Hearty Cheese Spaetzle with Crispy Fried Onions

Instructions

1. 11

   First, prepare the spaetzle dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, eggs, water, salt, and nutmeg. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough is smooth, bubbly, and forms peaks when lifted. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.

2. 22

   While the dough rests, prepare the crispy fried onions. Peel the onions and slice them into thin rings. Toss the onion rings with 3 tablespoons of flour until evenly coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the floured onion rings in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Season lightly with salt.

3. 33

   Grate both types of cheese and mix them together. Set aside.

4. 44

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Using a spaetzle maker or a spaetzle board, press or scrape the dough directly into the simmering water. Cook in batches. The spaetzle are done when they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a colander to drain.

5. 55

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In an oven-safe casserole dish, melt the butter. Add a layer of cooked spaetzle, then sprinkle with a generous amount of the mixed cheese. Repeat the layers until all the spaetzle and cheese are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

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   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, you can briefly switch to the broiler setting (grill) for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

7. 77

   Remove the cheese spaetzle from the oven. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish generously with the crispy fried onions and freshly chopped chives before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!