Homemade Spaetzle
Homemade Spaetzle (sometimes spelled spätzle) is a soft egg noodle that comes from parts of Europe like Germany and Austria. It is made with very simple ingredients: flour, eggs, milk or water, and salt. The dough is thicker than pancake batter but softer than bread dough. Instead of rolling it out like regular pasta, you push the dough through holes or cut it into small pieces directly into boiling water. The little dumplings cook very quickly and float to the top when they are ready.

Spaetzle is cozy comfort food. It is soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up sauces. You can serve it plain with butter, mix it with cheese, or serve it next to meat and gravy. It is fun to make at home, and once you try it, you will see that it is much easier than it sounds.
You Should Try the Homemade Spaetzle
You should try making Homemade Spaetzle because it is simple, affordable, and delicious. Even a 10-year-old can understand the steps with a little help from an adult. The ingredients are probably already in your kitchen, and you do not need fancy tools to make it. It is also a great recipe for family cooking time, because everyone can help mix, press, or stir.
Another reason to try this recipe is that it is very flexible. You can make it as a side dish, a main meal, or even a snack. You can add cheese, herbs, or crispy onions to change the flavor. Once you learn how to make basic spaetzle, you can create many tasty meals from it.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Homemade Spaetzle
Here’s everything you’ll need to Homemade Spaetzle:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional but traditional
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk you may need a little more
- 2 tablespoons melted butter optional, for extra flavor
For serving optional ideas:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated cheese
- Black pepper
How to Make Homemade Spaetzle
Step One
First, place the flour, salt, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together with a spoon so the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. This helps make sure the spaetzle tastes balanced and smooth.
Step Two
Next, crack the eggs into a separate bowl and lightly beat them with a fork. Add the milk and melted butter to the eggs, and mix until combined. Slowly pour this wet mixture into the bowl with the flour while stirring. Keep mixing until you get a thick, sticky batter. The batter should slowly drop from a spoon but not be runny like soup. If it feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time.

Step Three
Now bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. The water should be bubbling but not splashing wildly. Using a spaetzle maker, colander with large holes, or even a cutting board and knife, press or scrape small bits of dough directly into the boiling water. Work in batches so the pot is not overcrowded.

Step Four
As the spaetzle cooks, it will sink to the bottom at first. After about 2–3 minutes, the pieces will float to the top. That means they are ready. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and place them in a bowl. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
Step Five
Finally, you can serve the spaetzle as it is, or sauté it in a pan with butter for a few minutes until lightly golden on the edges. Sprinkle with parsley, cheese, or black pepper before serving.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :
To make this Recipe, you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Colander or spaetzle maker optional but helpful
- Large skillet if sautéing in butter
Serving Suggestion
I love making Homemade Spaetzle as a cozy side with chicken or a warm vegetable stew. My daughter enjoys it with fruit juice, and my husband likes it with lemonade. The soft, little noodles feel comforting, and it’s fun watching my daughter help me press them into the water. Every time we eat it, the whole family smiles, and it makes our meals feel warm, simple, and homemade.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make spaetzle without milk ?
Yes, you can use water instead of milk. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste good.
Can I freeze spaetzle ?
Yes, you can freeze cooked spaetzle. Let it cool first, then store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat leftover spaetzle ?
You can reheat it in a pan with butter or oil until warm, or drop it briefly into boiling water.
Can I use whole wheat flour ?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit denser. You can also mix whole wheat flour with regular flour.
Homemade Spaetzle
Course: Side DishCuisine: GermanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes300
kcal25
minutesHomemade Spaetzle is a soft and chewy egg noodle from Germany and Austria that is quick to make with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk. It is perfect as a cozy side dish or mixed with cheese and butter for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional but traditional
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk you may need a little more
2 tablespoons melted butter optional, for extra flavor
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated cheese
Black pepper
Directions
- First, place the flour, salt, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together with a spoon so the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. This helps make sure the spaetzle tastes balanced and smooth.
- Next, crack the eggs into a separate bowl and lightly beat them with a fork. Add the milk and melted butter to the eggs, and mix until combined. Slowly pour this wet mixture into the bowl with the flour while stirring. Keep mixing until you get a thick, sticky batter. The batter should slowly drop from a spoon but not be runny like soup. If it feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time.
- Now bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. The water should be bubbling but not splashing wildly. Using a spaetzle maker, colander with large holes, or even a cutting board and knife, press or scrape small bits of dough directly into the boiling water. Work in batches so the pot is not overcrowded.
- As the spaetzle cooks, it will sink to the bottom at first. After about 2–3 minutes, the pieces will float to the top. That means they are ready. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and place them in a bowl. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
- Finally, you can serve the spaetzle as it is, or sauté it in a pan with butter for a few minutes until lightly golden on the edges. Sprinkle with parsley, cheese, or black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough because overmixing can make the spaetzle tough instead of tender.
- Cook in small batches so the spaetzle does not stick together in the pot.
- Stir gently after adding the dough to prevent the pieces from clumping.
- Use a colander with large holes if you do not have a spaetzle maker.
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