Spätzle with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Bacon

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-24 · Updated 2026-05-24

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Handmade soft egg noodles tossed with sweet caramelized onions and smoky bacon, a beloved traditional dish from Baden-Württemberg. This German-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, eggs, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 German cuisine 480 cal/serving

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 medium, thinly sliced yellow onions
6 oz, diced smoked bacon
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp, freshly grated nutmeg

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Beat in 3 large eggs and gradually stir in 1/2 cup whole milk until a thick, sticky batter forms. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 3: Using a spaetzle maker or a colander with large holes, press the batter through into the boiling water. Cook the spätzle for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 4: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 2 thinly sliced yellow onions and cook slowly for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
Step 5: Add 6 oz diced smoked bacon to the skillet and cook with the onions for 5 more minutes until the bacon is crisp.
Step 6: Add the cooked spätzle to the skillet and toss to coat with the onion and bacon mixture. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors before serving.