By Canoka

When it comes to German comfort food, nothing quite compares to a steaming bowl of Käsespätzle. Hailing from the southwestern regions of Germany—particularly Swabia and Bavaria—these soft, eggy noodles are typically smothered in melted cheese and topped with browned onions. It’s the perfect marriage of simple ingredients that turns into pure comfort in every bite. But what if you could take this classic dish to new heights of flavor? Enter black garlic—the aged, caramelized cousin of fresh garlic—that lends a sweet, umami-rich complexity to this beloved staple. Let’s dive in!

A Brief History of Spätzle

Spätzle (pronounced SCHPET-zleh) is a type of small dumpling or noodle that has been gracing German tables for centuries. Traditionally handmade by pressing dough through a special spätzle maker or colander, these noodles have a trademark irregular shape and pleasantly chewy texture. In many regions, spätzle is served plain and buttered alongside hearty meat dishes like Sauerbraten or goulash. However, the Käsespätzle (“cheese spätzle”) version elevates the noodles by layering or mixing them with cheese and topping the dish with crispy golden onions.

Why Add Black Garlic?

Black garlic is produced by slowly aging fresh garlic in a humid environment at relatively low temperatures. Over the course of several weeks, the cloves ferment and develop a deep brown color, a soft, almost spreadable texture, and a sweet-savory flavor profile reminiscent of balsamic vinegar, molasses, and tamarind.

  • Depth of Flavor: Adding black garlic to Käsespätzle infuses a gentle, earthy sweetness that complements the richness of cheese and butter.

  • Balanced Richness: Käsespätzle is already a decadent dish—particularly when plenty of butter is used. Black garlic’s nuanced tang brings balance, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy or one-dimensional.

  • Elevated Presentation: The caramel-colored flecks of black garlic throughout the dish add an extra dimension and visual intrigue, sparking conversation at the dinner table.

Key Ingredients

  1. Spätzle: You can use store-bought spätzle for convenience, but homemade is worth the effort. Flour, eggs, milk (or water), and salt are all you need.

  2. Cheese: Emmentaler or Gruyère are traditional choices. Feel free to experiment with other melt-friendly varieties like mild Cheddar or Raclette.

  3. Onions: Thinly sliced, then fried until golden and crispy.

  4. Black Garlic: Start with a few cloves (depending on your personal taste) and mash or finely chop them.

  5. Butter: Generous amounts for sautéing onions and adding extra richness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Serves 4–6

Ingredients

  • For the Spätzle Dough

    • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour

    • 1 teaspoon salt

    • 3 large eggs

    • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk (plus more if needed)

  • For the Topping & Assembly

    • 2 tablespoons butter (for onions)

    • 2 large onions, thinly sliced

    • 2–3 cloves black garlic, mashed or finely chopped

    • 2 tablespoons butter (for spätzle)

    • 2 cups grated cheese (Emmentaler, Gruyère, or a blend)

    • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

    • Optional garnish: chopped chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Prep the Spätzle Dough

    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

    • Make a well in the center and add the eggs and milk. Stir until you get a thick, smooth batter. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. You want a consistency that will push easily through a spätzle maker or colander.

  2. Form the Spätzle

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer.

    • Working in batches, push the spätzle batter through a spätzle maker (or the holes of a colander) directly into the simmering water.

    • The noodles will sink, then float to the top when cooked (about 2–3 minutes).

    • Scoop them out with a slotted spoon or spider and set aside. Repeat until all batter is used.

  3. Sauté the Onions

    • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.

    • Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally. This can take 10–15 minutes. If they start to stick, reduce the heat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

    • Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.

  4. Combine Spätzle with Black Garlic

    • In the same skillet (or a new one if preferred), melt another 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

    • Add the cooked spätzle. Stir in the mashed black garlic, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

    • Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

  5. Add the Cheese

    • Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle half the grated cheese over the spätzle, and gently fold to melt.

    • Top with the remaining cheese and allow it to melt into gooey perfection.

  6. Finish & Serve

    • Pile the crispy onions on top.

    • For a bright finishing touch, garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

    • Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Tips & Variations

  1. Experiment with Different Cheeses: If you want a sharper flavor, try adding aged Gouda or a bit of smoked cheese for a new twist.

  2. Cook the Onions in Brown Butter: If you’re feeling extra decadent, let the butter brown slightly before adding onions. This adds a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with black garlic.

  3. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Nothing beats the rustic charm of serving Käsespätzle straight from a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. It also retains heat better, keeping the cheese nice and melty.

  4. Adjust the Black Garlic: If you’re new to black garlic, start with a clove or two. It can be quite sweet and potent, so adjust according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Käsespätzle has always been a reliable go-to for heartwarming comfort food. The addition of black garlic, with its deep and caramelized notes, breathes new life into this time-honored favorite—proving that even the most classic dishes can benefit from a modern update. Whether you’re indulging on a cozy evening at home or wowing your dinner guests, this version of Käsespätzle delivers a delicious balance of rich, buttery goodness and sweet-savory complexity.

Grab a fork, dive into the cheese-laden spätzle, and enjoy the harmony of flavors in every bite.