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.