Do you love spaetzle? A traditional German side dish of dumpling-like egg noodles, they’re a comfort food that many people absolutely adore.
But what do you serve with them to make the perfect meal?
It can be hard to know what goes well with them, and if you’ve been stuck in a meals rut serving spaetzle the same way time after time, it might be time for some inspiration!
We have compiled 12 tantalizing side dishes to complement your favorite spaetzle recipes — each will bring even more flavor and texture while creating perfectly balanced meals.
Read on for all the details!
What to Serve with Spaetzle? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Roasted Vegetables
When it comes to roasted vegetables, there are endless possibilities in terms of what you can make.
But one of the best things about roasted veggies is that they are so simple to make.
All you need is a little bit of oil, some salt and pepper, and your favorite vegetables.
Roasted vegetables are the perfect side dish because they are packed with flavor and nutrition.
They also have a great texture – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
And if you’re looking for ways to elevate your roasted veggies, there are plenty of options.
Here are a few ideas:
- Add some herbs or spices for extra flavor.
- Toss them with a flavorful vinaigrette or sauce.
- Top them with cheese or nuts for a little extra crunch.
2. Sautéed Greens
Greens are a classic side dish that can be served with almost any meal.
They are packed with nutrients and have a variety of textures and flavors.
Sautéed greens are a simple way to elevate this dish.
Greens can be bitter, astringent, or peppery.
The bitterness is caused by compounds called glucosinolates.
Bitter greens like arugula, radicchio, endive, and dandelion greens have high levels of these compounds.
Astringency is caused by tannins, which are found in foods like tea, red wine, and cranberries.
Tannins give these foods a dry, puckering feeling in your mouth.
Lastly, the peppery flavor comes from compounds called capsaicinoids.
These are also found in hot peppers and give them their spiciness.
When sautéing greens, you want to use a fat that can stand up to the strong flavor of the greens.
Olive oil, bacon fat, ghee, and butter are all good options.
You also want to make sure that your greens are dry before adding them to the pan.
Wet greens will steam instead of sautéing.
To dry them, you can either spin them in a salad spinner or pat them down with a clean kitchen towel.
Once your greens are dry, and your fat is heated, you can add the greens to the pan.
Be sure to season them with salt and pepper.
Sauté the greens until they are wilted and tender.
This should only take a few minutes, then serve immediately.
3. Salad
A simple green salad is a perfect accompaniment to spaetzle.
The light, refreshing taste of the greens will help to cleanse your palate in between bites of the rich and flavorful spaetzle.
Plus, the crunch of the greens will add a nice contrast in texture.
To make your salad more interesting, try adding some diced fruits or nuts.
This will add a touch of sweetness and some extra crunch.
You could also experiment with different types of greens, such as spinach or arugula.
And don’t forget the dressing. A simple vinaigrette will complement the flavors of the dish perfectly.
4. Baked Potato
The humble baked potato is a dish that can easily be overlooked.
But with the right toppings and a little bit of creativity, it can be elevated into a gourmet meal.
Baked potatoes have a fluffy, light texture that pairs well with savory or creamy toppings.
For a simple yet tasty dish, top your baked potato with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try topping it with grilled shrimp, avocado, and salsa.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash your potatoes thoroughly and dry them off before pricking them all over with a fork. This will help them cook evenly.
- Rub each potato with olive oil or vegetable oil and season them with salt.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and bake for 45 minutes to an hour until they are cooked through.
- Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before toppling them with your desired toppings. Serve immediately.
5. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be served with almost any main course.
They are creamy and smooth, with a slight sweetness that comes from the natural sugars in the potato.
Mashed potatoes can be made using any type of potato, but Yukon Golds or Russets are the most common.
When it comes to taste and texture, mashed potatoes should be light and fluffy, not dense or gummy.
The key to getting a perfect consistency is to use starchy potatoes and cook them until they are very soft.
Once they are mashed, be sure to add plenty of butter and cream for richness.
For an even lighter mashed potato, you can substitute some of the creams with milk.
There are endless ways to elevate this classic dish.
One popular way is to add garlic or herbs for flavor.
Another is to top them with cheese or bacon before serving.
Regardless of how you choose to serve them, mashed potatoes are always a welcome addition to any meal.
6. Steamed Rice
Steamed rice is a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different main courses.
It has a mild, neutral flavor that allows the flavors of the other dishes to shine through.
The texture of steamed rice is light and fluffy, making it a perfect accompaniment to heavier dishes.
There are a few things you can do to elevate your steamed rice and make it even more delicious.
First, try adding some aromatics to the water before cooking the rice.
This could be anything from garlic cloves to ginger slices.
This will infuse the rice with additional flavor.
Another way to add flavor is to cook the rice in chicken or beef broth instead of water.
