Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spätzle noodles
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spätzle noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Whisk until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
5. Add cooked spätzle noodles and bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot and garnish with additional bacon bits and chopped parsley, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Gouda or Swiss.
- You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Add chopped cooked chicken or ham to the skillet for a heartier meal.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the spätzle noodles from scratch, mix together 2 cups flour, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- To prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional bacon bits and chopped parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic green beans
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the spätzle noodles are too sticky, rinse them with cold water after cooking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food history:
Spätzle is a type of soft egg noodle that originated in Germany and is commonly served as a side dish or main course.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and smoky.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main course or side dish.
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Region: German