Basler Käsnüpfli
A savory cheese noodle dish originating from Basel, distinct from other Swiss cheese dishes, featuring small, hand-rolled pasta dumplings (Knöpfli) tossed with cheese and butter, often served as a main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 3 large Eggs
- 50 ml Water(approximately, or as needed)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 150 g Gruyère cheese(grated)
- 100 g Emmental cheese(grated)
- 50 g Butter
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Chives(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
💡 Tip: Ensure the flour is fresh. - 2
Crack the eggs into the well. Gradually add the water while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands, until a firm, smooth dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes💡 Tip: The dough should be stiff but pliable. Add more water or flour if necessary. - 3
Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 20 minutes.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
💡 Tip: Use plenty of water to prevent sticking. - 5
To form the Knöpfli, you can use a special Knöpfli maker, a colander with large holes, or a clean cutting board. Scrape small pieces of dough through the holes or over the edge into the boiling water.
💡 Tip: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. - 6
Cook the Knöpfli for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. They are done when tender.
⏱️ 5 minutes💡 Tip: Remove a few to test for doneness. - 7
Drain the cooked Knöpfli and set aside.
💡 Tip: Do not rinse. - 8
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the drained Knöpfli and toss to coat.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 9
Add the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheeses to the pan. Toss gently until the cheese is melted and coats the Knöpfli. Season with black pepper.
⏱️ 5 minutes💡 Tip: Toss continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even melting. - 10
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped chives.
💡 Tip: A simple green salad is a perfect accompaniment.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The consistency of the dough is crucial for making good Knöpfli.
- ✓Using a mix of cheeses adds complexity to the flavor.
- ✓Freshly grated cheese melts best.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely chopped onion sautéed in the butter before adding the Knöpfli.