grater to create the noodles.
• Spaetzle makers with large hoppers can hold more dough, making the process faster and reducing the risk of mess.
• Look for a spaetzle maker with a comfortable, non-slip grip to make the process easier and safer.
• Some spaetzle makers come with accessories like scrapers or strainers, which can be helpful for preparing and serving the noodles.
• Spaetzle makers are typically made from stainless steel, which is durable and dishwasher-safe.
• Be careful when handling the spaetzle maker, as the edges of the holes can be sharp.

Adding roasted onions

Roasted onions are a great way to add flavour and texture to your Maggi Kase Spatzle. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Maggi Kase Spatzle mix
• 3.53 oz grated cheese
• 8.82 oz uncooked spaetzle noodles
• 1-2 medium-sized onions, sliced
• 3 cups water
• Parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil.
• Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook until they are soft and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• In a separate saucepan, heat 3 cups of water until it reaches a rolling boil.
• Stir in the contents of the Maggi Kase Spatzle mix and add the uncooked spaetzle noodles.
• Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes without a lid. Stir occasionally until the liquid is reduced and creamy.
• While the spaetzle is cooking, feel free to season the roasted onions with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavour.
• Once the spaetzle is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the roasted onions.
• Sprinkle the grated cheese over the spaetzle and onions and stir until the cheese is melted and well combined.
• Serve immediately. Top with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• If you want to add a crunchy element to your dish, you can caramelize the onions by cooking them low and slow until they are deeply browned and sweet.
• You can also bake the onions in the oven for a larger batch. Spread the sliced onions on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and roast at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and browned.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of onions to your taste. If you really like onions, add more!

Serving with a mixed salad

Maggi Kase Spatzle is a hearty dish, so a mixed salad is the ideal accompaniment. The salad will provide a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy flavours of the Spatzle.

A mixed salad is a simple dish to prepare, and you can include a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Start with a bed of mixed leaves, such as rocket, spinach, or lamb's lettuce. Add some sliced vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers for a burst of colour and freshness. You could also include some fruit, such as sliced apples or pears, to add a touch of sweetness.

To give your salad a German twist, you could include some typical ingredients such as sliced radishes, pickled cucumbers, or even some sauerkraut. A variety of nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds, will add some crunch and extra texture.

For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette made with a good-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar will complement the flavours of the Spatzle without overpowering them. Alternatively, you could make a creamy dressing with yoghurt, mustard, and honey.

Finally, don't forget to season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it alongside your Maggi Kase Spatzle for a delicious and well-rounded meal.

Frequently asked questions