This will give the rice a richer flavor.
Finally, you can stir in some herbs or spices after cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Roasted Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like a roasted potato. They’re simple yet so satisfying.
And when done right, they can be absolutely delicious.
Roasted potatoes have a great taste and texture.
They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
And when seasoned properly, they can be absolutely heavenly.
There are a few things you can do to elevate your roasted potatoes.
First, try roasting them with rosemary or thyme.
This will give them a nice herby flavor that is absolutely divine.
Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››
You can also add some garlic to the mix for an extra punch of flavor.
Finally, don’t forget to season your potatoes generously with salt and pepper.
This will help to bring out all the flavors and make them even more irresistible.
8. Fried Onions
Fried onions are a delicious side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different meals.
They have a crispy texture and a slightly sweet taste that makes them a perfect addition to any meal.
While fried onions are typically served as a side dish, there are a few tips and tricks that can be used to elevate this dish and make it the star of the show.
One tip is to use fresh onions when possible.
This will give the dish a more pronounced onion flavor.
Another tip is to use a quality oil for frying.
A good olive oil or avocado oil will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Finally, be sure to season the onions well with salt and pepper before frying.
This will help to bring out their natural sweetness and make them even more irresistible.
9. Garlic Bread
There’s nothing quite like garlic bread to round out a meal.
This dish is simple yet flavorful, and it’s the perfect complement to a variety of different cuisines.
Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or salad, garlic bread is always a welcome addition to the table.
The key to great garlic bread is all in the preparation.
Be sure to use fresh, quality ingredients for the best taste and texture.
When it comes to the bread itself, we recommend using a crusty baguette or sourdough loaf.
Slice the bread into thick pieces so that it can stand up to the robust flavors of the garlic butter.
To really take your garlic bread to the next level, try adding some additional herbs and spices to the butter.
A little bit of thyme or oregano can go a long way in elevating this simple dish.
You could also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix for an extra cheesy flavor.
Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy your garlic bread while it’s hot and fresh out of the oven.
10. Corn on the Cob
There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy piece of corn on the cob.
The sweet, crunchy kernels are the perfect complement to any meal.
But did you know that there are ways to elevate this simple dish? Here are some tips:
- Add some spice: try sprinkling chili powder or paprika on your corn for a little extra flavor.
- Give it a cheesy twist: mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or top with crumbled feta for a delicious and savory addition.
- Get creative with toppings: try topping your corn with diced avocado, chopped bacon, or green onions for a unique and tasty twist.
11. Rolls and Butter
Rolls and butter are a classic pairing that can be found in households all across America.
The combination of fluffy, soft rolls with rich, creamy butter is a match made in heaven.
While this dish may seem simple, there are a few things you can do to elevate it and take it to the next level.
When it comes to rolls, you want something that is light and airy but still has some substance to it.
A good way to achieve this is by using a recipe that includes yeast.
This will give the rolls a nice flavor and allow them to rise properly.
As for the butter, you want to use something that is high quality and has a good flavor.
This will make all the difference in the world when it comes to taste.
You want them to be fluffy on the inside but have a slight crust on the outside.
This can be achieved by brushing the rolls with some melted butter before baking them.
This will give them a nice sheen and prevent them from drying out.
Finally, let’s talk about the presentation.
Rolls and butter can be served on their own or with other dishes.
If you’re serving them as part of a larger meal, you can put them in a basket or on a plate with some other sides.
If you’re serving them as an appetizer or snack, you can put them on toothpicks or small plates so that they’re easy to grab and go.
12. Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is a perfect side dish to serve with spaetzle.
The bright colors and variety of flavors will elevate your meal and leave your guests wanting more.
When choosing fruits for your salad, it’s important to consider both taste and texture.
You’ll want to include a mix of sweet and tart flavors, as well as a variety of textures.
For example, pair juicy berries with crisp apples or ripe peaches.
And don’t forget the dressing.
A light vinaigrette or citrusy dressing will compliment the sweetness of the fruit and bring all the flavors together.
- Use fresh, seasonal fruits for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces so that it’s easy to eat.
- Add a pop of color with some edible flowers or mint leaves.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 12 different side dishes that go great with spaetzle.
No matter what your preference is, there’s definitely something here for everyone to enjoy.
So the next time you’re craving some spaetzle, be sure to give one (or more) of these sides a try.
And if you have any other suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments.
What to Serve with Spaetzle? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Roasted Vegetables
- 2. Sautéed Greens
- 3. Salad
- 4. Baked Potato
- 5. Mashed Potatoes
- 6. Steamed Rice
- 7. Roasted Potatoes
- 8. Fried Onions
- 9. Garlic Bread
- 10. Corn on the Cob
- 11. Rolls and Butter
- 12. Fruit Salad
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!