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Käsespätzle, Austrian cheese noodles with smoked ham and fried onions
Classic Käsespätzle with smoked ham and cheese

Austrian Cheese Spaetzle with Ham (Käsespätzle)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
The Alps' answer to 'mac and cheese,' but far superior. The essence of Käsespätzle is the immediate meeting of freshly boiled noodles and grated cheese, which are then baked together. The caramelized onions on top (Röstzwiebel) aren't garnish but a mandatory element: their sweet crunch balances the salty, gooey cheese.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 25 mins
⌛ Total Time 40 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 680 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Austrian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for noodles
  • Ovenproof dish or skillet
  • Pan for onions

Allergen Information

⚠️ Wheat
⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Egg

Instructions

1 ✓

Start with the onions: sauté onion rings in half the butter over low heat until dark brown and sticky (about 15-20 minutes). Increase heat at the end to crisp them up.

Tip: Patience creates sweet onions (Maillard reaction). Don't rush!
2 ✓

Meanwhile, in another pan, fry diced ham in its own fat until crispy, then set aside.

Tip: The smoky flavor stands out better this way.
3 ✓

Boil the spaetzle in salted water. When they float, drain but do not rinse!

Tip: The starch layer on the pasta is needed for the cheese to adhere.
4 ✓

Layer hot noodles, grated cheese, and ham alternately in a buttered ovenproof dish, finishing with cheese.

Tip: Work quickly while pasta is hot so cheese starts melting immediately.
5 ✓

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and browns slightly.

Tip: Just warming through, not drying out.
6 ✓

Serve topped with caramelized onions and plenty of chives.

Tip: Serve immediately!

Recipe FAQ

What cheese should I use?
Strong mountain cheese (Bergkäse), Emmental, or Gruyère. Mild cheese won't cut it.
It clumped into a block.
That's the point! But if you want it creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or pasta water before baking.

Ingredients

  • 14 oz Spaetzle Noodles (dried, or homemade from 3 eggs and 2 1/2 cups flour)
  • 5 oz Smoked Ham (diced)
  • 8 oz Gruyère or Emmental Cheese (grated)
  • 2 pcs Onions (sliced into rings)
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 1 bunch Chives (chopped)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 pinch Freshly Ground Pepper