Spaetzle noodles are a classic dish in German cuisine, often associated with comfort food. They are small and delicate egg noodles with a dumpling-like texture, usually served as a side to various types of meat.
While spaetzle can be enjoyed simply boiled, there are many delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with them and make the dish even more versatile.
What is spaetzle good with?-Try any of these Meat, cheese, sauce, veggies, pesto, Portobello Paprikash, German-style stuffed cabbage rolls, Ratatouille, Cucumber Salad, Jagerschnitzel, Lentil soup, Duck Confits, Eggs in Purgatory, Swedish meatballs, Roasted plum compote, Roasted veggies, Spaetzle mac and cheese, Sauerbraten, Creamy mushroom sauce, Red Cabbage Pickle, Dumplings, Beef Goulash, and Marinated Lamb Chops.
What is traditionally served with spaetzle Noodles?
Spaetzle Noodles are a type of German dumpling that has become popular worldwide. The traditional way to serve these noodles is with some sort of gravy or sauce, such as a brown sauce, mushroom sauce, or even cheese sauce.
Other options include sautéed onions and bacon, creating a savoury taste and texture to the dish and served either hot or cold.
Hot spaetzle is often steamed, boiled, or baked in the oven with a sauce-like gravy poured on top. When made into cold spaetzle, they are usually combined with some sort of cream sauce, salad dressing, or butter in order to make a delicious treat that can be eaten for breakfast.
22 Best Side Dishes to Serve with spaetzle
1. As a side to meat
Spaetzle is most commonly served as a classic German accompaniment to meats, like roasted pork or chicken. The delicate texture and mild flavor of the noodles pair beautifully with savory meat dishes.
2. With cheese
A classic combination is shredded Gruyere or Emmental cheese melted over hot spaetzle topped with fried onions and fresh parsley.
The combination of creaminess from the cheese and bite from the onion works perfectly to bring out all of the flavors in this dish.
3. With sauce
One of the best things about spaetzle noodles is that they can be transformed into so many different dishes.
Mixing them with rich and flavorful cheese or meaty gravy adds tons of richness to an already tasty dish.
Try mixing your favorite pasta sauce, like bolognese, over boiled noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
4. With veggies
While spaetzle noodles are commonly served alongside meat, they can also be paired with vegetables for a healthy twist on the classic dish.
Cooked broccoli and cauliflower florets are great additions to your next batch of boiled spaetzle, and adding fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, can give it a bold flavor boost.
5. With pesto
If you are looking to add some extra greens to your spaetzle dish, try mixing in some pesto sauce for a delicious and healthy alternative.
When mixed with creamy noodles and juicy tomato pieces, this homemade basil pesto adds tons of flavor and creates a perfect textural combination.
There are endless ways to make and enjoy spaetzle noodles, So I’ve more for you…
6. Portobello Paprikash
Portobello Paprikash is a delicious and savory side dish that goes well with spaetzle. This traditional Hungarian favorite features portobello mushrooms that are simmered in a creamy paprika sauce, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
The portobellos are cooked until they become tender and juicy, absorbing all of the flavors of the paprika and chicken stock in the process.
Simmering them for a long time allows the liquid to reduce, creating even more flavor and thickening the sauce.
7. German-style stuffed cabbage rolls
German-style stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious, hearty meal that is easy to make with this step-by-step recipe.
These cabbage rolls are made with ground beef and rice, cooked in a tomato & onion sauce. The savory beef filling is wrapped inside softened cabbage leaves that slowly cook in the flavorful sauce until tender.
I serve our cabbage rolls with a side of buttered egg noodles, although they are also delicious and served with mashed potatoes or herb dumplings.
8. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is an incredibly flavorful and nourishing side dish around the globe, from France to Italy and beyond, and perfect for Spaetzle.
This classic French dish features a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, eggplants, peppers, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
It’s cooked slowly in olive oil to allow the vegetables to caramelize and develop their deep, rich flavors; enjoy chilled as part of a light lunch or dinner.
9. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Salad with Spaetzle is a delectable dish that uses two simple ingredients to create something extraordinary that will tantalize your taste buds!
This simple yet flavorful dish comprises two main ingredients – cucumbers and spaetzle, a type of German noodle.
The cucumbers are cut into thin slices or cubes and mixed in a bowl with the spaetzle. A tangy vinaigrette dressing is then drizzled all over the salad, infusing each bite with a burst of flavor!
10. Jagerschnitzel
Jagerschnitzel is a famous German dish that pairs amazingly with Spaetzle. This dish features pork cutlets, lightly dusted with flour and quickly fried in butter or oil.
A flavorful gravy made from mushrooms, onions, and sometimes even bacon is then poured over the Schnitzel to add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
The best thing about Jagerschnitzel is how easy it is to prepare. Cook up a batch of Spaetzle and get ready for an incredible meal!
11. Lentil soup
Lentil soup is a delicious and hearty meal. No doubt you can enjoy your Spaetzle with it.
Lentils are a type of legume that come in wide varieties, including brown and red lentils. These tiny seeds are high in fiber and protein, making them an excellent addition to any diet.
Lentils also provide several vitamins and minerals, including folate, manganese, thiamin, and iron. Lentil soup is easy to make, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option that your family will love!
12. Duck Confits
Duck Confit is an ideal accompaniment for Spaetzle, a delicious German side dish that’s traditionally made with egg noodles or dumplings.
This classic French dish consists of duck legs that are cured in salt, herbs, and seasonings before being cooked in their own fat until the skin becomes crispy and the meat is tender.
The richness of the Duck Confit complements the lightness of Spaetzle perfectly while adding a unique gourmet twist to the traditional barley and sausage recipe.
Spice up your next meal with this unique combination!
