Cheese Spaetzle Recipe

Cheese Spaetzle (Käsespätzle) is the German version of Mac and Cheese made with homemade German spaetzle and grated cheese. This Bavarian dish is special enough for an Oktoberfest party but so easy that you can make it every day!

Made with homemade German Spätzle and lots of cheese, this easy Bavarian dish called Käsespätzle is the ultimate comfort food! Spaetzle are sauteed in butter until golden, combined with cheese and cream, and topped with chives and crispy fried onions. It’s so delicious AND really easy to make at home!

This vegetarian dish is very popular and you can find it on the menu in most German and Austrian restaurants. Who can resist melted cheese and crispy onions? I’ll show you how easy it is to make this German cheese Spaetzle recipe at home from scratch.

Ingredient notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.

• Spatzle: You need 4-5 cups of spaetzle which is 1/2 portion of my homemade German spaetzle recipe. Spaetzle are easy to make if you have a Spaetzle maker (affiliate link) or a colander with large holes.
• Cheese: Emmentaler works best for this recipe because it is very flavorful and melts easily. It is usually used in traditional recipes. Other rich, flavorful cheeses that work well are Gruyere, Bergkaese, or Alpine cheese from Switzerland or Austria. If you prefer a milder taste you could try Gouda.
• Butter: The Spaetzle are fried in butter until golden and a bit crispy. This gives the cheese spaetzle a better texture and adds flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adding a little bit of heavy cream makes the finished dish a bit more creamy which I personally love. It also makes it easier to keep it warm.
• Chives: Chopped chives are often added to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and a bit of freshness that cuts through the rich cheese flavor. You can also use it as a garnish. Parsley can also be used as a garnish.
• Crispy onions: Store-bought or homemade crispy onions make a delicious topping for Käsespätzle and add some texture and crunch.

How to make this recipe 

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

Start by making the cheese mixture by combining the shredded cheese, cream, and chives (Image 1). Emmental cheese is the perfect cheese to use for German cheese spaetzle. It has a savory but mild taste and melts quickly. Combined with cream and chives it makes a creamy, cheesy melted deliciousness.

In an oven-proof skillet (for example a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet) melt a generous amount of butter. Add the cold spaetzle and sautee them for a few minutes. Keep tossing them so they cook evenly. (Image 2)

When the spaetzle are golden-brown add the cheese mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated and the cheese has melted (Image 3). Then transfer the pan to the oven and broil until the top is nicely browned and the cheese bubbles. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. This only takes a minute!

Sprinkle the Kaesespaetzle with chopped chives and top it with as many crispy caramelized onions as you like and enjoy! (Image 4)

Expert tips for success

• Spaetzle: You can make the spaetzle in advance and store them in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just toss them with some flavor-neutral oil before storing them.
• Cheese: It’s worth buying the good stuff and grate it yourself! Emmentaler or Gruyere are my favorite.
• Cream: There are many ways to make cheese spaetzle but I like this version the most. Some recipes (especially non-Bavarian versions) only use cheese and no cream but we prefer it a bit creamier.
• Homemade vs. store-bought Spaetzle: Nothing compares to homemade Spaetzle but if you don’t have time to make them from scratch you can also use store-bought dried spaetzle. One 17.6-ounce bag of German Egg Pasta (affiliate link) works well in this recipe. Cook the Spaetzle according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water and drain them well before using them in this recipe.
• Toppings: Crispy fried onions and chopped chives are my favorites but you can also top the finished dish with crispy bacon bits, parsley, or Schmelzzwiebeln (golden soft onions made in butter).

Recipe FAQs

Serve it with

Käsespätzle is a filling main course and not a side dish so you don’t need any additional mains like Schnitzel or bratwurst. It is usually served with a green salad or German cucumber salad. In some regions of Austria and Liechtenstein, unsweetened applesauce is served on the side.

It’s a popular vegetarian dish in German restaurants so it would be perfect for an Oktoberfest party or German-themed potluck together with our Bavarian pretzels, German potato salad, and Schnitzel. Finish your meal with Apfelstrudel with vanilla sauce or Kaiserschmarrn for a perfect dinner that everyone will rave about.

Make-ahead and storage

This dish tastes best fresh and eaten right away but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or a pan until the cheese is melted and the Spaetzle are heated through.

You can make the spaetzle in advance and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days before using them in this recipe. Just toss them with some flavor-neutral oil or butter before storing them.

More German main dishes

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This recipe was originally published in 2016 and updated with new images and additional helpful tips in 2023.