Cheesy Spaetzle Recipe (vegan) | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

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This is a vegan version of the classic Cheesy Spaetzle – a traditional Austrian/German dish! Topped with fried onions and chives. You don’t need eggs for the fluffiest spaetzle if you know my two tricks!

Cheesy Spaetzle Recipe (vegan) | Elephantastic Vegan (1)

Spaetzle is a typical dish in the German and Austrian area but in traditional recipes, spaetzle are loaded with eggs. I never thought I could veganize this recipe, but turns out, it’s really easy and tastes just as delicious!

For this recipe, I’ve served the vegan spaetzle with a homemade vegan cheese sauce, green leafy salad, and fried onions, but the base recipe for spaetzle can be used for so many other variations! I often serve them withgoulash or other creamy sauces like with mushrooms.

You should totally try this recipe for veganCheesy Spaetzle though because it’s so good!

How to make vegan Spaetzle that taste and look like the real deal

We’re using two ingredients to makethat happen:

  • Kala Namak aka Himalayan Black Salt, in its rock-form it’s violet to black, when ground it’s pink in color. Due to its high sulfur content, it’s perfect for all dishes that profit from an “eggy” taste and smell.
  • Turmeric powder: When ground it has a deep orange, yellow color which makes it perfect for adding a nice golden/yellow touch!
Cheesy Spaetzle Recipe (vegan) | Elephantastic Vegan (2)

When you love making spaetzle, you should definitely invest in a spaetzle making device: I’m using aSpaetzle Maker, but there are other options out there as well, such as a spaetzle lid or a spaetzle press.

Cheesy Spaetzle Recipe (vegan) | Elephantastic Vegan (3)

More Vegan Spaetzle Recipes

I love making spaetzle. I grew up with it and I didn’t want to give it up just because I went vegan. So I just made vegan spaetzle that are just as delicious. Here are more vegan spaetzle recipes I have on the blog:

  • Spinach Spaetzle – beautiful green spaetzle!
  • Vegan Egg Spaetzle with a creamy avocado sauce

Love it? Rate it!

I hope you enjoy these Vegan Cheesy Spaetzle as much as I do! Let me know if you give it a try!

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Cheers, Bianca

Cheesy Spaetzle Recipe (vegan) | Elephantastic Vegan (4)

Cheesy Spaetzle Recipe (vegan) | Elephantastic Vegan (5)

Cheesy Spaetzle (vegan, egg-free)

Bianca / Elephantastic Vegan

You don’t need lots of eggs to make delicious spaetzle. Try these egg-free, vegan spaetzle and your mind will be blown. Using a spaetzle maker is advised.

4.67 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Austrian, Vegan

Servings 2 people

Calories 731 kcal

Ingredients

Vegan Spaetzle

  • 2 cups all-purpose-flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon kala namak (key ingredient for an eggy taste and smell!)
  • 1 cup water + more for the pot
  • 1 teaspoon chives – fresh or dried

Vegan Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter (EarthBalance, Alsan,..)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika powder
  • ground pepper
  • 1 pinch garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup water

Fried Onions

  • 1 red onion
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • frying oil

Instructions

Vegan Spaetzle

  • Fill a large pot with water until it’s 3/4 full and bring it to a boil.

  • Mix flour, turmeric powder and kala namak in a bowl. Add 1 cup water for the spaetzle dough and whisk until it’s a sticky and slightly runny dough.

  • When the water is boiling you can put the spaetzle maker on top of the pot. Add in the dough and move the spaetzle maker up and down until all the dough is in the water.

  • The spaetzle will swim on the surface once they are ready.

  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spaetzle to a sieve, rinse and drain and then add them back into the pot. Now we’re making the cheesy sauce and fried onions!

Vegan Cheese Sauce

  • Heat the coconut oil or butter in a small pot on low heat.

  • Add the salt, pepper, paprika powder, curry powder & garlic powder.

  • Add the flour and whisk.

  • Add nutritional yeast, whisk again until clumpy.

  • Add the water and whisk on low heat for a few minutes. If it gets too thick you can add a little bit more water and whisk again.