13. Eggs in Purgatory
Eggs in Purgatory is an excellent side dish to prepare alongside Spaetzle. Not only is it delicious, but it requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy chefs in need of quick accompaniments for their meals.
The dish uses tomatoes as its main ingredient and combines the acidic vibrancy of the tomatoes with the bright egg yolks to make a vibrant and visually pleasing plate.
The Spaetzle stands up well against this bold flavor profile and adds a pleasing texture contrast to the creamy eggs.
Besides all that, Eggs in Purgatory is also economical and nutritious, providing an excellent balance with the sometimes heavy Spaetzle.
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice when looking for sides to serve with Spaetzle!
14. Swedish meatballs
Swedish meatballs make a delicious addition to spaetzle, a traditional German dumpling-like dish. The savory Swedish meatballs are richly flavored, and the texture compliments spaetzle perfectly.
Swedish meatballs have a great taste, and it also satisfies hunger with a hearty mix of carbohydrates from the spaetzle, protein from the meatballs, and healthy fats from the sauce that ties them together.
Furthermore, Swedish meatballs offer an easy way to switch up this comforting comfort food classic for those who might tire of it.
15. Roasted plum compote
For a delicious and unique side to enjoy with Spaetzle, roasted plum compote is a perfect choice. This sweet and savory treat is prepared by roasting plums in the oven until their juices are released, then adding sugar and spices for an additional kick of flavor.
The warmth of the oven-roasted plums combined with yummy spices creates an exciting new taste that you won’t find in any other dish.
Plus, the rich colors of the roasted plums make this site stand out on your plate. Serving up some roasted plum compote alongside traditional German Spaetzle will definitely impress family and friends alike!
16. Roasted veggies
Craving a warm and comforting meal? Try serving spaetzle with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
Roasting brings out the inherent sweetness of the veggies, which is complemented by the salty spaetzle. Asparagus adds an earthy flavor to your dish, while Brussels sprouts add a hint of smokiness.
Cauliflower completes the mix with a mild nutty taste that will have your taste buds buzzing. The flavors that come together in this simple side dish make it one you’ll want to serve again and again!
17. Spaetzle mac and cheese
Mac and cheese is the ideal side for spaetzle. This traditional German dish featuring egg noodles lends itself to hearty accompaniments, and mac and cheese checks all the boxes – comforting, ultra-satisfying, and full of carbs to balance out the meal.
Not to mention, it’s an all-time favorite dish that rarely needs additional adornments to be enjoyable. Best of all, homemade mac and cheese can have a unique twist on it when prepared with smoked Gruyere, gouda, or cheddar instead of typical American varieties.
Perfectly cooked spaetzle served next to a savory bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese makes for a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
18. Sauerbraten
A truly unique meal, it’s hard to beat Spaetzle and Sauerbraten!
Sauerbraten is a classic German dish, usually prepared with beef or mutton, that pairs deliciously with Spaetzle. The combination of the two is one of the best-kept secrets of traditional German cuisine.
The tart and tangy sauerbraten bring out the richness and texture of the spaetzle in an unusual way. Best served over mashed potatoes or lingonberries, this tasty side will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
19. Creamy mushroom sauce
Spaetzle, a type of German dumpling, is an excellent comfort food that can be served as a side dish or even a main meal.
Pairing it with Creamy Mushroom Sauce renders it even more scrumptious and comforting. The fragrant aroma of sautéed mushrooms combined with the buttery flavor of the Creamy Mushroom Sauce will tantalize your taste buds and leave them wanting more.
Add some herbs and spices into the mix to enhance the flavor profile, and enjoy this classic German side dish with its delectable accompaniment.
20. Red Cabbage Pickle
If you’re pining for a unique and bold side to accompany your spaetzle, then red cabbage pickle is a perfect choice.
This vibrant condiment is made from tart red cabbage, vinegar, and an array of mouthwatering spices, including caraway seeds, allspice, and juniper berries.
Not only does it look stunning when served with spaetzle and other German dishes, but it’s also packed full of flavor that will give you a new appreciation for the classic flavors of German cuisine.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make using simple ingredients in whatever quantities you choose – so be sure to give this delicious side dish a try next time you’re making spaetzle!
21. Dumplings
Spaetzle is a favorite side dish in German households, and it tastes even better when served with Dumplings.
Dumplings provide an exciting contrast to Spaetzle as they have a heartier texture, while Spaetzle has more of a light and airy feel.
The two sides balance each other out perfectly and create a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, not everyone may know how to make Dumplings, but they are quite easy to find in most stores if you’re ever in need.
So if you’re searching for a side dish that brings variation to the table, why not try this amazing combination of Spaetzle and Dumplings?
22. Beef Goulash
Beef Goulash is an easy comfort food that pairs perfectly with Spaetzle. Featuring tender beef cubes cooked in a rich, tomato-based stew along with onions and carrots, this flavorful dish will satisfy any hunger.
Whether it is served alongside traditional Spaetzle dumplings for a delicious dinner or added to the top of the dumplings for a scrumptious meal, Beef Goulash brings the perfect blend of spices and texture to melt in your mouth.
Best of all, it can be prepared in advance, so you can simply heat it up when ready to serve.
23. Marinated Lamb Chops
Marinated Lamb Chops are a delicious and scrumptious accompaniment to the German classic, Spaetzle. The bold flavor of the cured meat pairs perfectly with the light and fluffy dumplings that make up this comforting dish.
The subtle gaminess of the lamb adds a nice depth to the otherwise simple meal while keeping it interesting.
Best of all, Marinated Lamb Chops are a relatively simple dish to create as they only require a few ingredients and very little time to prepare. This makes them an ideal side for busy weeknight suppers or special occasions alike.