What To Serve With Spaetzle – 15+ Ideas You’ll Enjoy
When you’re cooking up a batch of spaetzle, what do you serve as their side dish? There are many delicious options to choose from, but it can be tough to decide what will pair best with this German noodle dish.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to serve with spaetzle and help you determine what will taste great with your favorite recipe!
What To Serve With Spaetzle
- German Schnitzel
- Sauerbraten
- Duck Confit
- Cucumber Salad
- Roasted Asparagus
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Sausage
- Chicken Soup
German Schnitzel
German schnitzel is a breaded and fried cutlet of pork, veal, or chicken. It is a very popular dish in Germany and is often served as a main course. However, it can also be used as a side dish.
German schnitzel pairs well with spaetzle, which is a type of egg noodle. The two dishes share a similar regional origin, and the hearty flavors of the schnitzel complement the lightness of the noodles.
German schnitzel can also be used as a side dish for other types of noodle dishes, such as fettuccine Alfredo or macaroni and cheese.
When used as a side dish, German schnitzel can add a delicious crunchy texture to these otherwise creamy dishes. It can also be served alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten, or sour roast, is a German dish traditionally made with beef. However, it can also be made with pork or venison. The meat is marinated in a vinegar-based sauce for several days, then braised until it is tender.
Sauerbraten is often served with potato dumplings or spaetzle. While the rich, flavorful gravy of sauerbraten pairs well with mashed potatoes, I think the spaetzle brings out the best in this dish.
The little egg noodles have a light, fluffy texture that soaks up the gravy perfectly. Plus, their neutral flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.
Duck Confit
Duck confit is a French dish made with duck legs that have been slowly cooked in their fat. The dish is typically served as a side dish, and it can be paired with a variety of recipes.
One popular pairing is duck confit and spaetzle. This pairing works well because the richness of the duck confit helps to balance the lightness of the spaetzle. Duck confit is also a suitable side dish for roasted chicken or pork.
Any recipe that features poultry or pork would benefit from the addition of duck confit. The dish can also be used as a topping for salads or grain bowls. In terms of flavor, duck confit is rich and savory, with a subtle hint of duck fat. It is an ideal side dish for those who enjoy bold flavors.
The dish is also relatively easy to prepare, making it a good option for busy weeknight meals.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of recipes. When used as a side dish for spaetzle, it helps to balance out the richness of the dish and adds a pop of color. The cool, crunchy cucumbers also provide a contrast in texture.
This salad is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. To keep things simple, I like to use English cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices – dill goes particularly well with cucumbers. If you’re looking for a heartier side dish, you could add some chopped hard-boiled eggs or crumbled bacon.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a wonderfully versatile side dish that can be used to complement a variety of main dishes. Its mild flavor pairs well with both poultry and seafood, and its delicate texture pairs well with both pasta dishes and rice dishes.
Asparagus is also a very healthy vegetable, and its high fiber content helps to promote good digestion. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals found in asparagus can help to boost the immune system.
Roasted asparagus is very easy to prepare, and it can be roasted in the oven or on the grill. When roasting asparagus, it is important to use a light hand with the seasonings, as too much salt or spice can overwhelm the delicate flavor of the asparagus.
For a simple yet elegant side dish, try roasting asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. This classic flavor combination will enhance any main dish without overpowering it.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are an excellent side dish for spaetzle. There are many benefits to using sweet potato fries as a side dish for spaetzle. Sweet potato fries are a healthy choice for a side dish, and they add a great deal of flavor to the dish.
Additionally, sweet potato fries are easy to cook, and they can be made in advance. This makes them a great choice for busy weeknights or entertaining.
When choosing a recipe to pair with sweet potato fries, it is important to consider the other flavors in the dish. For example, if the recipe includes strong spices, the sweetness of the sweet potato fries will help to balance the flavors. If the recipe is light and delicate, the sweetness of the sweet potato fries will provide a nice contrast.
In addition to recipes, sweet potato fries can also be used as a side dish for sandwiches or burgers. They can also be served with dipping sauces or ketchup.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Many side dishes can be used to accompany spaetzle, but one of the best in cheesy mashed potatoes. The creaminess of the potatoes pairs well with the richness of the spaetzle, and the cheese adds an extra level of flavor.
Additionally, the mashed potatoes can help to balance out the dish if the sauce is particularly flavorful. Some recipes for cheesy mashed potatoes even include a bit of bacon or pancetta, which would be a delicious addition to any spaetzle dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Many different side dishes can be served with spaetzle, but one of our favorites is roasted Brussels sprouts. This vegetable has a slight bitterness that pairs well with the rich and creamy flavors of spaetzle, and the roasting process helps to bring out its natural sweetness.
Additionally, Brussels sprouts are a great source of nutrients like vitamins C and K, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
While they can be served simply roasted with a bit of salt and pepper, we like to add a bit of zest by tossing them with lemon juice and shaved Parmesan cheese before serving.
Sausage
Sausage as a side dish for Spaetzle is an excellent choice because it is both flavorful and filling. Additionally, sausage pairs well with a variety of other dishes, making it a versatile side. Here are some things to consider when pairing sausage with Spaetzle.
First, think about the flavors of the dish you’re pairing with the sausage. If the dish is heavy on herbs and spices, opt for a milder sausage so as not to overwhelm the flavors of the dish.
Second, consider how the sausage will change the overall texture of the dish. A bulkier sausage will add heartiness to the dish, while a leaner sausage will keep it light.
Lastly, take into account how the sausage will affect the cooking time of the dish. If you’re pairing sausage with a delicate pasta like Spaetzle, opt for a pre-cooked or quick-cooking variety so as not to overcook the pasta.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a classic side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. Spaetzle is a perfect example of a dish where chicken soup can be used as a side. It is light and fluffy, and the noodles are a perfect size to soak up the chicken soup without being too overwhelming.
The benefits of using chicken soup as a side are that it adds a layer of flavor to the dish, and it can also help to round out the meal.
Chicken soup is also suitable to be used with other dishes such as roasted chicken or smoked salmon.
Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Spaetzle
What are some other options when choosing what to serve with spaetzle?
- Portobello Paprikash
- Goulash
- Butter
- Cheese
- Roulades
- Swedish Meatballs
What are some common mistakes when choosing what to serve with spaetzle?
One common mistake is serving a dish that is too heavy or filling. When choosing what to serve with spaetzle, it is important to consider the overall meal and make sure that the side dish does not overshadow the main course.
Additionally, avoid dishes that are too bland. The goal is to enhance the flavors of the dish, not detract from them.
Finally, make sure that the side dish is complementary to the flavors of the spaetzle. Pairing contrasting flavors can often result in a dish that is less than satisfying.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you to better understand what to serve with spaetzle. There are a variety of options available, and the best choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences.
When in doubt, simple side dishes such as roasted vegetables or chicken soup are always a good option.