Käsknöpfle Recipe – Liechtenstein's Comfort Pasta

Name: Käsknöpfle
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Liechtenstein
Ingredients: For the Knöpfle:; 400 g (3 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; About 150 ml (2/3 cup) water or milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 pinch ground nutmeg; For the Cheese and Onions:; 200 g (2 cups) grated cheese, ideally Sura Kees mixed with Appenzeller or Emmental; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 onions, sliced into thin rings; Freshly ground black pepper; Chopped chives (optional); To serve: apple sauce or a green salad

Käsknöpfle is a beloved dish in Liechtenstein, featuring small egg dumplings layered with melting mountain cheese and topped with fried onions. Often enjoyed during family gatherings or special occasions, this comfort food represents the culinary heritage of the region, showcasing its dairy farming traditions. Served warm with toppings, it is a staple in Liechtenstein's cuisine.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Rate this recipe:

Be the first to rate

Ingredients

For the Knöpfle:
400 g (3 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
About 150 ml (2/3 cup) water or milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground nutmeg
For the Cheese and Onions:
200 g (2 cups) grated cheese, ideally Sura Kees mixed with Appenzeller or Emmental
3 tablespoons butter
2 onions, sliced into thin rings
Freshly ground black pepper
Chopped chives (optional)
To serve: apple sauce or a green salad

Instructions

Make the Batter

Mix the flour, salt and nutmeg in a bowl. Add the eggs and most of the water and beat with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth, thick and starts to form bubbles. Add the rest of the water only if it is too stiff to drop slowly from the spoon. Rest for 15 minutes.

Fry the Onions

Melt the butter in a frying pan and cook the onion rings over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, until deep golden. Keep warm.

Cook the Knöpfle

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Press the batter through a spätzle maker or a colander with large holes straight into the water, or scrape thin strips off a wet board with a knife. Work in batches.

When the knöpfle float to the top, after about 1-2 minutes, lift them out with a slotted spoon, shake off the water and put them in a warm dish.

Layer with Cheese

Scatter a handful of grated cheese over each batch while the knöpfle are still hot and steaming, and keep layering until all the knöpfle and cheese are used. Stir gently so the cheese melts into long strings.

Serve

Top with the golden onions and their butter, grind over black pepper and scatter with chives. In Liechtenstein Käsknöpfle are eaten with apple sauce or a simple green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Käsknöpfle?

Käsknöpfle are small egg dumplings, similar to spätzle, layered with grated mountain cheese and topped with golden fried onions. They are the national dish of Liechtenstein.