  • Pour it over the spaetzle and combine. You can re-heat the spaetzle together with the vegan cheese sauce at this point.

Fried Onions

  • Cut the onions into rings and put them in a large bowl.

  • Add the flour and salt and combine until the onions are coated.

  • Heat the frying oil in a small pot or pan, fry the onions until crispy and brown. Place them on a kitchen paper to remove excess oil before adding them to the spaetzle. Sprinkle the spaetzle with chives and enjoy!

Notes

To make these Spaetzle I highly recommend using a Spaetzle Maker.

Nutrition

Calories: 731kcalCarbohydrates: 125gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 2049mgPotassium: 383mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 7.8mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @elephantasticvegan or tag #elephantasticvegan!

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Cheesy Spaetzle Recipe (vegan) | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

FAQs

What is cheese spaetzle made of? ›

This käsespätzle, also spelled kaese spaetzle, is a tasty homemade pasta tossed with onion and Emmentaler cheese. It's a German version of macaroni and cheese. The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen.

What is the difference between spaetzle and knoepfle? ›

The difference lies in their shape. Whereas spaetzle noodles are usually longer and thinner, knoepfle means 'little knot/ button. ' It refers to a shorter, rounder variety of the noodle, often made using a sliding spaetzle maker, which transfers 'droplets' of dough rather than long noodles into the boiling water.

How to serve spaetzle? ›

Serve spaetzle with classic German dishes or be a little non-traditional. You can simply top with caramelized onions or a creamy mushroom sauce or mushroom gravy. Or make it a heartier meal with these recipes: German-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls.

What does spaetzle mean in German? ›

German Spätzle, from German dialect, diminutive of Spatz sparrow, dumpling.

What is the best flour for spaetzle? ›

wheat flour. Type 405 wheat flour is probably the most widely used today for spätzle. Type 405 indicates how high the degree of milling and the content of minerals such as magnesium or potassium. 405 indicates that approximately 405 milligrams of minerals are contained in 100 grams of flour.

Can I use a grater to make spaetzle? ›

They're handy and easy to use. That being said, they're a single-use kitchen tool that isn't 100% necessary for making homemade spaetzle. Flat cheese grater: In my opinion, the easiest tool is one you may already have at home: a flat stainless steel cheese grater with large holes (about 1/4 inch).

Is spaetzle the same as gnocchi? ›

What is the difference between gnocchi and spaetzle? The main difference between gnocchi and spaetzle is that gnocchi are made from potatoes while spaetzle noodles are made from flour, originally spelt flour. Gnocchi are also typically much larger than spaetzle, which are fairly small.

Why is my spaetzle soggy? ›

Don't let them sit in the water for too long or they'll become soggy. Then add a little butter to a large pan and brown and reheat the Spaetzle before adding it to your serving dish.

What do Germans eat with spaetzle? ›

The best side dishes to serve with spaetzle are red cabbage, pork schnitzel, bratwurst, or borscht if you are looking for a classic pairing. For some less traditional options, you can eat spaetzle with sauteed zucchini and summer squash, chicken and mushrooms, or carrot fries.

What is the nickname for spaetzle? ›

Spätzle is the Swabian and Alsacian diminutive of Spatz, thus literally "little sparrow". They are also known as Knöpfle (diminutive of button).

How far ahead can you make spaetzle? ›

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To Make Ahead: Cooked German Spaetzle reheats very well and will keep for several days, stored in a container in the refrigerator. To Freeze: Homemade spaetzle freezes well for 3 or 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rewarming.

How is spaetzle different from pasta? ›

Spaetzle is a cross between pasta and dumplings, with a closer affinity to pasta–but much easier to make. When prepared properly, the pasta-dumplings are light, with a lovely, toothsome chewiness. The shape is usually small and irregular.

What is spätzli made of? ›

Spätzle is a type of pasta or dumpling or noodles. Spätzle dough typically consists of few ingredients, principally eggs, flour, and salt.

What type of cheese is from Germany? ›

Although Germany is known more for imitating cheeses from nearby countries, Germany does deserve credit for creating its own original German Cheese types such as Bruder Basil, Butterkase and Cambozola cheeses.

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