Recipe: Käsespätzle

This simple Käsespätzle recipe is a must for a quick dinner, using just a few ingredients and incredibly cheap to make. The gnocchi-like consistency of the spätzle soaks up sauces and gravies and can even be substituted for macaroni and baked in the oven for the ultimate filling, cheesy meal. A true Swabian classic.

Käsespätzle (via The Daring Gourmet)

Serves 6

Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 batch Homemade German Spätzle (about 5 cups cooked Spätzle, can use store-bought if preferred), can be made in advance and refrigerated until ready use, then let warm to room temperature before baking.

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 2 very large onions chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 12 ounces shredded Emmentaler or Jarlsberg (Swiss-like from Norway, mild) (you can also add some Gruyere for extra flavour)

• Salt

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

• Butter a 9x13 (or a little smaller) casserole dish.

• Layer 1/3 of the Spätzle in the bottom of the dish followed by 1/3 of the cheese and 1/3 of the caramelized onions. Repeat, sprinkling each layer with some salt, ending with cheese and onions on top.

• Bake for 10 minutes or longer until the cheese is melted and the edges are just beginning to get a little crispy.

• Serve immediately.