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The Spätzle casserole is a true family meal that delights every palate with its creamy consistency and savory flavors. The combination of soft Spätzle, juicy mushrooms, flavorful ham, and a generous cheese crust makes this dish an unforgettable treat. The best part: in just 45 minutes, a complete, satisfying dinner is on the table.
When I prepared this casserole for my family for the first time, everyone was thrilled. Even my son, who is usually skeptical about mushrooms, completely emptied his plate and asked for seconds. Since then, this recipe has become a regular part of our meal plan.
The Core Ingredients
- Fresh Spätzle: Form the perfect foundation with their slightly firm texture and mild flavor that wonderfully absorbs the other aromas
- Mushrooms: Provide a juicy component and give the dish an earthy, savory taste
- Red onion: Adds a slight sweetness and sharpness that rounds out the flavor profile
- Cooked ham: Delivers the hearty, salty note and makes the casserole particularly savory
- Cream: Creates the creamy base that connects all flavors and gives the dish its velvety texture
- Grated cheese: Forms the irresistible golden brown crust and gives the casserole its characteristic flavor
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Preparation in Detail
- Preparing Vegetables:
- Thoroughly clean the mushrooms with a soft brush or kitchen towel to remove any soil residue. Cut into halves or quarters depending on size; smaller mushrooms can remain whole. Peel the red onion and dice finely. Cut the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces or strips.
- Developing Flavors:
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent, until they are soft and transparent without browning. Then add the diced ham and briefly fry to develop its flavor. Add the prepared mushrooms and fry for about 5 minutes until lightly browned and releasing liquid. Season with salt and pepper and mix in the freshly chopped parsley.
- Layering the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) conventional heat. Grease a medium-sized baking dish with some butter. Distribute the fresh Spätzle evenly in the dish. Add the fried mushroom-ham mixture on top and carefully fold in so that everything is well mixed but the Spätzle are not crushed.
- Preparing the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the cream with the vegetable broth powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole so that the liquid can seep between the Spätzle. Generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the entire casserole to create a thick cheese layer.
- Baking Golden Brown:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly and the sauce is lightly bubbling at the edges. If necessary, briefly turn on the broiler in the last few minutes to achieve a particularly crispy cheese crust.
I've noticed that the choice of cheese can strongly influence this dish. My family particularly loves the combination of Emmental for the characteristic flavor and some Gouda for the optimal melting properties. On cold winter days, this casserole is a real soul warmer and creates satisfied faces at our dining table.
Perfect Side Dishes
This Spätzle casserole is so rich and satisfying that it actually doesn't need any side dishes. Nevertheless, it harmonizes wonderfully with a crisp green salad with balsamic dressing, which with its freshness forms a pleasant contrast to the creamy casserole. Boiled or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or carrots also pair well and bring color to the plate.
Variation Possibilities
This casserole is a true chameleon and can be adapted as desired:
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham or replace it with roasted nuts
- For more vegetables, you can add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers
- With a pinch of nutmeg and some grated Parmesan, the casserole takes on an Italian note
- For meat lovers, you can use fried ground meat instead of ham
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Storage Method
The Spätzle casserole can be stored excellently and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to develop. It keeps in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For reheating, it's best to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and heat the casserole for 15-20 minutes until it's warmed through. The microwave is also suitable for individual portions, although the cheese crust loses some of its crispiness.
As a passionate cook, I've found that this Spätzle casserole is one of the most versatile and popular in my repertoire. It combines the comfort of a one-pot dish with the taste of a more elaborate meal. The balance between creaminess and savoriness makes it the perfect family meal that always impresses guests as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare the spaetzle casserole vegetarian?
- Yes, simply omit the ham or replace it with sautéed zucchini, bell peppers or more mushrooms. The casserole tastes delicious even without meat.
- → Which cheese varieties work best?
- The casserole tastes best with flavorful cheese like Emmental, mountain cheese or a mixture with Gouda. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
- → Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just plan for an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time.
- → Do I need to use fresh spaetzle?
- No, you can also use homemade or dried spaetzle. For dried spaetzle, you should cook them according to package instructions beforehand.
- → Can I freeze the casserole?
- Yes, the spaetzle casserole freezes well. It's best to freeze it in an oven-safe dish and then put it directly from the freezer into the oven. The baking time then increases to about 40-45 minutes.
- → What can I serve with the casserole?
- The casserole is a complete meal, but goes well with a fresh green salad as a side dish. This provides a light freshness to complement the creamy casserole.